Vietnam

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From the vertiginous rice valleys of Sapa in Vietnam's north stretching to the fascinating bustle of the Mekong Delta in the south, Vietnam is home to a wealth of attractions that will seduce both budget and top-range travellers.

Vietnam's war-torn history -- both the French and Americans have left their own unique and not often positive stamps on the nation -- as well as its stunning and varied geography, delicious cuisine, hedonistic beaches and amazing shopping are all reasons to travel to the fast-paced Communist nation.

Welcoming foreign tourists and their dollars for well over a decade, enterprising Vietnam has rapidly developed a well-trodden trail of tourist attractions. Many travellers kick off their vacation in the former capital of Hanoi in the north, where smokey French-style cafes rub shoulders with traditional stores hawking most anything and internet cafes frequented by well-groomed teenagers who otherwise hang out on the streets on their sharply polished motorbikes.

From here, popular side trips for travellers include Ha Long Bay, where soaring limestone karsts boggle the mind, and the former French hill station of Sapa, where hilltribes in colourful dress who work the terraced rice paddies -- and now the masses of tourists -- combine with cool weather to make a must-see destination.

Travel by train, or bus, to take in the remainder of Vietnam. Remnants of the American War in Vietnam provide sobering viewing around the central region's demilitarised zone (DMZ), an essential stop for the many war veterans returning to this now-vibrant nation.

The nearby imperial capital of Hue offers a glimpse into yesteryear, while incredibly popular Hoi An offers an opportunity to get an entire new wardrobe -- shoes included -- stitched up for a song, as well as some great cafes and cuisine to while away a few days enjoying.

Adventurous travellers will want to head further south again and inland to the little-touristed Central Highlands region, where ethnic minorities scratch out livings for themselves -- not always in harmony with the central government.

A trip to Vietnam would not be complete without a stop at one of the beach strips for some surf, sun and sand, and perhaps a sipped cocktail or two. Nha Trang and Mui Ne are popular vacation spots, offering backpacker accommodation as well as some remarkable luxury resorts these days.

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The country's southern capital of Ho Chi Minh city, or Saigon, is a throbbing metropolis where some might be as enthralled with the mesmerising traffic as they are with the sights.

Below Saigon the Mekong Delta offers particular delights to the independent and intrepid traveller -- think freshly caught crispy fish, eaten while sitting on a barge cruising the waterways. Be sure to palm off the organised tours and do this part of the country on your own.

Sublime Phu Quoc Island is another excellent retreat, lapped by turquoise waters and a wealth of sea life.

Backpackers could easily spend a few months taking in Vietnam at a leisurely pace, though Vietnam Airlines and burgeoning regional budget airlines with their cheap flights now make spending say a long weekend in Hanoi or a quick break in Nha Trang a viable prospect for short-term, luxury tourists -- or those who just want a taste of a fast-developing country that was off limits for so long.

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Feature story

Many visitors in Vietnam find themselves scratching their heads at some stage, wondering "What on earth am I doing here?" Vietnam tends to elicit the most varied reactions among travellers to the region. While Cambodia (too poor), Laos (too boring) and Thailand (too touristy) each get their share of mediocre reports, Vietnam often gets a far more hostile report-card. It's the only country in Southeast Asia of which we've heard people say they would never, ever return, alleging it’s a veritable snakepit of scams and hassle. Yikes! ... How to enjoy your time in Vietnam -- full story

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Visions of VIETNAM

Recent news from Vietnam

Courtesy of the BBC
US call to free Vietnamese priest
Published: Thu, 2 Jul 2009
A bipartisan group of US senators call for the immediate release of a Vietnamese priest, Father Nguyen Van Ly, jailed for dissent.

Blogging all over the world
Published: Mon, 22 Jun 2009
A special edition of Digital Planet looking at blogging in China, Vietnam and Cuba.

Blogging in Cuba and Vietnam
Published: Mon, 22 Jun 2009
World Service editors give their views on the rise of blogging and net use in nations where such activities are heavily restricted.

Asia takes first step on modern 'Silk Route'
Published: Mon, 22 Jun 2009
The first link in a modern Silk Route from East Asia to Europe is created with the opening of borders in South-East Asia to goods lorries, reports the BBC's Vaudine England.

Audio slideshow: Paralysis of a President
Published: Thu, 18 Jun 2009
Vietnam, mass protest and assassinations - events that dogged Lyndon Johnson's last days in the White House.

US urges Vietnam to free lawyer
Published: Tue, 16 Jun 2009
The US urges Vietnam to release rights lawyer Le Cong Dinh, arrested for "distributing propaganda" against the state.

Vietnam holds high-profile lawyer
Published: Sun, 14 Jun 2009
Vietnamese authorities arrest a high-profile lawyer for allegedly conspiring against the government.

Hanoi protests China fishing ban
Published: Mon, 8 Jun 2009
Vietnam asks China to stop preventing its fishermen from working in what Hanoi says are its territorial waters.

Forged art legacy of Vietnam war
Published: Fri, 22 May 2009
During the Vietnam War, art works were hidden for protection, and replaced with copies. But many of the fakes are still there, while some originals have been sold abroad, as the BBC's Hai Mi reports.

In pictures: Hugh Van Es
Published: Fri, 15 May 2009
Dutch photographer Hugh Van Es, who captured some of the most enduring images of the Vietnam War, has died in hospital in Hong Kong at the age of 67.

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