Tourism is just an emerging industry in Vietnam. In recent years people have begun to realize the amazing beauty and possibilities in Vietnam. There are many new high class hotels and resorts there. Several international airlines now fly into Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Once in Vietnam people can travel by Vietnamese Airlines, rail, or by car. Major cities are the most popular places to visit, but there are also many serene and beautiful beaches and mountain getaways.

Major Cities and Attractions:

Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon, located in the lowlands of the South, was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the reunification of Vietnam in 1975. With a population of five million, it is Vietnam's largest city. It is a center for banking, manufacturing, and business. Ho Chi Minh City boasts many new, fine buildings, and a strong economy. The streets are wide here and cars (uncommon in most of the country) are seen often. Western influence is strong in Ho Chi Minh City. Many people wear jeans and T-shirts, listen to popular music, are easy going, and speak English, French, or Russian. Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling city. Tourist attractions include the Historical and War museums, the Notre Dame cathedral, Cholon (the Chinese part of town), and many beautiful buildings, temples, and pagodas. There are a series of tunnels, to the northwest of town, that were very important during the war.

Hanoi - Located in the Red River Delta in the North, Ha Noi is the political, economic, and cultural capital of Vietnam. It is the second largest city in the country, and has a population of around 4 million. The French built many grand houses and shaded streets there. There are many beautiful cathedrals, pagodas, temples, and other attractions. Hanoi is home to many museums and Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum.

Hue - Hue is an educational, religious, and cultural city. It has a population of 340,000 and is located on the Perfume river, near, but not on, the coast of Central Vietnam. Hue was hit hard by the war and many historic sites were destroyed. Once home to the emperors of Vietnam, Hue's most famous attraction is the royal citadel, imperial city, and the tombs of many emperors found there. Hue is also home to a famous Buddhist monastery, and exhibits a strong amount of the Vietnamese culture.

Haiphong City - Haiphong City is a port city located east of Hanoi, on the gulf of Tonkin. It is an industrial and shipping city with a population of 1.5 million. Tourist attractions include a beach resort and a beautiful national park nearby.

Danang - Da Nang is a sea port, along the central coast. It has a population of 1.1 million. Danang has many nice beaches, historical sites, industries, and shipping. It is home to the Champa museum. It includes incredible sculptures and artifacts made near Danang by the ancient Champa people before their kingdom was overrun by the Vietnamese.