Vietnam, what are some places I should definately check out?

Vietnam is the in place to visit right now. If you start in Hanoi make sure to take the night train to Sapa and stay at the Mountain view. It could be the highlight of your trip. Take the 2 day tour to Halong Bay. Very nice. Then start south bound. I firmly believe that Hoian is the best place to visit in Vietnam. The ancient town is a World Heritage city and absolutely beautiful. The beach is white sand and 40 kilometers long. Vietnam is really inexpensive. Hotels around $10 a night. You can find beer at less than 15 cents a glass. The people are wonderful. Pass on Nha Trang unless you like multi story buildings on the beach. Dalat is great and Saigon is always and experience. Phu Quoc was disappointing to me. They just don't have a clue as far as conservation and the beach's and harbors were filthy. The infrastructure is just not there yet but you can see that the island will be something special in the future. Its not special now. The Mekong is great with lots of things to see but you can do it in a couple of days. You are going to have a great time. I went around the world to many different countries. On the road for over a year. I chose to purchase a house in Hoian. its the best.

Chao, I just recently returned from visiting my relatives there. I am familiar that each region affirms its uniqueness.

Some travellers may find poverty or lack of utilities abit annoying and scared of crime etc. Vietnam for travellers is much safer than you think (although you should mind some of the train services and taxi guys...)

Start in Ha Noi, a so-called city which is frozen in time. Much history is to be found there. If you're a fan of communism then visit Uncle Ho at his mausoleum in Ba Dinh.

Then move your way south to Hoi An, a stunning town of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese influences. Further south is the centre of Vietnam and so it was for the imperial dynasties: Hue-Thua thien is a tranquil and ancient city with Chinese influences in most of the architecture.

Further south you can try out Nha Trang or Vung Tau beach resorts. Da Nang...haven't been there lol. Definitely been o Sai Gon (notice how I don't call it HCM City - mind you I'm not a supporter of communism). Sai Gon is the "pulse" of Vietnam. The Cu Chi tunnel is not my favourite but a stroll around Sai Gon is just too much to handle! - Visit Notre Dame Saigon or Ben Thanh market. Visit Chinatown (Cho Lon - Big Market) or one of over 300,000 shops ???

Boy that's more than the population of some countries!

Head to the mountain towns if you please. The Mekong delta and its 9 branches - thus in Vietnamese is called the 9 dragons river (Cuu Long). Try the exotic fruits and take a cruise through the mirky and well...damn right polluted rivers. Some places, bring a head mask! or risk suffocation! - lol kidding. That's what you should expect of one of the poorest nations on Earth (59th Economically largest ou of 200+ nations). Bring your barbecue coz the temp is usually scorching.

NOTICE all the propaganda and red flags. Note not to fly this red flag overseas though, overseas Vietnamese are still battling for democracy - a secret struggle.

Nha Trang,great beach good nightlife,a huge choice of hotels and resteraunts.