Vietnam's diverse natural seascapes, abundant marine ecosytems and tropical waters all lead to one thing: scuba diving has become one of the country's most sought-after holiday experiences.

Amongst the many fabulous resorts, one of the best known is Nha Trang. Basically a central coastal town (Nha Trang) surrounded by islands, the Hon Mun Marine Park was established three years ago. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, and is presently one of Vietnam's principal draws for visitors from all parts of the Far East and beyond.

Diving in this part of the world is particularly popular because of the crystal clear waters. While there are not as many vast shoals of bigger fish as in other parts of the world, with less likelihood of coming across manta rays or sharks, the vicinity is renowned for being teeming with large numbers of brightly-coloured reef fish and molluscs. The high concentration of marine life in a relatively enclosed area means that Nha Trang scuba diving is ideal for the beginner, while those with a bit more experience can spend time getting reacquainted with their favourite pastime.

Conditions

The environment beneath the surface here is extremely diverse. Coral reefs range from hard and soft and are uniformly in pristine condition. As such, the reefs form the ideal habitat for a large variety of marine creatures. The fish darting to and fro amongst coral, feeding on microscopic sea creatures or, indeed, smaller fish, seem to come in every conceivable colour or pattern under the sun. Often the coral beneath the fish is completely obscured by the huge quantities of damselfish, fairy basslets, and a myriad number of other species. If you are extremely fortunate, you may catch sight of the mysterious dugong – a secretive and extremely rare marine mammal that has often been regarded as the source of ancient mermaid myths.

Islands

There are numerous islands in the Nha Trang vicinity that form ideal launch pads for your undersea exploration.

Con Dao is a tight-knit group of islands lying 180 kilometres from Vung Tau. The local population is around 5,000, and the main island's previous claim to fame was the fact it once housed a feared penal colony (you'll be relieved to know this closed in 1975).

Elsewhere in the archipelago, the World Wife Fund for Nature has been actively protecting dugong and sea turtles since 1995. Over 300,000 baby turtles have been released into the waters around here, and over 1,000 adults have been tagged during the same period of time.

Whale Island (or Nha Trang) allows shore diving to a depth of around 15 metres. Wall dives are possible to a depth of 40 metres, with coral gardens commencing at the 15-metre mark. Despite the island's name, sightings of whales, whale sharks or larger rays are rare – although not unknown. You might just be lucky.

Cu Lao Cham Marine Park is around 25 minutes away by speedboat ride. The eight islands that comprise this park are home to an incredibly diverse range of marine wildlife. In all, there are over 150 species of coral, over 80 species of molluscs, four lobster species and over 200 species of fish.

Vietnam is a land of diverse experiences and changing landscapes. Its location at the tip of the Far East portion of mainland Asia has meant that it has seen more than its fair share of civilizations crossing its land mass. This melting pot characteristic has given rise to an incredibly rich historical heritage. So, for those visiting Vietnam who are looking for a bit more than visits to its renowned floating markets, what are the cultural highlights?

When many visitors first consider visiting the Far East, Vietnam is not always the first choice. Perhaps there are lingering thoughts of all those war films that once featured Vietnam as their backdrop. However, the conflicts that once afflicted this beautiful Asian country occurred decades ago. Since the end of hostilities way back in the 1970s, Vietnam has become one of the most prosperous nations in this corner of the globe. When visiting Vietnam, it is possible to get a hint of what the civil war was like by paying a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels.

Cu Chi tunnels (on history.com)

Lighting in a suburb of Ho Chi Minh City, this subterranean lair stretches for some 300 miles underneath dense jungle. Surprising though it may seem, this tunnel system is actually one of the country's most impressive tourist draws. By clambering down into this hidden world, it is possible to experience what life was like for the forces of the National Liberation Front, who used this hideaway as a secret position for waging guerilla warfare against the occupying American forces and their government allies.

It is possible to see former kitchens, bedrooms, communal areas where children were educated, and even the printing presses where propaganda literature was created, right under the noses of the enemy. Tours to the underground tunnel system are operated from Ho Chi Minh City all year round.

Du Hang Pagoda (on lonelyplanet.com)

While Vietnam certainly has no shortage of pagodas, the Du Hang is one of the most interesting. Dating as far back as the 18th century, this vast temple is renowned for its amazing interior decoration. You'll spend quite some time just taking in the incredible detail of its ornate patterns and ancient furnishings.

Hanoi History Museum

If you are looking to gain a snapshot of Vietnam's rich historical development, then Hanoi's History Museum is a recommended starting point. It contains numerous relics of the country's prehistoric and historic evolution, including many displays dedicated to its earliest civilizations, right through to the Dong Son period. Key to understanding the potent nature of Vietnam's national identity are its struggles against colonial aggressors, particularly the Chinese, and then the French. There is also a diverse range of exhibits which are dedicated to the rise and triumph of the communists, particularly during the American War.

Cuc Phuong

Just outside Hanoi is the National Preserve of Cuc Phuong. Located deep inside the Vietnamese countryside, this area is characterized by primeval forests. Cuc Phuong is known as a large area of tropical vegetation, riddled with caves and exotic subterranean grottoes. As well as a landscape of rich natural history, successive human visitors have left their mark here over the centuries.

According to Rough Guides, Vietnam for years is among relatively safe country for travelers including solo women visitors. But there are some, in particularly things to be taken into consideration before wanderlust comes to Vietnam. Let's check out below:

When to visit Vietnam?

Sounds like an old question, but yes, really important because it will play a great role contributing to your awesome trip. Luckily, visitors can come to Vietnam anytime in a year but with just some notices and they can choose the right place to go.

Northern area: There are 4 distinct seasons including Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Each season has its own exquisiteness so just arrange suitable time depends on schedule of the trip.

Central area: The most typical climate feature Central is the rainy and dry season, of which summer is the hottest time of this land.

Southern area: Humid tropical climate with 2 main rainy and dry seasons.

Ideal time suggested: Visit Hanoi or Sapa in October/ November/ December; Ho Chi Minh in February/ March; Hue down to Nha Trang from January to July.

What to eat in Vietnam?

Another simple wonder when discovering a new land, then it should be about food and culinary. First-time comers must have been searching much for all related information and here are some popular dishes listed: Pho (noodles), Bun cha (grilled pork, eaten with thin noodles, sauce, herbs and vegetable), Banh mi, Bia hoi (beer), etc. But they are just a small part of various food map in Vietnam, so for more information, have a look at the example list:

Ha Giang: Buffalo meat hanging on the traditional wood stove Hanoi: Pho, Bun cha, Bun thang, etc. Nha Trang: Jellyfish noodles Ho Chi Minh: Rice with pork ribs

If you want to experience all in a guided tour, then we recommend you a gourmet tour with https://vietnamdiscovery.com/gourmet-vietnam-tours-28.

How to cross the streets in Vietnam?

For those coming and staying in Vietnam, especially in big cities like Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh for the first time, there will have no hassle more than passing the streets full of rushing motorbikes, taxi, cars, buses, etc. Traffic is a little bit scary as you'll still have to watch out although pedestrian lights are on and if other vehicles want to pass you, they signals by horning as much and loudly as they can. It will take you some time to get used to it then!

So here're the tips:

Take it slowly

Look out cars/buses, etc. carefully

Follow locals – they are masters of crossing labyrinthine streets

What to prepare before flying?

Of course it should be about required documents for entering Vietnam including Vietnam visa, air tickets and money.

The first one, visa, can be seen the most complicated procedure to be accepted getting in a country but now it's all so easy with visa on arrival. Applicants will only need to fill in online form, get approval letter via email and then get passport stamped at Vietnam airport, which is definitely stress free!

Vietnam visa on arrival is issued for those who travel to Vietnam by AIR only so please take note this one and have your wise arrangement!

There are many cultural events occurring throughout Vietnam over the second half of each year.

August

Compared to many of the religious celebrations held in Vietnam over the first six months each year, which rightly call for a degree of formality and veneration, August's Honchien Temple Festival is all about fun. Here the revelers put on imperial costumes as they take part in a vibrant procession near the Perfume River. Tourists are encouraged to participate in the exciting festivities.

September

The Kiep Bac Festival is one of Vietnam's most important historical celebrations. This is all about marking the moment in the nation's story when the Chinese Nguyen Mang invaders were finally repulsed. Kiep Bac is celebrated in the temple in Luc Dau, and commemorates the victorious Vietnamese general Saint Tran.

Festivities run over a five-day period, featuring a pilgrimage to the sacred temple, when Saint Tran's ancestral tablet is held aloft aboard a golden chair, and transported through bustling streets. Coinciding with this procession is a boat race held in the Luc Dau River.

Octoberace held in the Luc Dau River.

The Keo Pagoda Festival is a wild celebration of Duong Khong Lo. Amidst the jovial proceedings there are traditional pastimes, such as duck catching, cooking of rice and firecracker throwing.

November

The Oc Om Boc Festival is held in Soc Trang in the south of the country, each November. The main participants are the Kho Me people, who use this festival as a time to pay veneration to the Moon. Amongst the highlights of this festival is a noisy boat race that draws large and enthusiastic crowds to cheer on the rival participants.

Che Ngo is when indigenous Khmers celebrate their new year. This is another colourful event that is wonderful for visitors to witness. As well as noisy music and costumes, there is much feasting and a boat race or two! The skies are also lit with myriad lantern rockets.

The excellent thing about Vietnam's festivals as that they offer visitors a unique insight into local customs. Many of the activities that unfold at these annual events have been enacted for centuries. While Vietnam is certainly a technologically advanced and economically prosperous Asian nation, it is also a very ancient one. As a melting pot, it contains a variety of ethnic groups who can trace their respective developments back over many centuries. The various festivals pay homage to all manner of events and dieties.

While much of the proceedings appeared to be shrouded in deeply religious significance, there is never any hint that what visitors are witnessing is in any way private or sacred. Indeed, newcomers to the country are openly welcomed into the various processions and pilgrimages as active participants.

The festival celebrants become especially sociable in the evenings, once the pilgrimages and visits to the pagodas and temples have been concluded. As the sun sets, the banquet tables become laden with all manner of local delicacies. Against a backdrop of traditional music, visitors are invited to partake in sumptuous feasts. Enjoying the Vietnamese cuisine in this way, as an integral part of longstanding cultural events, is far more meaningful than grabbing a carry-out box from a market stall around the corner from a hotel!