Hanoi's past as the capital of Emperor Ly Thai and later of French Indochina has given it much to boast of. Remnants of French and Chinese occupation peek out at you between the streets, as the present-day capital of Vietnam plays catch up, leaving the horrors of its history behind yet retaining the heritage influences.

Easily accessible from Hanoi, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts tourists from across the world. The overnight cruise here is a once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable experience. Spend a night on a junk, float among the natural karst formations that tower above you, and discover gorgeous caves and hidden lagoons.

Ninh Binh in North Vietnam is home to the famous Tam Coc-Trang An complex of karst formations rising up from the ground. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is best experienced with a boat ride, with rice paddies on either side, water beneath the boat, and karsts surrounding you. It's transforming rice paddies in harvest season are gorgeous to behold.

Phong Nha is definitely among the top three adventure spots of Southeast Asia. With a system of caves (including the biggest cave in the world) chiselled into its mountains, its trek-friendly jungles and lagoons offering some surreal kayaking experiences, this off-beat spot and National Park are a paradise waiting to be explored.

Hue was home to 13 Nguyen emperors for nearly 150 years, and each of them left behind a piece of history. Walk through its Citadel and Imperial Enclosure that even today echos its glorious past. There is much to do within and outside Hue, and all the while the royals of the past oversee their city, guarding it from their tombs on its outskirts.

Once a port town, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and bears Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese and French architectural influences. Relaxing scenery and beaches are both within easy reach, and a vehicle ban in its Old Town makes exploring its 800+ preserved buildings on foot enjoyable.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is one of Vietnam's most energetic cities. It presents a seamless blend of past and present; a dynamic energy propels it forward, while remnants of its past lie among skyscrapers and shopping malls. It's also Vietnam's culinary capital, so make sure you sample the deliciousness of Vietnamese cuisine.