A beautiful country and an outstanding travel destination, Vietnam is filled with bewitching charm, an interesting history and a culture of extraordinary diversity. Though many westerners still view Vietnam through the lens of its tragic past from the periods of war, it is, in reality, a country full of friendly smiles and tranquil village life. With its highlands cradling the most exotic wildlife, its beaches among the most pristine in Southeast Asia, and its cuisine among the most delectable you will ever find, this place has so much to offer on top of its fertile deltas, primeval forests and imperial dynasties.

Having moved forward from its not too distant past, Vietnam has done quite a remarkable job of healing its wounds. Now widely recognized in the international scene because of the phenomenal developments it had gone through by far, there’s still so much awaiting ahead for this beautiful country. Infrastructures spilled in, roads greatly improved, international services made very convenient and aircraft flights becoming more frequent, Vietnam’s future is even more promising than it seems today. Amazingly, even with the fast-pace development, the country managed to retain its charm and its colorful tradition - the very things that fascinate the modern-day travelers, backpackers or flashpackers.

With an interesting mix of rich rice paddies and high-rises, hill tribes and modern life, shopping joints and centuries-old pagodas, every corner of Vietnam beholds an entirely unique experience so much different from what you’ll come across with the next region. To easily acquaint yourself with this wonderful place, think of Vietnam as a country comprised of three unique areas: Northern Vietnam, Central Vietnam and its Southern part.

From Top to Bottom

The North of Vietnam is where its capital, ${bigcity_Hanoi:"Hanoi"}, lies. Considered the European capital in the heart of Asia, Hanoi is adorned with French colonial structures in the midst of its scenic lakes, parks and tree-lined streets. Historic in its entirety, this second largest city of Vietnam holds among the country’s most important landmarks, among which are the colonial French Quarter, the historic Old Town, the Temple of Literature, the One-Pillar Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Flag Tower of Hanoi. But apart from the capital city, its alpine peaks, the Red River, the plains of Cao Bang and Vinh Yen, the enchanting Ha Long Bay and the diversity of its ethnolinguistic minorities are more of the many wonders found in Vietnam’s North.

The Central Vietnam is also home to many ethnic minorities. The ancient Imperial City of Hue lies in this part of the country where the colorful Hue festival could be witnessed. Among the many things Central Vietnam takes pride in, My Son, which is the site of the ancient Cham civilization; the Imperial Hue, known capital of the ancient Nguyen Dynasty; and the ancient town of Hoi An are among the most popular. It is also where you will find vast rice fields, high temperate plateaus, spectacular dunes, lagoons, the country’s most important ports in Da Nang and the popular Mui Ne near Phan Thiet and Nha Trang beaches.

If you head to Vietnam’s South, a more modern life is experienced in the country’s largest city and former capital, Ho Chi Minh. Known as one of the most colorful cities in the entire Southeast Asia, it is in this part of the country where a more western atmosphere is experienced yet beautifully blended with the typical Saigonese life. International hotels and exclusive restaurants sit side by side with roadside noodle stalls and local markets while pedaled bicycles and motorbikes run just outside the streets of expensive shopping malls and lavish golf courses.

An Adventure Like No Other

With its tapestry of scenic natural wonders and modern life, along with the impressive feast of colorful history and diversified culture - - - visitors would literally find everything in Vietnam. Anyone who sets foot in this beautiful country could never have enough of the experience from just one corner, and all the marvelous surprises that will unfold from one city to the next will never cease to amaze any tourist. Of the many regions across the globe, no country could offer its visitors such extraordinary adventure like the one you would experience in Vietnam.