Vietnam

We love Vietnam! We found the Vietnamese to be among the friendliest and most sincere in Asia–comparable to the Thai and the Balinese. Despite their losses in the Vietnam War, most Vietnamese we encountered harbored no sense of bitterness or resentment toward Americans. In fact, over 65% of the population of Vietnam was born after the war. We especially loved Hanoi; great restaurants, interesting French colonial architecture, and compelling history of the Vietnam War. The mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is particularly fascinating. We also highly recommend visits to the Red River Valley outside Hanoi, Hoi An and Danang's five star Furama Resort at China Beach, Dalat (former French hill station), Ho Chi Minh City (larger, more gritty and westernized than Hanoi), and the lush, green Mekong Delta. We believe the food/restaurants in Vietnam to be among the best and highest quality among all major destinations in Asia–in addition to being perhaps the least expensive!

Vietnam is a must for any trip to Southeast Asia!

Mark & Cindy Szadokierski