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Map of Vietnam
 Traces of former French colonialism may still be found here and there in Vietnam, but eastern influences are fast outnumbering those from the west. The capital, Hanoi, is a city of temples and pagodas.
To the south, well beyond the ugly remnants of the country’s long war, Hoi An is full of wooden houses and shops and close to My Son, scene of Vietnam’s greatest temple ruins. Nearby Hué is well worth a visit as it has a wealth of palaces and temples. Further down the coast, one of Nha Trang’s major landmarks is the White Buddha, built on a hillside in 1963; the other is the seven-hundred years old Po Nagar Cham Towers. One of the major attractions of this city is the soastline and the attractive municipal beach.
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is a frenetic place when compared to the capital. It is a good centre for visits to the Mekong Delta, which is best explored by boat. Further from the city are hill stations and beaches, offering something for everyone. Vung Tau is about 90 miles south east of Ho Chi Min City. Its name means ‘Bay of Boats’ and it is a beach resort set between two mountains. It is a welcome retreat from the bustle of the city.
 Danang, Vietnam’s main port, was the South Vietnamese host to US troops during the war. It is one of the cities showing most of the French influence in the design of the streets and houses. The Cham Museum is very impressive and has a unique collection of Cham artefacts.
 The Vietnam climate is basically tropical monsoon but may vary considerably in different parts of the country. The best overall times to visit are is autumn and early spring. Temperatures vary between 20ºC and 30ºC. It is best to check the climatic conditions for specific areas before booking a holiday, as there are times when particular areas are subject to flooding, for example on the northern coast between July and November. Vietnamese food is generally similar to Chinese cuisine and the street kitchens are the cheapest places to eat. However, there are many western-style restaurants, varying in price.
Map of Vietnam
map courtesey of CIA World Factbook - Vietnam
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