Sergio Gomez Event Agency

One of the most enriching countries in the world, Vietnam is an absolute assault on the senses. This is a country which offers highly rewarding adventure travel, active vacations and cultural immersion in a wonderfully exotic way of life. Blessed with captivating cities, lush soaring mountains, over 1500 km of coastline with white sandy beaches, and home to colonial palaces, pagodas, tombs and temples and hill-tribe peoples, Vietnam is an adventure waiting to be discovered. Hanoi and the North, Northern Vietnam is breathtaking with its high mountains, emerald green forests and valleys, its picturesque seascapes and lush scenery. Elegant Hanoi, a blend of Indochinese and French influences and Vietnam's capital, is one of the loveliest cities in Asia. Teeming with lakes and monuments, an Old Town with narrow streets crammed with artisans' shops, and a French Quarter characterized by beautiful colonial buildings, it is a city to explore on foot. Halong Bay: Nothing compares to the beauty of Halong Bay, Vietnam's most dramatic natural asset. A UNESCO seascape, its thousands of lush limestone karsts rise majestically from the sea in spectacular fashion. Hidden caverns, forested islands and floating isles are accessed by overnight cruises on local junks, by kayaking, boating or simply swimming in the calm bay waters.

Hosts of travelers to Vietnam are encouraged to develop destinations and activities that attract today's globe trotting tourists. Training in the customer service area was stressed indicating that Vietnam's government officials are conscious of the term "happy customer" in today's free market economy. Local communities are encouraged to develop their own attractions to encourage tourism, providing employment opportunities for locals. The past few years have seen a huge increase in the number of "touristy" type activities: beauty contests, sky diving and surf sailing competitions, and even "eco-tourism" has made it's way into the local lexicon.

In the middle of Vietnam, the most famous city is Hue. It was the capital of Vietnam during the feudal system's time. Hue has many old temples and palaces which date back from many centuries ago, when the King was still in power. It is also famous for many kinds of unique food which are usually very hot and spicy.

Dalat: Inland, the charming hilltop town of Dalat is perched on the cooling mountains of the central highlands. This center of romance is small, beautiful and very French, and houses Emperor Bao Dai's summer palaces. This is the area of forested mountains, ice blue lakes and grand waterfalls where hiking, walking, boating and cycling enhance the spirit of romantic adventure. Saigon and the South, Cosmopolitan Saigon, with its glass skyscrapers, its brightly colored, ornate pagodas, its host of modern shops, its cacophony of horns and shouting, and its unique mode of traffic - 4 million motorbikes - is glitzy, chaotic and mesmerizing. Its history sets it apart: A main venue during the Vietnam War, it overflows with tragic remnants.

The biggest gains are evidenced by the increase of "small-time operators" in Vietnam's tourist industry: internet cafes abound, small tour boat operators offer 1/2 day cruises, and private cars provide local transportation and foreign language speaking driver/guides. Craft, tailor and souviner shops are everywhere. Farmers grow fruits and vegetables for restaurants and hotels. They're also growing prosperous. The welcome mat is out in Vietnam For History And Beauty!