A country whose economy is booming and is one of the most interesting destinations in Asia

Once synonymous with tragedy and conflict, Vietnam is experiencing a rebirth. Now decades after the U.S. pullout from South Vietnam, the country shows few remaining scars from that conflict or the protracted War of Independence from France that preceded it. Many historical sites have been fully restored, the country’s economy is booming and the infrastructure for tourism is developing rapidly.

Visitors need no longer worry about staying in contact with home as internet cafes are everywhere. The ancient and modern coexist: Cell phones and gleaming motorbikes are ubiquitous in the towns and villages, but people still till the rice fields with the help of bullock plows.

The country’s history of conflict, both internal and with other, could lead you to conclude that the Vietnamese thrive on a certain degree of contentiousness. That’s just not the case. Although older Vietnamese may find the pace of change somewhat dizzying, there is overwhelming support for the advances the country is making. Tourism is helping Vietnam ride the crest of that wave, and the country has become one of the most interesting destinations in Asia.

Advisor tips for Vietnam

Resorts

Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang Vietnam
Exciting new modern resort with theme park attached. This resort is ideal forlarge conferences and honeymooners. Large white writing displayed on the island mountain like Hollywood the Vinpearl Resort can be seen from Nha Trang and accessed via cable carorferry. Outdoorand water sports are availableorrelaxation with luxurious bars by the pool and the ocean.- Kate

Evason Six Senses Hideaway Resort – Nha Trang
Located 10 mins by luxury boat on an island off of Nha Trang. The villas have their own private plunge pool and outdoor shower - each villa has a different aspect of the island. The one thing I loved about this resort is the food and dining experience – so many options – private romantic dinners around your pool or on beach or in a wine cave (Cellar). – Kim

Restaurants

Bobby Chinn – Hanoi
Located in the old quarter opposite Hoan Kiem Lake– it is a quiet oasis in the hustle and bustle ofHanoi– forget the traffic and those annoying horns and RELAX. They have a bar with large cushions, the restaurant has tables partition off with silk curtains with low lighting – it is an amazing atmosphere. The food is western style with a touch of Vietnamese influence. Both the bar and restaurant menus are very funny and make very interesting reading – Trina

Must Do Experience

Hanoi-Vietnam

Sofitel Metropole – Vintage Citroen Car for private sightseeing or transfer in Hanoi. You are able to book these cars by the hour via the concierge – they only have two so get in quick. Evening tour is a highlight as they can drive around the city before dropping you off at a cool and hip restaurant. – Glenda

Ride a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh is a crazy experience, making your own road rules following the crowd and seeing how amazingly it seems to work. Travelling aroundSaigon looks horrific but once on a back of a bike speeding through the streets with constant beeping and communications within other riders it just seems right. Crossing the road is a daring experience with no traffic lightsor pedestrian crossing. Pedestrians must just walk into oncoming traffic at their normal walking speed to cross the road the motorbikes will drive around you beeping their horns some might think this is Morse code who knows how they determine who is beeping at who although the noise makes you revealed they can actually see you and that they are not going to ride over you. – Kate

Halong Bay – Hanoi

Jasmine Junk boat
The only way to experience Halong bay is with a minimum 2 days one night stay on of the luxury junkboats such as the Jasmine Junkboat in the top spa suite. These have private spas overlooking the views as you cruise the Halong Ba yarea – a must. – Kimm

UNSECO World Heritage sites in Vietnam

Complex of Hué Monuments
Ha Long Bay
Hoi An Ancient Town
My Son Sanctuary
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi
Citadel of the Ho Dynasty