Vietnam offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world. Despite its ongoing economic liberalization and the pressures of rapid development, this dignified country has managed to preserve its rich civilization and highly cultured society.

The country lies in the eastern part of the IndoChina peninsula, bordered by China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the East Sea and Pacific Ocean to the southeast. Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. Thus, there are no good or bad seasons to visit Vietnam. When one region is wet, cold, or steamy hot, there is always somewhere else that is sunny and pleasant.

Vietnamese (kinh) is the official language of the country, although there are dialectic differences across Vietnam. There are dozens of different languages spoken by various ethnic minorities and Khmer and Laotian are spoken in some parts. The most widely spoken foreign languages in Vietnam are Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), English, French, and Russian - more or less in that order.

Vietnam's coast has been awarded a series of large seaports, such as the ones at Haiphong, Danang, Qui Nhon, Cam Ranh, Vung Tau, and Saigon. Among the most popular tourist destinations are the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa Archipelagos. Vietnam is crisscrossed by thousands of streams and rivers. Vietnam also has abundant subterranean mineral water sources. Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south, and almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats.

There are some divine beaches along the coast, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Tra Co, Sam Son, Lang Co, Non Nuoc, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, and Ha Tien. In some places, you will see mountains jutting out to the sea. One such magnificent site is Halong Bay, which has recently been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Hanoi has shaken off its hostile attitude to travelers and has become one of the most beguiling cities in Asia. It is slow-paced and pleasant, with a lovely landscape of lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks, colonial French houses, and astounding modern skyscrapers. Hanoi's enchanting Old Quarter is rich with over a thousand years of history. Emerge from its thronged labyrinth to explore the city's lakes, pagodas, historical houses, and strange preponderance of turtle imagery. The museums will help make sense of it all.

The city of Dalat is the jewel of the southern Central Highlands due to its cool climate and the park-like environment of the tranquil highlands. Make sure you visit the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, nicknamed the Crazy House by locals. Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace is stuffed with interesting art and artifacts, and is well worth a look. It's also interesting to stroll around the old French Quarter, which is little changed since the French departed. When out walking or riding, beware of areas signposted with a C-sign that are off-limits to foreigners.

Magnificent Halong Bay, with its 3000 islands rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, is one of Vietnam's natural marvels. The tiny islands are dotted with innumerable beaches and grottoes created by the wind and waves. The most impressive of the grottoes is the Hang Dau Go, a huge cave of three chambers, while the Thien Cung Caves are also very impressive. The name Ha Long means "where the dragon descended into the sea," and refers to a legend about a dragon that created the bay and islands with its flailing tail. There's even a modern legendary creature, the Tarasque, said to haunt the area.

Ho Chi Minh City is the heart and soul of Vietnam. It's a bustling, dynamic, and industrious centre, the largest city in the country, the economic capital, and the cultural trendsetter. Yet, within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture. Ho Chi Minh City has several excellent museums that explore its dramatic history and feature everything from harrowing images of the war and revolution to political art. Outside, botanical gardens, temples, pagodas, and churches beckon and inspire.

Hué has been one of Vietnam's main cultural, religious, and education centers. Its Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most famous structures in Vietnam. Visit the remains of the huge, moated Citadel (Kinh Thanh), the intriguing Forbidden Purple City, the splendid Royal Tombs, and other places of religious and dynastic importance, and some good museums via sampan trips up the Perfume River.

Although it has the potential to develop into a flashy resort, Nha Trang is still a good place to go for sun and partying. With very clear turquoise waters (except for the wet season), snorkeling, diving, and fishing are prime activities, and just lazing on the town beach is an experience in itself. Interesting sites nearby include the Long Son Pagoda and the Cham towers of Po Nagar. To cater for the growing influx of visitors, many new hotels have been built in town. Nha Trang is a major fishing port; so excellent seafood is available.

For adventure buffs, Vietnam has 3450 km (2140 mi) of coastline, and you can hire snorkeling and diving gear at most beach resorts. The most popular beaches include Vung Tau, just north of the Mekong Delta; Nha Trang; and the 30 km-long expanse of beaches named China Beach. There is good hiking, horse riding, and cycling in the beautiful countryside around Dalat, while some of the national parks are also good for hiking. Vietnam is a favorite place for long-distance cycling because much of the country is flat and the shortage of vehicles makes for light traffic off the main highways. Spelunkers should head for the spectacular Pong Nha river caves, north-west of Dong Hoi. Those interested in the Vietnam War can walk part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Vietnamese cuisine is especially varied - there are said to be nearly 500 different traditional dishes that include exotic meats (but consider carefully before you eat a rare animal) and fantastic vegetarian creations (often prepared to replicate meat and fish dishes). However, the staple of Vietnamese cuisine is plain white rice dressed up with a plethora of vegetables, fish, meat, spices, and sauces. Spring rolls, noodles, and steamed rice dumplings are popular snacks, and the ubiquitous soups include eel and vermicelli, shredded chicken, and bitter soups. Fruit is abundant; some of the more unusual ones include green dragon fruit, jujube, khaki, longan, mangosteen, pomelo, three-seed cherry, and water apple. The exotic dragon fruit (thanh long) grows only in the Nha Trang area. It's about the size and shape of a small pineapple, but tastes something like a kiwifruit. The fruit is in season from May to September, when you can find it served as a drink. Vietnamese coffee is very good; it's usually served very strong and very sweet.

The Gem of Asia, Vietnam has a lot to offer the discerning traveler and is good value for money as it is still relatively unspoiled. The rich culture, cuisine, and adventure spots promise an unforgettable holiday experience.