Shaped like a prolonged "S", Vietnam is a country of striking contrasts which can be divided into three distinct regions. The north with its chilly winters features Hanoi and the Red River Delta, the center which consists of the rugged Annamite Mountains as well as points where Vietnam is only fifty miles wide and the south where the mighty Mekong River spills all of its glory into the South China Sea after its 2,800 mile journey. Vietnam's unexplored coastline stretches 1,800 miles from China to Cambodia. With an estimated 70 million people, Vietnam has the 12th largest population in the world. A lush country with diverse peoples, cultures and influences, Vietnam is now ready to turn its highly turbulent past into a progressive, modern success story. With economic reform becoming more evident and foreign relations improving daily, the Vietnamese people are finally able to take advantage of the free market and exert more control over their lives. Vietnam formally reopened its doors to tourism in 1987. Since that time, there have been substantial improvements to the transportation and accommodation infrastructure that have made Vietnam a wonderful place to travel.

Ho Chi Minh City, popularly referred to by its former name Saigon, is a bustling cosmopolitan city that is the heart and economic capital of Vietnam. Located on the Saigon River, Saigon has a racially mixed population of three million. The French colonial influence and lively Asian markets make wandering in the streets a pleasure. Visit Chinatown, full of markets, Buddhist temples and an emerging nightlife. The legacy of the colonial architecture and city planning is apparent when you stroll through the tranquil Victorian gardens of Reunification Hall or visit the National History Museum which contains an extensive collection of Vietnamese, Khmer and Cham artifacts. The celebration of Tet, the Chinese lunar new year, is by far the most joyous and elaborate in all of Asia.

The Mekong Delta is a rich fertile rice growing region to the south of Saigon. Navigate the many tributaries for an up close view of authentic floating markets, succulent fruit orchards and peaceful river life. Explore the small market towns of My Tho, Vinh Long and Can Tho. Dalat is a cool mountain town that is a favorite spot for Vietnamese honeymooners. Located in the central highlands, Dalat's lovely climate and French influence combined with its many gardens, lakes and waterfalls make for the perfect romantic hideaway.

The picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang offers a number of historical sights of interest as well as some of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches. The Po Nagar Cham Towers are sun-baked monuments dedicated to Shiva by the Hindu-influenced Cham civilization. The central coastal city of Danang was once home to the busiest airport in the world. Danang prides itself for having the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. The open air Cham Museum contains artifacts that date from the 7th century - a real treat for the visitor. The ancient port city of Hoi An is an interesting trading town that adopted and assimilated the influences of its trading partners. A short drive north, over the picturesque Hai Van Pass, lies the unforgettable city of Hue. Divided by the majestic Perfume River, Hue is a small friendly city with a long history of cultural and educational advancement. At the center stands the former Royal Citadel consisting of three walled cities, surrounded by a moat, including the Forbidden Purple City. Take a short river excursion to the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors and see first hand the elaborate sculpture and architecture constructed in memorial to the benevolence of these rulers.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, with a population of 2.7 million people, is one of the most charming cities in all of Asia. With its numerous lakes and quiet treelined boulevards accommodating the gentle meandering of tri-shaws and bicycles, Hanoi is truly a tranquil place. The Temple of Literature, built in 1070, contains a number of stelae dedicated to the cult of Confucious. The One Pillar Pagoda represents the Buddhist interpretation of the world as a lotus blossom emerging from the lake. The Fine Arts Museum contains an admirable collection of contemporary as well as historical works of art.