Photo: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Vietnam’s tourism appeal comes largely from its iconic natural scenery magazine. Ha Long Bay, with its green waters and limestone cliffs, is a symbol of Vietnam which has featured in many international films.

Other attractions include Ninh Binh, known as “Ha Long Bay on the land”; the former imperial city of Hue with its UNESCO-listed heritage sites; Phong Nha’s vast cave systems; Sa Pa’s mountains and terraced rice fields; and the islands and beaches of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, popular for eco-tourism and relaxation.

Vietnam’s cities add to its appeal. Hanoi has preserved its famous old quarter and French colonial architecture, while Ho Chi Minh City has become a dynamic metropolis whose historic buildings stand shoulder to shoulder with modern skyscrapers. Improved air connections, including direct Vietnam Airlines flights from Paris to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, has made Vietnam and its growing network of high-end resorts more accessible to international travelers.