Once known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and vibrating economic centre of the South. Over the past few centuries, Saigon was called the “Pearl of the Far East” and was an important trading centre for the Chinese, Japanese, and Western merchants. Today, it is a bustling metropolis with hundreds of sights and activities to enjoy. From riverside rooftop bars and modern art galleries to enriching museums and amazing street food, Ho Chi Minh City is synonymous with diversity.

This royal city, founded in 1687, still speaks of Vietnams rich imperial past. The original citadel city of Phu Xuan was built on the site of present day Hue. The city served as Vietnam’s political capital from 1802 to 1945. Ender the rule of 13 emperors of the Nguyen dynasty, it was the centre Vietnamese culture and power. Shelled during the war, the citadel has been given an uplift. The citadel, as well as the royal tombs, pagodas, and temples built on the banks of the Perfume River, attract t

The ancient town of Hoi An rests beside the Thu Bon River. Centuries ago, Hoi An was one of the most important trading centres in Southeast Asia. The Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese all have left their mark, and yet Vietnamese traditions stand above them all. This little haven is practically a living museum dedicated to Vietnams unique history. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

There are over 600 pagodas and numerous lakes and parks where locals gather on weekends and in the evenings. The most notable lakes are the fabled Hoan Kiem Lake and the vast West Lake. Popular sights include Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple, and Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature. Hanoi is a capital of food. Enjoy savoury bun bo nam bo on the streets, and indulge in the cheap and singular tradition of bia hoi.

Sapa has an amazing diversity of flowers and fruits. Mount Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina at 3,134 metres, is covered with clouds all year round and temperatures often drop below zero. The famous tiered rice paddies are found here, too. But the biggest draw in Sapa are the various ethnic minorities, dressed in traditional colourful attire. Visitors can explore local weekend markets and even stay at some of the villages.

A tour takes you through two magical cities of Laos, the country of millions elephants. Laos is still very much undiscovered and after decades of isolation, tourists are able to experience Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret. Highlights of this tour include exploring the unique temple architecture of Luang Prabang, the astonishing views over the city from the top of Mount Phousi and visiting the national buildings in Vientiane.

Laos is famous for being a devout Buddhism country. Most of Lao lowland people (about 50 percents of population) are follower of Theravada Buddhism. Most of these ethnic minorities are practitioners of animism, with beliefs that vary greatly among groups. Catholics and Protestants constitute approximately 2 percent of the population. Other minority religious groups include those practicing the Islam, Mahayana Buddhism and Confucianism. A very small number of citizens follow no religion.

This small provincial town along the gentle Nam Song River boasts incredible scenery. Wild limestone formations, known as karst, rise out of the horizon like wild mushrooms. The verdant cliffs hide long, snaking caves and caverns, including the famous Tham Xang Cave, which was used as a bunker when Yunnan troops invaded the area in the 19th century. This is an area of unbridled nature brought to life with blue lagoons, red earth, and green valleys.

My Son was the imperial centre of the Champa Empire from the 4th to the 12th centuries. Today, this large complex of religious ruins welcomes visitors to explore ruined temples and towers with distinctive red brick designs. My Son was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Ninh Binh is a small town about south of Hanoi. It is filled with a number of interesting sites. Hoa Lu was the first capital of independent Vietnam, under the Dinh dynasty and the early Le dynasty (968-1009 AD). There are two sanctuaries, each of them devoted to the emperors of one of these two dynasties. They are set among a landscape of limestone mountains reminiscent of some the better known sites in southern China.

Home of Angkor Wat, one of the greatest religious monuments in the world, Siem Reap is a charming tree-lined city with a narrow river flowing through the centre of town. While most visitors spend their time exploring the ancient temple ruins, there are plenty of other places to discover. Tonle Sap Lake (and river), considered the heart of Cambodia, is located nearby; boat tours offer visitors a glimpse of the traditional Khmer way of life. Floating villages, sunset cruises, and tours of the bird

The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia is located at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, the Bassac, and the Tonle Sap. Once considered the loveliest city in the entire region, the city still maintains considerable charm. There is plenty to see in this small colonial capital. There are many inviting cafes lining the riverfront. In addition to famous sites like the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, and Wat Phnom, there are several markets selling silk, silver, gems, an

Angkor Wat is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world. The temple was built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura, the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum.