Despite the war, that ended only a little over 30 years ago, today Vietnam is a country of optimism and hope, burgeoning cities, an improving economy and a plethora of popular tourist attractions, including miles of sandy beaches on the South China Sea, lush jungle, the Mekong Delta and paddy fields. Tourists book flights to Vietnam in increasing numbers for beach or adventure holidays or to spend some time in its lively cities.

Most Vietnam flights arrive in one of its two major cities, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. Both cities cater to tourism with many hotels, restaurants, museums and nightclubs, though Ho Chi Minh City is more Westernised and far more hectic. Its street are filled with mopeds and it’s not an unusual to see locals loading their bikes up with boxes, luggage and even livestock and weaving off into the traffic-filled streets. Hanoi, in contrast, is a calm, elegant city, with a tranquil lake at its centre and French colonial architecture. After time in one of the main cities, most travellers head for the beaches, mountains or the caves of Ha Long Bay.