The perfect complement to the more serene Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has a pulsating energy that is impossible to resist.
Saigon (also known as Ho Chi Minh City) is the economic engine of Vietnam, a thriving, sprawling metropolis of 13 million people with about 7 million scooters on the streets.
Attractions include the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where vendors sell everything from food, sweets and spices to tobacco, souvenirs and clothing - including custom-made suits, and Nha Hang Ngon, where you can taste traditional street food served up from food stalls in a leafy garden.
Reminders of the war-time period are there in Saigon's Reunification Palace, the War Crimes Museum and the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels, whilst Saigon itself is dotted with French colonial buildings.
Other notable sites and experiences include the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Jade Emperor Pagoda for its statues and woodcarvings and the Khanh Van Nam Vien Pagoda, said to be the only pure Taoist temple in Vietnam.
There are plenty of sights in Saigon and a city stay in Saigon is essential to really experience Vietnam properly.
Hotel accommodation in Saigon is very good value and there is just a handful of colonial style, boutique hotels in Saigon.
The Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam is comprised of a 60,000km long web of interconnected waterways which spans across three Vietnamese provinces. This lush, tropical delta is dominated by Southeast Asia’s mightiest river, the Mekong.
The Mekong splits in Cambodia into two main rivers, the Bassac and the First River, then in Vietnam into a more complex system, creating a maze of small canals, rivers and arroyos.
Exploring these rivers and their numerous tributaries by boat is an ideal way explore the Mekong Delta at a leisurely pace and provides an opportunity to experience the truly unique Mekong River lifestyle.
The area is brimming with small craft villages, Khmer Pagodas, magnificent mangroves, picturesque orchards and some remarkable floating markets.
This group of islands off the southern coast of Vietnam is fast becoming one of the country’s star attractions, thanks to its natural beauty and rather exotic wildlife – not many other places in the world are home to black giant squirrels or bow-fingered geckos.
Located off the south-east coast of mainland Vietnam, the Con Dao archipelago of islands was initially settled by the British in 1702, and today, more than 80% of the Con Dao archipelago is a Marine and National Park.
Con Son, the largest island in the archipelago, is flanked by gorgeous beaches, coral reefs and scenic bays, so there’s plenty of exploring to do – on land as well as under water, with diving being a favourite pastime.
All rather far removed from its history as a prison island during the French colonial era, and Vietnam War.
The old prison buildings are still standing and are open to the public, as is a small museum that traces the island’s history.
The largest island, Con Son, which hosts Six Senses Con Dao Resort & Spa is 145 miles from Saigon, only 45 minutes away by air.
Six Senses Con Dao, the first 5 star resort on Con Dao has been built with the very lightest footprint, and the 50 villas of Six Senses Con Dao sit up along a mile of sandy beach - one of the top luxury resorts in Vietnam.
