Perched on a pristine stretch of the southern coast, Nha Trang is a playground for sunseekers. Days here are spent dining on delicious seafood, snorkelling around stunning islands, and partying on the sand after dark. Nha Trang lays claim to some of the country's finest luxury resorts and thrilling watersports. Despite the development boom, colourful fishing villages and serene riverside restaurants are just a stone's throw away. Top things to do in Nha Trang Go beach-hunting During the day, Nha Trang Beach is awash with sunbathers. A few kilometres south of the city, Long Beach is home to a clutch of local seafood joints and surfing spots. If you feel like exploring farther, hire a motorbike to Dốc Lết or Đại Lãnh beaches. Try a mud bath Nha Trang's boasts a unique pair of wellness attrac

Hidden away in the Central Highlands, Da Lat plays the cooler cousin to Vietnam's seaside destinations. Famous for its countryside charm, Da Lat draws couples, wellness seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. This mountain resort town was once a summer getaway for the French, who left their mark in the European-inspired architecture and countless lakes. Da Lat's main lake is the centre of the action, but amazing natural wonders await in the hills all around. Top things to do in Da Lat Tour the city's landmarks Xuan Huong Lake is the focal point of Da Lat city. Nearby, the stalls of the central market are packed with fresh flowers and colourful produce. Colonial architecture abounds in churches, art-deco hotels, and the charming railway station. Play a round of golf At 5,000 feet above sea level,

It's easy to lose track of time in Mui Ne, riding bicycles along the coast, spending afternoons by the pool, and dining on fresh seafood with the sound of the waves in the background. With ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing, brightly coloured kites are a fixture on Mui Ne's beaches year-round. Over the years, this seaside retreat has evolved to offer guesthouses and resorts of every stripe. Come for the surf, stay for the mellow atmosphere. Top things to do in Mui Ne Explore the fishing harbour Most of Mui Ne's appeal comes from the 12 kilometres of beach that runs from nearby Phan Thiet to Mui Ne, where the area's original fishing village remains. Come early in the morning to watch the fishermen unload their catch. Try kitesurfing Mui Ne's dependable winds, which average abo

Vibrating with energy, innovation and traffic - lots of traffic - Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. A freewheeling, cosmopolitan metropolis, HCMC's dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city's past as well as its future. Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City See the top landmarks Walk down Đong Khởi street to acquaint yourself with the Notre Dame Cathedral , the city's Central Post Office , and the Saigon Opera House . On a more local level, Bến Thành Market and the Jade Emperor Pagoda are worth a visit. Shop small boutiques Around District 1, a host of old apartments and former office buildings have been repurposed as shopping centres. Decades-o

The Cu Chi tunnels are a testament to the perseverance of communist forces in survival and aggression--and they are very much worth seeing but visitors need to do their own research to fully appreciate the site. A visit to the Cu Chi tunnels is one of the most popular day trips from Ho Chi Minh City, but unfortunately this trip is also one of the weakest tourism experiences due to the cheap, run of the mill tours that funnel people through. First some background on the tunnels themselves, then we'll get on to the nitty gritty of how to approach them. The Cu Chi tunnels refer to the section of tunnels open to tourists, in the district of Cu Chi, 35 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. There are actually two sites opens to tourists, Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc, about 13 km apart. However, keep in min

A tiny archipelago off the southern coast, only a small number of travellers wind up in Con Dao. Though the trip requires extra effort, those who commit to the journey are rewarded with some of the country's most blissful beaches and best snorkelling. Much of the island is covered by the Con Dao National Park. Its dense jungle will give you ample chance to uncover a paradise of your own. Top things to do in Con Dao Go beach-hunting Con Dao travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to secluded beaches. Take a hike to Bai Ong Dung, a stony coastal spot where you can snorkel close to shore, or head to Dam Trau Beach or Dat Doc Beach for sunbathing. Sign up for a day trip Snorkelling and diving excursions on Con Dao reveal some of Vietnam's best underwater sightseeing. On land, hikers ca

At first glance, Can Tho seems to be a bustling city, with a stream of commerce flowing continuously down the Hau River. But treat yourself to a room on its leafy banks, dine on its sun-ripened fruits and fresh river fish, glide on sampans through its sultry canals, and you'll soon realise Can Tho's big city facade is just half the story. The other half? Misty sunrises over the water, lazy afternoons swaying in a hammock, and balmy evenings announced by a chorus of insects. Under the Mekong Delta's blazing blue skies, Can Tho leaves a vivid impression. Top things to do in Can Tho Tour the islets Whether you go by bicycle or sampan, the islets of Can Tho are where you feel the real pulse of local life. Book a community-based tour to lunch with a local family, explore rice paper villages and