Tourism has grown rapidly over recent years, but hotels and other facilities for tourists are still relatively under-developed outside the country's largest city, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Visitors may therefore anticipate some inconveniences during their travils upcountry in Vietnam, but will surely find that the rewards, in terms of original travel experiences, will more than compensate for any negative aspects.

Geophysically, Vietnam is diverse. Vast areas of rice-growing lands to the south of the country, around the Mekhong River Delta have made this the world's third largest rice exporter. Here is located the largest and most commercially importsnt city, Ho Chi Minh. The national capital, Hanoi, lies to the far north in the Red River Delta, another rich agricultural region. Vietnam's long coastline, 3,260 km, facing over the South China Sea will one day contribute greatly to its tourism attractions, but for now much of its spectacular rocky cliffs and golden beaches are pristine. Inland, the Central Highlands and remote forested hills to the northern borders with Laos and China are scenically superb and hardly touched by tourism.

Due to the problems in organising domestic travel and hotel reservations within Vietnam, most foreign visitors prefer to use the services of a tour operator. The most convenient gateway to Vietnam is Bangkok, from where several major travel agents offer package tours from a few days to several weeks.

A typical ten-day tour could include Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, plus other major highlights such as spectacularly scenic Halong Bay, the ancient royal city of Hue and the cool hill resort of Dalat. Traves for this would be by domestic air service and road excursion, giving a good impression of rural areas and varied scenery.

Ho Chi Minh, formerly Saigon, is a bustling city thronged with bicycles, cycle rickshaws and increasingly, motorbikes and cars. This is the dynamic commercial heart of Vietncm. In character, the city owes much to its French colonial background, with impressive public buildings and tree-lined boulevards. The Chinese influence is seen in many ornate temples such as the Giac Lam, Giac Vien and Emperor of Jade pagodas, Le Van Doyet and Tran Hung Dao temples. Visits to the city's many markets will also give a good feeling for the community and provide souvenir shopping opportunities. The former Presidential Palace is now a memorial to the war for independence and the History Museum contains excellent collections from all periods of the past. Many tours include a visit to a lacquerware handicraft factory, which is also a good source of souvenirs.

Out of Ho Chi Minh, excursions can be made to neighbouring Cholon, a very commerce oriented city with several Chinese temples and, 30 km away, the maze of tunnels of Cu Chi, which played an important part in the wars against French and American forces. Trips can also be made, by road and river, to explore rural areas of the Mekhong Delta.

Hanoi, usually reached by domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh, is still a charmingly relaxed city that retains much of its French colonial character, with many old buildings and tree-shaded boulevards. But this is changing rapidly as new buildings are constructed. Hanoi is located on the Red River and also features several lakes and verdant parks. The city's Old Quarter is characterised by narrow streets of traditional buildings. Major sightseeing highlights include the 11th century One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Jade Mountain Temple, Ambassador's Pagoda and History Museum. Tours also include the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the nation's founding father.

The exquisite Halong Bay, with its thousands of spectacular limestone outcrops, is 165 km from Hanoi and a delightful excursion by bus and boat.

To the south, 689 km by road, or domestic flight from Hanoi, Hue is a former royal capital. Sightseeing here includes ornate palace buidings and ornamental gardens, traditional temples and royal tombs.

Danang, Vietnam's fourth largest city and a major port, is 108 km from Hue and is noted for its Cham Hitory Museum and sevetal temples and pagodas. Nearby are the Marble Mountains and several beaches, as yet undeveloped.

The hill resort of Dalat is 350 km by road from Ho Chi Minh, a delightful place to rest after a busy sightseeing schedule. Surrounded by forested hills, lakes and waterfalls, the accent here is on relaxation, although there are some pagodas and local markets for sightseeing.

Hotels in Vietnam vary from good international standards in major cities to simple and basic in more remote destinations. Vietnamese cuisine is strongly influenced by Chinese origins, and ranges from bland to delicious in hotels and restaurants. Entertainment is mainly confined to cultural shows for tourist visitors,although a lively nightlife scene is re-emerging in Ho Chi Minh.

Souvenir opportunities are varied. Antiques, folk handicrafts, delicately worked silver and superb lacquerwares are among the best buys. For the home, visitors will find a wide variety of table linens and embroidered items.

Travel to Vietnam may still be considered an adventure, but it is certainly an original and interesting experience.