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.
Located at the meeting of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Cambodia’s energetic capital, Phnom Penh, is known for its rich history, friendly locals and world-class food scene.
The primary drawcard of the city its visible heritage - the National Museum of Cambodia features a millennium’s worth and more of an incredible Khmer design.
The monumental Royal Palace, the official residence of King Sihamoni, houses the famous Throne Hall, used for coronations and ceremonies.
Within the Royal Palace is the spectacular Silver Pagoda, named for its floor covered with five tons of gleaming silver.
The Tonle Sap riverfront area provides a charming place to enjoy a meal and some fine French wine (an enduring colonial legacy), while the local nightclubs provide a fun time out on the town, complete with karaoke singers and stage dancers.
Best known as the gateway to the magnificent ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is a pleasant town with lovely French colonial and Chinese architecture and a laid-back ambience.
The main attraction here is of course the Angkor complex. Covering an area larger than Paris, it encompasses scores of exquisite temple structures featuring intricately carved detail – dancing ladies and lotus flowers embellish the walls, five-headed naga (serpent deities) fan out from chunks of rock.
Abandoned for unknown reasons thousands of years ago, it was rediscovered in 1860 by a French explorer, Henri Mahout, and has been Cambodia’s crowning glory ever since.
Other attractions in and around Siem Reap include an array of arts and crafts shops, a cultural village that allows a glimpse into traditional local life, and a bird sanctuary on the outskirts of town.
With its wide boulevards, ancient pagodas and tree-lined lakes, Vietnam’s capital is also the country’s most atmospheric and beguiling city.
Centred round attractive Hoan Kiem Lake, the capital of Vietnam is a contrast to its worldlier southern counterpart. There is a certain charm here arising from the genteel mix of French colonialism and Asian grace and tradition.
Where Saigon is all hustle and bustle, Hanoi is more laid back, whilst Saigon is very western looking, Hanoi is more conservative and traditional.
Enjoy a showcase of synchronised t’ai chi at Hoan Kiem Lake; stroll around the lively Old Quarter with its narrow streets with traders and hoards of scooters weaving in and out, and don’t miss the chance to see a water puppetry show at the Thang Long Puppet Theatre.
Hanoi's Old Quarter is compelling with streets full of traditional vendors and artisans, and the prevailing French influence lends Hanoi a unique atmosphere.
Other places to visit include the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Perfume Pagoda temple complex and the Hanoi Opera House in the heart of the French Quarter.
An overnight trip to stunning Halong Bay is also a must for anyone visiting Hanoi.
Halong Bay is a stunning limestone sea-scape about 3 hours’ drive from Hanoi and is a highlight for many on a tour of Vietnam.
A Halong Bay Cruise is a great experience and whatever the weather, the beauty of the bay is outstanding and cruising on a traditional junk is a very relaxing experience.
Cruising Halong Bay is best done as an overnight trip, in order to really experience the beauty of Halong Bay. We only recommend the best vessels for our cruises on Halong Bay.
Beguiling and beautiful, the former capital of Vietnam is still revered as a cultural and religious centre, and achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993.
The city owes its charm in part to its setting on the Perfume River, but more significantly, to its many ancient temples and palaces – all vestiges of the last remaining Vietnamese dynasty, the Nguyen dynasty.
The 19th century Hue Citadel – otherwise known as The Imperial City – should be high on your ‘to-see’ list (you will need a day to get through the entire complex); while scattered along the riverbank are myriad more shrines and stupa, including the Thien Mu Pagoda with its octagonal tower.
There are a number of mineral hot springs, boat trips on the river can be organised, and the eateries in town boast a culinary experience you will find only in this region.
Many travellers' favourite town in Vietnam, Hoi An is a historic and enchanting town, just ten minutes from a quiet stretch of beach.
This once-bustling port town has a colourful blend of French, Chinese and Japanese-influenced architecture, canals, bridges and temples, and the lack of noisy traffic (no cars are allowed on the main streets) means you can take it all in in relative peace and quiet.
Its waterfront area is alive with boutique hotels, eateries and tailor shops, and art and craft shops.
Hoi An really offers the best of both worlds, with an old-town atmosphere, with winding streets, old temples and ancient meeting halls so close to the beach.
If you have time, try to fit in a visit to the ruins of My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Hindu tower temple complex close to Hoi An.
