| Indeed, from the moment you arrive at Vietnam, | | | | Of course, ensure you take the time to relax. So, |
| you will soon realise that you are not exactly | | | | wake in the morning and join in with a Tai Chi |
| short on activities and attractions. | | | | class on deck in the sunshine, and later tuck into |
| As such, you can cruise up the Tonle River, gliding | | | | tasty Vietnamese dishes or sit with a glass of |
| past shimmering temples on the banks. | | | | wine looking up at the stars glistening in the |
| Furthermore, hop on a traditional junk ship and | | | | cloudless sky. |
| tour around the evergreen islands or drift past Cai | | | | But while on holiday in Vietnam, why not sail down |
| Be's floating markets, where produce fills the | | | | the Mekong Delta among the narrow boats |
| wooden boats and locals barter as they flow past. | | | | trading their goods in the water, and pass rice |
| And, if you are interested in further understanding | | | | paddies and fruit orchards on the river banks. You |
| the culture of the area then visit Vietnam's | | | | can take a boat on a round trip from Ho Chi Minh |
| orphanages and discover the traditions of tribal | | | | City, or travel from the city to Phnom Penh. |
| villages - a tour will ensure an unforgettable | | | | But don't rush your Vietnam holiday. In fact, take |
| Vietnam holiday. | | | | time out to get to know the locals who might |
| If you take the time to discover Sapa, then stroll | | | | invite you in for a cup of tea, and make sure you |
| through the colourful Bac Ha market, passing | | | | savour every flavoursome mouthful of food. As |
| locals wearing vivid colours. Fluorescent pink head | | | | such, discover gems such as Le Longanier, a |
| scarves blend with brightly-striped dresses, while | | | | river-view Indochinese restaurant surrounded by |
| peaked hats and tartan umbrellas bob along in the | | | | tropical gardens. It is therefore good to know that |
| crowds. Also, dodge around horse-drawn carriages | | | | you can work off the food by climbing Sam |
| bringing produce into Sapa's Bac Ha market, and | | | | Mountain, passing shrines and temples perfect for |
| haggle for fresh fruit with the stallholders. | | | | exploring. |
| If you head to the famous Halong Bay, then hop | | | | As it goes, often a popular choice is to take a |
| on a replica paddle steamer or traditional junk ship, | | | | guided Vietnam tour of the de-militarised zone. In |
| watching the boat's grand shadow on the ripples | | | | the mid Fifties, a line divided Vietnam into the |
| of the water. Whilst you are there, sail through | | | | 'communist north' and the 'free' south. This line |
| Halong Bay past limestone karsts rising from the | | | | was the setting of many heavy battles and is a |
| mist in the early morning light. And if fishing is of | | | | fascinating area. So, pay a visit to the Vinh Moc |
| interest, pass through this spectacular UNESCO | | | | Tunnels, where many families lived secretly |
| World Heritage Site and discover the charming | | | | underground during the fighting. |
| fishing villages gracing Halong Bay's coastline. In | | | | Indeed, Vietnam is an enthralling country. It cannot |
| addition, stay the night on board a ship, casting | | | | be denied that when you plan your Vietnam |
| your line out during a spot of night fishing with the | | | | holidays, you may prepare yourself for a |
| crew. | | | | life-changing experience. |