Places of Interest

HANOI
Vietnam's lovely capital is a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks- Its narrow alleyways are lined with shophouses selling traditional handicrafts and arts, making the old center an enchanting place to wander. Other major attractions include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and house, the ancient Temple of Literature and its many lakes and parks. Hanoi is also the home of the water puppet tradition, which many visitors find an enjoyable part of their stay.

HALONG BAY
With thousands of exquisite limestone islands rising from the waters, this bay was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. According to legend, the bay's beautiful scenery was carved out by a dragon as he made his flight seawards. The bay is best enjoyed by a leisurely excursion by boat, with stops to explore the area's many cliffs and caves.

DIEN BIEN PHU
In the far north-west of Vietnam near the Laotian border in a beautiful valley, the last, decisive battle with the French was fought in i954. The journey to this remote region passes through impressive and picturesque mountain terrain with glimpses of ethnic villages - a very special experience.

HOA BINH
The capital of the province of the same name is the starting-point for excursions to the Muong and the Thai-minorities still living in their traditional pile-dwellings. See traditional dances and taste traditional tribal food prepared especially for visitors from afar.

CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK
The largest national park of Vietnam is home to unique flora and fauna and several of the species are no longer found anywhere else in the world. Excursions under the expert guidance of park rangers help visitors experience this unique habilat. The park includes the largest jungles remainingin Vietnam.

HUE
This imperial city was the cultural and intellectual center of Vietnam. The old imperial palace, the citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda, A boat trip down the Perfume River leads to six impressive imperial tombs.

DANANG
The road from Danang to Hue crosses the famous Pass of Ocean Clouds, one of the most spectacular parts of Highway One. The Cham Museum, the Marble Mountains and China Beach are all in close vicinity, the latter being famous for the wave surfing GIs of the Vietnam War.

HOI AN
For many centuries. Hoi An was one of the most important ports in Southeast Asia, In a unique state of preservation, this town was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It has since blossomed into an artists colony, with colourful shop houses and a wide variety of handicrafts on display,

NHA TRANG
Nha Trang is perhaps one of Vietnam's most beautiful seaside resorts. It features miles and miles of empty beaches, deserted bays, numerous islands and corai reefs. Swim. snorkel and dive all day. Nha Trang has many good mid-range hotels. There are beach cafes, fine seafood restaurants and one beach resort.

DALAT
Vietnam's honeymoon town nestles in a mountain valley at an altitude of 5000 ft (1500 m). The climate is temperate and the coot evenings attract newlyweds from all over Vietnam. The area is dotted with lakes, waterfalls, evergreen forests and gardens.

SAIGON
Once again the city has become the effervescent economic center of Vietnam- To some it's a hectic and terribly noisy city, to others the former 'Paris of the East' with Vietnam's best restaurants and cafes and an intense nightlife. Saigon has restored famous hotels iike the Majestic, the Continental and the Rex and boasts recently opened Asian luxury hotels a la Bangkok or Singapore.

MEKONG DELTA
This huge river delta is home to a bustling rural culture of floating markets along its many river branches and canals. Although it is difficult to single out individual towns, Vinh Long, Chau Doc, Ha Tien, Soc Trang and Tra Vinh are ail especially worth seeing.