There are about 120,000 inhabitants of Hoi An, Vietnam, but this number grows considerably once the tourists start to arrive.  As well as being a haven for back packers there are plenty of historical sites to see.  There is a request that clothes are kept in keeping with the local standards.  Especially around temples and in the Old Town it will be expected that arms are covered and skirts are at least to the knee while men must wear a shirt.

Facts

• One interpretation of the name is “seaside town”.
• In 1999 the old town was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• Handmade clothes are a specialty and while it is possible to work from your own ideas the tailors will prefer a sample to copy.
• Central Market sells virtually everything you can imagine from t shirts to souvenirs to fresh fruit.

History and Culture

Between the 7th and the 10^th centuries this area played an important role in the spice trade, and by the 16^th and 17^th centuries the Chinese, French, Indian and Japanese had all played a part in the areas.  The Japanese left their mark by way of the covered bridge which is said to be the only covered bridge that has a Buddhist pagoda in the world.

Things to See and Do

There are plenty of museums to visit and the theme for a few of them is ceramics.  The Museum of Sa Huynh Culture was built in 1995 and has upward of 400 samples of ceramics dating back to the 8^th century.  Due to the various countries they come from it is clear to see that Hoi An was once an important trading post.  For a sight you won’t see again go to see the Swan boats.  They are passenger boats shaped like swans and if you see them at night with their eyes lit up and hear “Santa Claus is coming to town” you might just wonder what has happened.  The Hoi An Museum of History and Culture has a good photographic record of Hoi An in the last century alongside a canon and some pots that are 2000 years old.

Nightlife

There are bars open late into the night and many will serve snacks such as prawn crackers.  They are aimed mostly at tourists on holiday in Vietnam so you will not meet many locals there.  Mango Mango offers tapas and $2.50 cocktails while the Happy Nam Bar is targeting the wild at heart and the party lovers.  Drinks are not the best but the atmosphere compensates.  Treats Cafe is popular with backpackers but always full and it is not easy to get served.

Eating and Drinking

Food here is cheap and plentiful and a specialty is White Rose which is a shrimp dumpling.  Be strong if you visit the market to eat as you may find plates put in front of you even though you have not placed an order.  Beer will cost about 30,000 dong ($1.45) and cocktails will be in the region of 20,000-50,000 dong ($0.95-$2.40).  For vegetarians and vegans there is Karma Waters and the Thanh Restaurant is known for its fish especially the meal that seems to be a favourite everywhere- mackerel in banana leaf.

Phan Thiet should be a major tourist attraction in its own right but it is unfortunate that it is located so close to Mui Ne where there is such an amazing beach that it has become more popular.  It is more often than not visited as part of tours or visitors staying in other places going on a day tour.  It is a beautiful fishing village and although there are holiday developments springing up, the lives of the villagers have not changed much over the years.  There is a population of over 100,000 people.
Facts

• Phan Thiet is more popular with tourists from other part of Vietnam than from farther afield.  They have a good tourist industry from these visitors alone.
• This was the place where the revolutionaries Phan Chu Trinh and Tran Quy Cap started their campaign.
• Phan Thiet is famous for the fish sauce that is used a lot in Vietnamese cooking and many local families make their living from this industry.
• The fishermen catch over 100 different types of fish in the waters surrounding Phan Thiet.

History and Culture

From the end of the 19^th century Phan Thiet began to develop into the place that it is now although it was from around 1700 that it began to be accepted as a major district.

Things to See and Do

Sightseeing is an important part of any visit to Phan Thiet as they have flora and fauna that you will not see in other places.  For the more energetic visitor there is the chance to climb Ta Ku Mountain and once you have managed the 1000 steps there is a view of the 160ft reclining Buddha.  Water sports will always be top of the list and with such amazing waters; it would be a mistake not to try them out.  Kite boarding is popular and there is now a good quality golf course that has attracted many good players.  A lot of the hotels have spas with massage facilities and this is a good way to relax at the end of a busy day.

Nightlife

There is not a great deal to do in the evening but after a busy day relaxation is what you will want.  The Pogo bar has a pool table and attracts many customers each night.  They give a percentage of their profits to a charity that help Vietnamese children, so it is worth visiting for that reason alone.  Mellow is popular with back packers and plays modern music to keep the party going.

Eating and Drinking

Many of the meals are fish based and hotels will be the best place to eat.  Sandals offer a good choice and mix traditional Eastern food with ingredients from all over the world.  Visiting nearby Mui Ne will give much more variety as they have restaurants opening up there at quite a rapid rate.  If you want something to remind you of home there is Nelly’s Restaurant that serves burgers, pizzas and chips, while Lotteria is the Asian equivalent with meals of beef, chicken and shrimp.

There are estimated to be more than 3000 islands making up the bay although this is disputed by locals.  Their figure is 1969 although this is more likely to be in reverence to Ho Chi Minh as this was the year he died.  There are around 1600 inhabitants and they live in 4 different communities C?a V?n, Ba Hang, C?ng Tàu and Vông Viêng in Hùng Th?ng.  Most visitors arrive as part of a pre arranged tour which normally only includes one or two nights in hotels.

Facts

• Ha Long Bay translates into descending dragon bay and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
• There are two distinct seasons a dry and moist summer and dry and humid winter.
• There has been some destruction of the area in a bid to encourage tourists.  In order to build jetties there are areas of mangrove and sea grass that have been killed off.
• While all locals are friendly it is best to make sure that the person who is talking to you really likes you as single men risk finding out that their date for the night expects to be paid.

History and Culture

The remains of rudimentary tools indicate that there were settlers in the area many years ago.  It was also the site of naval battles between the islanders and inhabitants of the nearby islands.  As far back as 1288 the Mongols were stopped from invading and as recently as the Vietnam War the islands helped to hold back invaders.

Things to See and Do

Water sports are some of the main attractions in the area, although since a number of accidents occurred in recent years it is realized that health and safety standards need to be improved.  There have been a number of deaths and this has obviously made future visitors wary of taking part.  On a brighter note there are boat tours that take you to caves and grottos that are a wonder to see.  You will be given an itinerary but this is considered optional by many companies.  The guides often take them and then do their own tour.  They don’t miss out anything, but it just means that they can work to their own timescale.

Nightlife

There is not a great deal to do in the evening although there are a couple of bars, but it is improving.  Many people choose to stay onboard the boats even though the drinks are a little bit more expensive.  Some have karaoke machines and on occasions there will be singer on board but not very often.  To keep costs down you could take your own drinks with you.

Eating and Drinking

There are plenty of places to eat and the Emerald Cafe is the only place that serves Western food, while there are junks on the water and the owners will have a selection of authentic snacks to sell.  Drinks are readily available on the islands although the boat you are with should have a good supply.  There is also the chance to spend the night on a junk and you will be served an evening meal and breakfast.

The tunnels at Cu Chi are an amazing network that run under the city.  They run for 250km and once housed a community there.  They were built during the 1940s during the French occupation and further expanded during the Vietnam War.  It was an area where many people went about their ordinary lives including marrying and having their families and a place where they felt safe.  But it should not be forgotten that there 10,000 people died here.  Considering what happened during the Vietnam War there are few signs of the damage that was inflicted.  The tunnels are often visited by school children and members of the communist party and they see it as shrine.  It will always be a place of great importance to them and tourists see it the same way.
Facts

• The main souvenirs are war related, but there are also the same sorts of handicrafts that can be found elsewhere in Vietnam.
• The population is in the region of 270,000 and it was at one time the headquarters for the Viet Cong.
• Souvenirs of the war can be bought from a selection of stalls set up nearby but beware that the very popular Zippo lighter has probably only been made a little time earlier.

History and Culture

This area has been considered the most bombed and gassed area from any war.  The tunnels were instrumental in saving so many lives and the help they gave to the Viet Cong in incalculable.  It took 25 years to complete them and they were built with the most rudimentary of tools.  Their main aim was to help people to travel from village to village without being subject.  It is from this area that the fight back was planned.

Things to See and Do

There is the chance to fulfil your dream firing a weapon without the risk of hurting anyone.  Whether you prefer an AK47 or a Magnum 44 you can shoot away in safety.  For just $1 a bullet you can relive the experience of a war that many of us remember and a lot of people alive were involved in.  A visit to the tunnels is a must and it will be best to book before hand for a guided tour.  It is possible to just turn up and wait but it could take some time to get a tour together.  No one is allowed to go into the tunnels alone.  Nearby is a small war museum with an entry fee of just $1.

Nightlife

The area does not have much of a night life and for something to do in the evening it will be best to be in Ho Chi Minh City.  The tunnels are the main attraction at Cu Chi and they are a bus ride away from everything Ho Chi Minh City has to offer.

Eating and Drinking

As the tunnels are mainly used for tours, there is no food provided.  Anyone who is booking a trip will be made aware that they need to take their own food and drink.  Accommodation will be in Ho Chi Minh City if you are planning to stay in the area for a few days.

This area was a favorite of the French who went there to escape the sweltering conditions in Ho Chi Minh City.  It is still full of villas that they built and their heritage can be seen throughout the area.  It is a beautiful area with a lake in the center and caters for many different types of tourist from the more adventurous travellers to those wishing to relax and play golf.  It is easy to work around Da Lat although taxis are not expensive.  Hiring a motor bike is not recommended as you should have a Vietnamese license.  Any accident will be considered your fault and you will not be insured.

Facts

• Make sure trips are arranged through registered organizations as they will have insurance.  They will still charge you twice the price the Vietnamese pay but at least you are covered.
• Rooms can cost as little as $4 per night in the low season while the extreme of the scale is The Da Lat Palace Heritage Luxury Hotel which is the only 5 star hotel available.  It has its own golf course and many scandals have played out there over the decades.
• The main souvenirs will be either dried or candied fruits or silk items including pictures.
• The area is made up of the strange combination of tourism and scientific research.

History and Culture

From the 1890s the French settled in Da Lat.  At one time it was the capital of Indochina and has not been badly scarred by wars.  There was some fighting during the American War but just for a short time in 1968.

Things to See and Do

The Da Lat market is famous for fresh Vietnamese food including fruits and jams.  The Lang Biang Mountain is ideal for the more energetic traveler who can face the three hour trek to the top.  A beautiful place to visit is the Lake of Sighs where you will hear the story of the lovers who died there.  The Nha Tho Domaine de Marie is a pink church that is not only amazing to look at but a good place to buy fruits and snacks provided by the nuns.  Most of the entertainment here will be centered on sport, history or scenery.  There is a guest house known as the Crazy House.  It is shaped like a banyan tree with a cave.  The architect Dang Viet Nga says he took his influence from Gaudi.

Nightlife

The city does come alive at night and there are many bars to choose from.  The Saigon Night Bar is popular with tourists and locals and many nights can be spent playing pool.  Plenty of places provide karaoke but there are quieter places if that is not your thing.

Eating and Drinking

You will find cuisine from many nations and as would be expected French cuisine features heavily.  The V Cafe covers food from all over the world and is considered one of the best places to go to hear live music.  Larry’s Bar is considered to serve the best pizza and is one of the few bars that stay open after midnight.  Saigon Night is also open late and probably has the cheapest beer in the city.

There are 20 islands that make up Con Dao and they retain much of their old style charm.  They are an ideal place to get away from it all and their remoteness is part of their charm.  Although the islands are beautiful at any time of the year, if you visit between July and September your activities may be stifled due to the winds and storms.  The islands are close together and it will not take long to travel between them.  Some of the islands are linked but there are occasions when you will need to use a boat.

Facts

• 80% of the area is still left in a natural condition and most islands are easily travelled by foot.
• The sun is so hot that it is more sensible not to walk around too much in the morning.
• There are two National Parks and they are able to use their status to prevent over fishing in the area.
• The islands have 1,000 hectares of coral reefs and over 1,300 marine species so diving is an amazing experience.

History and Culture

In 1702 the English East India Company was set up and based in Con Dao.  For a long time the islands were home to a large prison that was used to house political prisoners.  This continued when the name changed to Saigon and the building can still be seen.  Tours of the prisons are an important part of the trip here.

Things to See and Do

Along with the beautiful scenery and wildlife to see, the prisons are also a popular site for tourists to visit.  There are rare breeds of ape and squirrel although the most famous rare animal – the sea cow – is rarely seen.  Con Dao is also home to beaches that are ideal for relaxation and many of the 20 islands are good locations to start snorkelling.  Diving can also be arranged throughout the year.  The Turtle Tour is recommended and if you are there at the right time you can watch them lay their eggs.  There is also an opportunity to swim with turtles and dolphins. The museum gives an insight into life on the island and also the suffering of many of the inhabitants in the past.

Nightlife

There are bars and clubs around Con Dao but the islands are not the liveliest place to visit although they are still developing.  Stores sell alcohol and it will be easy to buy drinks if what you want is not available in the hotel.  Most tourists tend to stay in the same hotel they have eaten in as at least there will be some form of alcohol available.

Eating and Drinking

The islands are not as developed as other parts of Vietnam and the choice of places to eat is down to mainly local cuisine.  Fish is obviously a major part of the diet.  Good food is available in the hotels and the Saigon Con Dao Resort is popular with the local people.  They have live folk music and a good menu by the islands standards.  Coffee shops are plentiful and offer relatively cheap lunches.  Hotels do serve beer although some places may have items on the menu but not be able to get them for parts of the year.

The thing that will attract many visitors to Nha Trang as part of their Vietnam holiday is the beautiful beaches and the chance to partake in the water sports on offer.  Back packers now seem to be adding it to the list of places to stop off at in Vietnam.  There has been a history of ship building, but now the main industry is tourism and Nha Trang is considered to be the scuba diving capital of Vietnam.  Crime is low and the main incidents tend to be money or jewelry taken from lone travellers.  Stay with a group in order to avoid this.

Facts

• Nha Trang is considered to be an important location when it comes to marine research.
• The name has been translated to mean Reed River.
• One of the most famous former inhabitants was Alexandre Yersin who is known for his research into the bubonic plague.  He died on the island in 1943 and had set up a research institute.  He is remembered by having a street named after him and a museum opened bearing his name.
• There is a good public transport system and there are also plenty of taxis.  It is possible to negotiate a price but often just going by the price on the meter will give a better deal.

History and Culture

The former name of Nha Trang is Kauthara.  From the 16^th to the 19th century it was mainly a large area of beautiful landscaping and it was not until 1924 that it began to develop.  This continued until in 1992 it was declared a second class municipal city.

Things to See and Do

Many of the tourists will want to spend their time relaxing on the beaches and dipping into the clear clean water.  The winds are not strong so even inexperienced kite boarders will be safe trying out the activity.  There are a number of museums and historical sites to see while the Thap Ba mud bath is an experience to look forward to.  With a massage afterwards you will end up fully relaxed and ready to start again the following day.  A boat cruise can cost as little as $6 and this can include sightseeing and snorkelling.

Nightlife

There is not a great deal of nightlife but this is not the reason why many people visit.  Plenty of places stay open past midnight.  Around the Vietnamese New Year it does pick up a lot and there will be plenty of places to enjoy yourself.  During the rainy period the area is not as lively but there will still be something for everyone.  Live music is very popular and many places from cafes to bars provide it.  Crazy Kim’s Bar stays open until 1 am and is popular with younger visitors and locals.  If you still have the energy why not go to the Why Not Bar which will still be lively at 4 am.

Eating and Drinking

Fish will be a large part of any menu.  More exotic menus will have items such as jellyfish, although most will be the more traditional shellfish items.  Truc Linh serves a good mixture of Western and local cuisine while there are places that serve fast food such as Texas BarBQ and Steaks.

The population of Vinh is heading towards the 450,000 mark and 55% of them are employed in either tourism or the general service sectors.  Not many people visit for more than a day or so, so the chance to speak English to a native speaker will be taken at every possibility.  It is very close to the border with Laos and many people stay here as a stop off point on the way there.  Hotel prices range from $17-$70 so there will be something to suit all budgets.  The main reason for holiday makers to travel here is for the historic sites or the beach.  There is a Western feel to the city and as the locals are so polite and friendly, visitors often stay for longer than they intended.

Facts

• The area was devastated during the American War and the buildings that are here today are mainly from the German communist era in the 1960s.
• Ngyun Sinh Cung is known as the saviour of Vietnam and he changed his name to the more recognizable Ho Chi Minh.
• Gifts will largely be based around Ho Chi Minh and will be books about his life, t shirts and busts.
• If you manage to be there at the right time there are some amazing sunsets and some hotels have the restaurants located to make viewing them easy.

History and Culture

Vinh was founded in 1802 and was first damaged during the French Vietnamese War.  It is also the site of the first communist rebellion.  Its history is important to Vinh and they are proud of Ho Chi Minh and show it with monuments and statues to him.

Things to See and Do

One of the main tourist attractions is the village of Kim Lien which is the birthplace of Nguyen Sinh Cung born back in 1890.  The Citadel of Vinh was built initially of earth but was soon covered in stone.  There are 6 main areas to be visited and more is being recovered and hopefully it will be transformed into a park.  The Hong Son Temple is home to some old and impressive statures while the Can Linh Pagoda (Su Nu Pagoda) is considered a national heritage site.  Just 19km away is a beautiful white beach which makes a good place to relax even if the area is a little short on cleaning.  Just watching the traffic and the bikes go by can provide an experience you will not get anywhere else.

Nightlife

The main place to go to at night is the Zulu Bar.  From 7pm onwards the streets are bustling with revelers but they all disappear at around 10.30pm.  Karaoke is popular and there will be plenty of locals to compete with.

Eating and Drinking

There are some things to try that you may not see elsewhere.  Eel soup is very popular as is lizard flavoured rice wine.  Drinking is not expensive here as beer can cost 8000 dong ($0.40) while soft drinks and coffee are 6000 dong ($0.30).  At lunchtime the locals travel to Phan Chu Trinh where stalls sell snacks costing just 5000 – 10000 dong ($0.25-$0.50).

Ho Chi Minh City (sometimes called Hi Chi Minh City) is the largest city in Vietnam and was once called Saigon and before that Prey Nokor.  Parts of the area are still referred to as Saigon but usually the area most popular with tourists.  French and English is spoken to an extent and it will normally be possible to make yourself understood.

Facts

• This area has been called the Pearl of the Far East and the Paris of the Orient.
• There are two distinct seasons and the climate is classed as tropical.
• Traffic is chaotic and the only way to cross the road is to walk out and hold your nerve.  Lights are normally adhered to but for Westerners it is still daunting.
• The only danger is in the form of a scam where apparently you are recognized.  You will be invited to the house of a friendly family who will then either ask for money for a sick relative or have a business deal they would like to discuss.

History and Culture

There is a large French history as the city was taken over by the French in 1859.  The Viet Minh took control in 1954 and Saigon was often referred to as South Vietnam.  By 1975 and the end of the Vietnam war the Vietnamese People Party ruled until in 1976 when Saigon joined with other surrounding areas and became Ho Chi Minh City after the late Communist leader.

Things to See and Do

The Reunification Palace or Independence Palace is a place that is worthy of a visit.  It was formerly the presidential palace.  Among the things to see are propaganda films.  Add in a selection of 60s electronic goods and a replica of the tank that crashed through the gates at the end of the war and it is a snapshot of the Saigon of the 1960s and 70s.  There is a Museum of Vietnamese History plus The Ho Chi Minh Museum.  During the day you can shop at the Thanh market and then at 6pm when that closes there is the Night Market.  Visit the War Surplus Market with caution as many of the supposedly authentic items such as Zippo lighters are fake.

Nightlife

ZanZbar is popular with tourists and is well known for its selection of wines, while the 163 Cyclo Bar stays open until 2 am and its loud music can be heard down the street.  The Catwalk offers food drinks and a massage.  Add to that the casino and all you want for an evening’s entertainment is under one room.  American Disco is known as one of the best bars in Saigon and is as popular with locals as with tourists.

Eating and Drinking

As the areas popularity grows so do the prices.  The restaurants have seen price rises of up to 30% a year but there are still some nice places to go.  The French influence is here as well with a number of restaurants and many places selling baguettes.  Pancakes are popular and you can have the filling of your choice.  This can be fruit, meat or vegetable.  Fast food stores are becoming more popular with a few KFCs to be found but as yet no McDonalds.  Pho Bo Vien Quoc Ky provides filling and tasty soups and Papaya by Chi Nghia is a 5 star restaurant that provides Northern Vietnamese food.