5 Ideas To Help You 10 Thing To Do When To Vietnam Travel Like A Pro

In preparation I've been scouring my favourite blogs to see what everyone else got up to when visiting the country.

Cocktail in hand, admire the best view of Ho Chi Minh City by night. Get your gladrags on and head up to one of the many skybars, found on the top floor of the city's sleek skyscrapers. Former Saigon is now Vietnam's international business hub.

It is also the center of Catholicism for the country. Finished in 1880, this church stands 57 meters high and is the largest church in Vietnam. This French cathedral is another example of colonial influence.

One of the most widely known structures in the area is the Notre Dame Cathedral. It was built in 1927 to honor Vietnamese war dead from World War I and was rededicated in 1955 to the first Hung King. This temple is right next to the Museum of History and is well worth a look.

There is also the Temple of King Hung Voung. Tourists often visit to see the scenic little temples in the area. Today it is a popular worship site for locals.

Tran Hung Dao Temple is dedicated to the Vietnamese hero and king, Tran Hung Dao, who vanquished the Mongols in 1287. It is the headquarters of the unique Ca Dai sect, a religion that is a hybrid of Buddhism, Christianity, and Confucianism. The temple was built in 1926 and is considered one of the most striking structures in Southeast Asia.

Daytime visitors can witness the midday mass held by the Cao Dai followers. Cao Dai Temple, or the Great Holy See Temple, is one of the places you must see when in Ho Chi Minh City. There are many historic religious structures in the city.

Given its size and history, it should be no surprise that there are many attractions and things to do when visiting. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. Build a sandcastle and watch the tide slowly surround it. Or make your own paper kites and then fly them on the beach as the sunsets.

Borrow a kayak and paddle out to the off-short platform for a spot of snorkelling. The resort runs a very low-key series of activities for children. Think comfortable beach bungalows with slatted shutters that let in the sea breeze, outdoor showers and stunning views.

Our top tip is to stay at the Mango Bay Resort, a truly idyllic place perched on the edge of the ocean. BUT, and it's a big but, if you head travel to vietnam and laos the right part of the island you can find a little slice of gorgeousness. There are many ethnic minority hill tribes who live around this area and there are plenty of tours and companies ready and willing to introduce you.

Glimpsing colourful and unusual traditional dress while learning and witnessing age-old customs and culture are all part of the draw. However, the main reason for visits here is to afford travellers a glimpse into a way of life little changed in centuries - that of the hill tribe people. The rugged scenery of this beautiful mountain town surrounded by rice terraces and rich tropical vegetation is worth the journey here in itself.

Vietnam Motorbike Tour has day trips and tours. The route passes battlefields like Khe Sanh and the Ia Drang Valley, skirts tribal villages and offers easy access to some of the country's top attractions. It's peaceful compared with the truck-clogged nightmare of Highway 1A, the country's main north/south highway.

The disused prison is a vivid reminder of darker times, but the archipelago's main draw is its natural attributes.