But there are also ancient temples and pagodas, modern shops and restaurant, excellent shopping, five star hotels and a humble population. The tropical weather of the country makes it quite pleasurable to escape to. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are the most common tourist destinations to visit but there are many other beautiful places here including the Dalat hill resort, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang and Vun Tau on the coast among many other. Christianity is also widely practised here. The people of Vietnam are friendly and helpful. Many speak a little English and some of the old timers still remember basic French. Ho Chi Minh is an eclectic bustling city with street markets, sidewalk cafes, trendy pubs and ancient pagodas, temples and shrines. More cosmopolitan than Hanoi, it is a favourite destinations for tourists as it has a good tourist infra structure. It has an international airport and a good bus and train service link it to the surrounding areas. Ancient pagodas, the interesting old quarter, the fantastic water puppet performances opposite an emerald green lake are only some of the attractions of this beautiful city. The natural beauty and the cool climate of the area also play a part in having the traveller fall in love with this area. Vietnam has a long coastline with some of the most spectacular beaches; soft sand, warm waters and many are quite secluded and private. Most of the beaches are located in the south and the best times for a beach holiday would be December to May. China Beach, between Da Nang and Hoi An, is one of the best beaches here. Dalat, nestled in the green hills of central southern Vietnam, is one of the jewels of Vietnam. This where the honeymooners head for because of the romantic ambiance of the hills and its cool climate with temperatures. The hill resort has many fine hotels and a golf course that was built by Emperor Bao Dai in the 1930’s. Other attractions include the many trails for walking and hiking, the market area, boating and the quaint side walk cafes. A two hour drive south over the Hai Van pass and beyond Danang is the quaint ancient sea trading town of Hoi An which is a delightful and eclectic mix of architectural styles dating back four centuries and mercifully spared in the war. Kontum, is in the northernmost province of the central highlands, is the home of the Jarai, Sedeng, Rengao and Bahnar ethnic hill tribes. It is not usually visited by tourists but it does make an interesting visit. The natural beauty of the area is quite untouched by modern development and there are virgin jungles here. Sapa is far more popular, known for its trekking and many colourful hill tribes. | 
