Vietnam is Southeast Asian country on the South China Sea known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. Hanoi, the capital, pays homage to the nation’s iconic communist-era leader Ho Chi-Minh, via huge marble mausoleum. Ho Chi Mnh city (formerly Saigon) has French colonial landmarks, plus Vietnamese war history museums and the Cu Chi tunnels, used by Viet Cong soldiers.

Hoi An is known for its mix of architectural styles and eras, including the iconic Japanese coverage bridge. Hue has the massive Citadel, built by Nguyen dynasty. The Mekong Delta, a maze of river and islands, has floating markets and Khmer pagodas. Junk Boat tours and sea kayaking expeditions traverse the clam waters of Ha Long Bay, home to thousands of towering limestone islands.