| Vietnam is a fascinating country with a long | | | | ‘Forbidden Purple City’, once the sole |
| history and an ancient culture. It's also a dynamic | | | | province of the emperor and his family and |
| nation that's moving ahead. In recent decades, | | | | attendants. Much of its splendid imperial |
| Vietnam has opened up as an outstanding holiday | | | | architecture was razed during the Tet offensive |
| destination owing to its enchanting cities and | | | | but remnants of its tombs and pagodas remain to |
| magical natural scenery. Here's a look at the | | | | hint at its former splendour. |
| unique watery attractions in the great historic | | | | Heading further south to the Mekhong delta region |
| cities of Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City. | | | | brings you to the zest and optimism of old Saigon |
| Standing along the banks of the Red River, Hanoi, | | | | in what is now known as Ho Chi Minh City. It's a |
| the capital, is a city of timeless elegance with its | | | | brash, dynamic and forward-looking city that |
| French colonial villas, spacious tree lined | | | | retains much of its colonial charm in the form of |
| boulevards, quaint backstreets and pagodas. | | | | delightful villas and churches and boulevards. |
| However it's the medley of lakes that gives this | | | | One of the main factors in the choice of Saigon |
| city its unique charm. | | | | as capital in the 19th century was its location on |
| The most delightful of Hanoi's lakes is the serene | | | | the Saigon River. This made it perfect for a port |
| Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) | | | | and a major trading and transport hub for |
| that lies plumb in the heart of the city. Cross the | | | | Indochina. And today the river remains an |
| The Huc (Rising Sun) Bridge to explore the island | | | | important part of the city. The best way to |
| in its centre. The island is home to the 18th | | | | experience the charms of the city's main |
| century Ngoc Son (Jade Mountain) Temple. | | | | waterway and sample the country's culture is to |
| The shores of Hanoi's West Lake make up a | | | | take a five-mile cruise to the Binh Quoi II Tourist |
| popular meeting and picnicking spot. This lake is | | | | Resort. |
| nine miles in circumference and several cafes | | | | The Binh Quoi II Tourist Resort offers a range of |
| stand on its shores. A B52 bomber crashed into | | | | cultural events such as music and dancing and |
| this lake during the Vietnam War and its | | | | dining. One of the highlights is the show of a |
| wreckage remains. | | | | traditional Vietnamese wedding with a |
| Going south from Hanoi brings you to the imperial | | | | water-borne procession. Tours usually depart Ho |
| charm of the old capital Hue. The centrepiece | | | | Chi Minh City in the early evening and last for four |
| here is the Perfume River which is populated with | | | | hours. |
| dragon boats, houseboats, and long-tail sand | | | | Vietnam, a forward-looking nation that's steeped |
| dredgers. | | | | in history and a unique and wonderful culture, has |
| Linking the two banks is the Trang Tien Bridge, a | | | | much to offer the holiday maker. These three |
| popular evening strolling place for young lovers | | | | cities with their aquatic charms offer a great |
| and the perfect spot to take the air. In the | | | | introduction. |
| evenings, the bridge is illuminated with a light | | | | When visiting Vietnam, be sure to have a |
| display and the outdoor riverside cafes are | | | | reservation, because hotels in Vietnam could be |
| splendid spots to relax, admire the lights, and take | | | | fully booked in high season. Of course the |
| in the local action. | | | | Internet offers many opportunities to book |
| The Perfume River separates the city and the | | | | Vietnam hotels in advance. |