Halong Bay: Just a short few hours from Hanoi, the bay at Halong, with its craggy limestone towers dotting the wide-open bay all the way to the horizon, has long inspired Vietnamese poets and philosophers. A ride on the bay these days is a rather busy, crowded affair, but some luxury tours and a few eco-tour operators can take you to the back of beyond, exploring little-known caves by kayak.
Nha Trang: Vietnam's Ocean City is very crowded in the summertime with domestic tourists, but it's a great escape. The city has a few worthy sights -- otherwise a cluttered market town -- but there are some great new resorts and the best seafood going.
Mui Ne Beach, Phan Thiet: Just a few hours from Saigon, Phan Thiet is the perfect getaway for Saigon residents. There's a golf course designed by Nick Faldo, the seafood is good, and there are some great day trips to remote sand dunes and smaller fishing villages.
Phu Quoc Island: Phu Quoc boasts vast tracts of interior forestland and far-flung beaches great for exploring by motorbike. There's a small clutch of mid- to low-end resorts and La Veranda, an affordable luxury resort, but the times they are a-changin' and development is on the way. Get here fast.
The Cao Dai Holy See: The spiritual home base of the Cao Dai religion, a unique contemporary faith, the Holy See is a fantasyland of colored mosaics and elaborate painting. Followers are dressed in white turbans during the picturesque daily procession.
Tomb of Khai Dinh: The egotistical, eccentric emperor Khai Dinh left behind a tomb that is a gaudy mix of Gothic, baroque, and classical Chinese architecture. Quite unique.
The Tunnels of Vinh Moc and Cu Chi: Faced with devastating air raids, both of these sites supported large groups of soldiers and civilians who used the tunnels as supply lines, as escape routes, and as bases for waging a devastating guerilla campaign against U.S. forces. Day trips to either site are memorable.
Hoa Lo Prison (aka Hanoi Hilton): Home to U.S. pilots -- including John McCain -- who were shot down during the Vietnamese war with the U.S., Hoa Lo Prison is now a small museum (most of it was demolished for a high-rise). A good glimpse into Vietnam's grisly past.
Reunification Palace: In 1975 tanks rolled over the gates of the prime minister's palace, signaling an end to the Vietnam War. You can see the actual tanks on-site.
Eat on the Street: "Real" Vietnamese food is best at street side or in small market areas, and though it might be a little grungy or off-putting to some, dining alfresco in old Indochina offers the most authentic and delicious meals. Prepare yourself for some adventurous dining. If you're in Ho Chi Minh City, try Quan An Ngon Restaurant for a safe overview of Vietnamese fare.
