Vietnam is known for its rich history and culture. Equally, or even more, it’s known for its breathtaking sceneries that has earned its reputation as a world-class tourist destination. Panoramic mountains, rivers, temples, hotels, restaurants, beaches and other natural and commercial spots have made Vietnam truly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. So, if you’re planning on a vacation there, here is a list of the top five must-see destinations for 2011.
The Mekong Delta

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll most probably enjoy a river barge cruise along the famous Song Xahn and ${attraction_Mekong_Delta:”Mekong”} River. Aboard a “rustic sampan,” or the customized, luxury version of this barge, you’ll experience the delight of a floating market, exotic food and meeting warm, friendly people.

This luxurious barge cruise offers a wonderful candlelight dinner and even several night’s stay on the boat. You can choose from one, two or three night packages at $265-$427 per person. The tour departs ${bigcity_Ho_Chi_Minh_City:”Ho Chi Minh City”} and travels to Cai Be Floating Market, Vinh Long and Sa Dec, down through beautiful canals and water jacinth plantations, past French villas and Chinese temples.

The daily cruise offers each guest fresh cotton towels, exotic seasonal fruits, hot green tea and two bottles of mineral water totally free of charge. Moreover, the tour prices are already inclusive of all private transportation and transfers, on-board English or French-speaking tour guides, daily breakfast and full board meals. Where applicable, the tour package also includes bicycle rental, rowing, and admission fees and permits.
Sapa and Bac Ha Market If you’re in for an adventure, take an exhilarating helicopter ride from Hanoi to Bac Ha to witness the famous weekend market. If you prefer land travel, you can also take a train ride instead and travel overnight to Lao Cai and Bac Ha and see the Can Cau market on Saturday and Bac Ha market on Sunday.

-          ${attraction_Sa_Pa:”Sa Pa”} is known for its beautiful, one-of-a-kind handicrafts and post card pictures perfect for souvenirs. But if you really want to completely explore and enjoy the place, it will take you a full five days to see all the northern hill tribes and markets. Markets in particular are a very important Vietnamese tradition. It is in fact a big part of its culture. It is more than a place of trading. It’s an important meeting gathering point for friends and families for them to mingle, bond and spend quality time together. Living in remote areas and tired working all day, the market is the residents’ only outlet to unwind and meet new friends. There is not one child who does not want his or her mother to take him or her to the market.

The tour costs between $70-$938 per person, inclusive of all transportation and transfers, English or French-speaking tour guides, room accommodation of either a single or twin bed, breakfast, entrance fees and other meals. You also get to visit the villages and meet interesting people at the foot of Vietnam’s highest mountain, Mount Fansipan.
Con Dao Island Believe it or not, Con Dao Island used to be a prison island. But today, it has been transformed into a paradise perfect for travelers. Located along the Eastern Sea and 180 kilometers off the coast of Southeast Vietnam, ${attraction_Con_Dao:”Con Dao”} appears to be a virgin paradise hidden from all forms of commercialization. It covers an area of 70 square kilometers and has a very small population of only about 5,000 residents. The world-famous Dat Doc Beach lies 8 kilometers from Con Son Airport, which in itself rests on a national park home to a rich population of marine and terrestrial life. It’s a blanket of crystal-white sand and the breeding ground for turtles and dugong herds. Exotic birds, squirrels and monkeys inhabit the beautiful place. It is because of this untapped beauty and ecological balance that the world-famous Six Senses Hotel has chosen this island to be its next destination for its next hideaway resort. The ${attraction_Evason_Hideaway_Resort:“Evason Hideaway Resort“} is a luxury destination for travelers who aim for distinction. Whether you’re in the mood for nature, food, luxury or plain relaxation, Evason offers everything and more, combining the purity of nature with the luxury of contemporary lifestyle.
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

If you’re in the mood for a cave adventure, a national park and a beach, the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is the perfect destination for you. Check in at the Sun Spa Resort at Quang Binh province for both comfort and luxury for your ultimate vacation. Moreover, this spot is easily accessible as flights from Hanoi and Saigon are readily available through the Vietnam Airlines. Moreover, you can travel by land from ${bigcity_Hue:"Hue"}, ${bigcity_Da_Nang:"Da Nang"} or even ${bigcity_Hanoi:"Hanoi"} Summer is the best time to come here wherein travelers and tourists come in by the pack.

Phu Yen If a beach destination is your dream vacation, Phu Yen is the place to be. Located on the South coast of Qui Nhon, it is a paradise of untouched natural beauty. Moreover, it is conveniently located just 45 minutes away from Qui Nhon Airport and a drive from Nha Trang filled with breathtaking scenes all throughout the trip. Daily flights from Saigon and Hanoi to Phu Yen are accessible through Vietnam airlines.  Check in at Hideaway Bai Tram for the ultimate hotel experience in the area. It lies on an expansive and secluded 90-hectare property with a 900-meter long private white-sand beach. It has an impressive seven private pool villas perfect for relaxing and unwinding.