Here at Black Tomato we can't get enough of Vietnam. Why, you ask? Well this fascinating country has it all, from mist-shrouded mountain lakes and faded colonial grandeur to jungles and glorious scuba diving. But beyond its natural riches, Vietnam has that intangible quality: buzz. With two-thirds of the population under 30, the country is filled with creative energy, and stylish new hotels and restaurants are opening up practically every week (sound pretty cool? We think so too). So how do we suggest you 'do' Vietnam? First off, there's no point worrying about where to go - you simply must see the entire length.
Start your trip in the north where you can take in the impressive Belle Epoque glamour of Hanoi. This grand old dame of the east seamlessly mixes an old world Parisian legacy with the frenetic and bustling excitement of a modern-day Asian capital. Allocate an extra day in the area to take in a boat trip in Halong Bay or some mountain trekking north of the city.
Moving south, stop in Hoi An, the most charming and beautiful of Vietnam's coastal towns. With many of its wooden buildings dating from the 19
th century or earlier, the place is a living version of Vietnam's history - you'll actually feel transported. The next stop is the funky beach capital, Nha Trang. We love to hole up here in the stylish Evason Ana Mandara resort which is built to look like a traditional Vietnamese village surrounded by jungles. To escape the heat you can then venture into the central highlands of Dalat, long the summer retreat for Vietnam's royalty and social elite. But if you'd rather pump up the water sports adrenalin, then skip the highlands and head straight to Vietnam's kite-surfing capital: Phan Thiet
Finish off in frenetic, exciting Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon - and believe us, the heat is definitely on). Explore ancient temples, visit the war remnants museum and the eerie Cu Chi Tunnels, or take a boat cruise along the Mekong Delta. And dare we mention the shopping? Well suffice to say you should definitely pack an extra bag or you'll never get all your purchases home.
Got a bit more time on your hands? Continue to the end of the country and spend a few days recharging on the gorgeous and quiet Phu Quoc Island before crossing over into Cambodia to start a whole new Southeast Asian adventure.
