Vietnam holidays

Mention Vietnam holidays and most people will think of the war against the US that ended more than 35 years ago. But while the country is in some ways still recovering from that conflict, its people are intensely proud of their beautiful homeland and surprisingly friendly towards visitors from the West.

Vietnam is a thriving country with 89 million inhabitants, many of whom live in its energetic cities and almost all of whom seem to own a motorbike. For a taste of what modern Vietnam is really like, take a walk around the vibrant streets or drop in at the pavement cafes and bars, where the locals eat a cuisine that's fresh, often sweet and usually spicy. You'll soon get a taste for it if you haven't already.

Saigon, officially Ho Chi Minh City, isn't the capital but it's the largest city and home to many of the key attractions. Highlights include the War Remnants Museum, where the grisly exhibits include US weaponry, tiger cages that served as prisons and a guillotine used by the French during their earlier occupation. Another draw is the Cu Chi Tunnels, which were used as escape routes and supply lines during the guerilla campaign that ultimately forced the US forces to withdraw. Ben Thanh market offers plenty of local colour and gives visitors a chance to browse stalls piled high with cheap clothes, souvenirs and delicacies.

The actual capital, Hanoi, is much further north. Most Vietnam tours here include a visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, where elaborate puppets emerge from a flooded stage to the delight of audiences. Hoa Lo Prison is now a museum but was once known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton', whose most famous inmate was the US pilot and future presidential candidate John McCain. The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is another must, although the opening hours are short. Remember to keep your legs and shoulders covered, as this is a sacred space for the Vietnamese, who queue patiently to catch a glimpse of their revered leader's preserved body. The capital's Dong Xuan market is a good place to pick up a few presents to take home from your Vietnam holiday.

Away from the big urban centres, Vietnam has a magical landscape: a tapestry of sleepy, picturesque villages; dense jungles rich in biodiversity; and mountains where peasant farmers somehow manage to make a living from rice paddies on impossibly steep slopes. Visit the hill tribes in remote areas such as Sapa and Bac Ha for an insight into a truly ancient culture.

Vietnam holidays wouldn't be complete without a chance to glimpse the mighty Mekong and the way of life it supports. The great river ends its 3,000-mile journey from the Tibetan Plateau at the spectacular Mekong Delta in the south, where it empties into the South China Sea. Vietnam also has 2,135 miles of beautiful coastline, and the highlight is undoubtedly Halong Bay in the north, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a joy to take a traditional junk boat ride here, bobbing on the tranquil waters and getting a closer look at the pretty limestone peaks dotted around the bay.

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