Vietnam

  Also known as Faifo. This place has changed quite dramatically from a quiet village on the river to a charming funky tourist town. The Old Town is definitely the most incredible part of Hoi An, especially every month when the full moon rises and the place comes alive. The Hoi An legendary night should also be on the don't miss list. This is when the streets are awash with silk lanterns and traditional food, and when everybody sings and dances.

 This is the capital of the Nguyen Emperors and located on the idyllic banks of the Perfume River. The city is packed with temples, tombs, palaces and pagodas. You feel as though you have stepped back in time. Hue's premier attraction is The Festival of Hue which is held every even-numbered year. Local and international stars perform in a spectacular cultural show.

With over nine million inhabitants, Hi Chi Minh City is the most populated metropolitan area in Vietnam. This tropical destination has a lot more to offer that trendy nightclubs and chic boutiques. There are many interesting markets, street sides cafes, massage places and traditional shops set amongst the churches and temples which are reminders of Vietnam's colourful past. Like Hanoi, watch out for the motorbikes. There are two obsessions in this city: scooters and food. The city has eight million people and six million scooters. It is also the mothership of street food. So the only way of exploring (and eating) around Saigon is on a back of a scooter, at dusk,  when tiny stalls are set on the pavements and little dishes magicked up on single rings. Cu Chi tunnels are located in one of Ho Chi Minh's many districts. They became famous in the 1960s when they were used by the Viet Cong to control larger rural areas and to ambush American troops. Nowadays you can visit two section...

Vietnam is a long skinny country so the best time to visit the North is not always the best time to visit the South. If you are planning to visit the entire country, autumn (September through December) and spring (March and April) are the best times to go. You might want to avoid monsoon season (May to November in the South, September to February in central Vietnam, and May to August in the Nort). Although you might be able to negotiate a better deal on lodging these off-peak periods. To see Sapa Halong Bay Mekong Delta Trivia In Vietnam, children are often known by numbers: families are enormous and it is the number, not the name, that sticks.

 Vietnam's ancient and modern capital has a strong French, Russian and American influence. You will find swarms of motorbikes tearing up the streets of Hanoi's Old Quater with kamikaze abandon. To get away from the craziness head down to the Hoam Kiem Lake and enjoy a drink in one of the cafes. History buffs will love the Museum of Independence where Ho Chi Minh used to live and after you have explored the various little markets you can admire the architecture of the historic university.