Vietnam is a country of warm and gracious people, a fascinating culture and beautiful landscapes. Densly forested mountains yield to breathtaking passes then merge into low, flat deltas with their cultivated paddy fields. A long, narrow coastal strip follows the "S" shaped contour of the country culminating in thousands of islands and archipelagoes to explore.

Historical and cultural vestiges of a rich past are evident throughout the country. Ancient pagodas and temples, traditional villages and time-honored traditions still remain an important part of Vietnamese life. The five UNESCO World Heritage sites are an endless source of fascination for visitors because they offer some of the best glimpses into the ancient culture and heritage of Vietnam. Treat yourself to a visit to these sites and experience some of Vietnam’s most memorable attractions.

• The Complex of Hué Monuments: Hue is the ancient capital of Vietnam and home to imperial palaces, pagodas, temples, burial tombs and the scenic Perfume River.
• Ha Long Bay: is an extraordinary natural wonder of emerald waters, sheer cliffs, and limestone & dolomite islands rising from the sea that should not be missed.
• Hoi An: is city that retains much of the look and feel of its ancient past. Original structures and narrow streets transport you back a few centuries to Vietnam’s past. One of the highlights of a visit to this quaint city is the practice of illuminating the city by colored lanterns on the 15th day of every lunar month to honor the ancient spirit of the past.
• My Son Sanctuary: is an archeological complex that was an imperial city between the 4th and the 12th centuries and houses significant artifacts and religious monuments.
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes including caves with limestone formations, primitive tropical forest, unexplored mountain peaks, underground rivers with grottoes, and dozens of rare plant and animal species.

While there are dozens of cities throughout Vietnam that offer many beautiful attractions, two cities should defintely be include in any visit to Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is near the delta of the Mekong River on the bank of the Saigon River. Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and the the commercial center for Vietnam and many international companies. A lively, bustling city, it has wide boulevards and stately French colonial architecture that competes with modern skyscrapers. Good food and shopping opportunities are in endless supply, so take in the French Quarter, the delicacies of the Ben Thanh Market, and the mysterious Cholon area, Saigon's Chinatown.

Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has a distinctive European feel. Famous for its lush parks and peaceful lakes, it is laid-back and beautiful. At the center of this historical and cultural gem sits the tree-lined Hoan Kiem Lake. Famous for its parks and surrounding gardens, it has hundreds of pagodas and temples to explore. The Old Quarter to the north trades in specialty crafts difficult to find anywhere else. And to the west, many historical monuments, the most famous of which is Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, occupies the grounds of the former Imperial City. The French Quarter to the south is an elegant reminder of Vietnam's colonial past.

Wherever you go you will find it impossible to resist the grace and beauty of the Vietnamese and this charming country.