In the early decades of the 20th century, the French used this prison as a place to torture Vietnamese independence fighters. Ironically nicknamed the 'Hanoi Hilton,' Hoa Lo Prison was also used to incarcerate POWs during the Vietnam War. The late John McCain, who was detained in Hoa Lo for over five years, was one of the most famous of these prisoners. In the 1990s, most of Hanoi's Hoa Lo Prison was demolished, and only a small section remains today. Interestingly, this remnant is close to a complex that Ho Chi Minh would have condemned for its capitalist ties.

The narrow streets of Hanoi are a fascinating paradise for curious explorers. Undoubtedly, Hanoi's most famous merchants are those who prepare and sell food. In Hanoi's Old Quarter, many locals eat breakfast on their way to work and dinner on their way home. If you happen to see an especially busy stall, you can be certain that the food is fresh and delicious – be sure to give it a try! And, if you truly want to experience an authentic slice of daily life in Hanoi, make sure to check out the traditional shop-houses. These buildings function as both homes and storefronts where shopkeepers sell textiles, shoes, vegetables, snacks, and much more.

Hanoi is teeming with delicious street food, and this world-famous cuisine can be found in charming food stalls, diners, and cafes. Some vendors specialize in one particular dish, which they prepare each day to pure perfection. In Hanoi, some of the most popular types of street food include: pho, a delicious noodle soup; xoi, sticky rice; banh mi, a French-style baguette sandwich, and banh cuon, translucent rice crepes filled with aromatic meat, seafood, and vegetables. The tantalizing aromas of these freshly- cooked dishes permeate through the entire city, making your mouth water!

Arts and culture enthusiasts will not want to miss a water puppetry performance! This art form is unique to Vietnam and began in northern rice paddies. Puppeteers would stand in waist-high water as their puppets danced above the shimmering surface of these flooded fields. During Hanoi's water puppet shows, the puppeteers are accompanied by an orchestra and singing, and the performances illustrate stories and myths from Vietnam's past. Some of the most famous shows take place at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi. However, if you wish to see the puppets at close-range in a more intimate atmosphere, private stages are also available. Without question, water puppet shows are extremely popular with locals and tourists alike!

One of the most exciting ways to see the city, and to authentically experience everyday Vietnamese life, is to take a cyclo ride (a local-style bicycle taxi) in Hanoi. Wherever there are people, there are cyclos. Cyclos dart through busy streets and allow access to some of Hanoi's most interesting hideaways and alleys. You won't need a map to navigate the Old Quarter; cyclo drivers already have encyclopedic knowledge of the entire area! So, sit back and enjoy the cyclo ride as you venture into the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

This pagoda, nestled in a lotus pond, is one of Hanoi's most iconic symbols. Legend has it that Vietnam's One Pillar Pagoda was built after the childless Emperor Ly Thai Tong had a dream that the bodhisattva Quan Am (Avalokiteshvara) would give him a son. The emperor eventually did receive a son and heir, and in thanksgiving, he built this lotus-shaped pagoda. This structure is seated on a single pillar, situated amid lily pads and a grove of lush trees. In addition, a Bo tree is located behind the pagoda, and it is said to be related to the famous tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Hanoi's Presidential Palace is an impressive building that was once home to French Governor Generals. Consequently, Ho Chi Minh felt it was an inappropriate residence while he was President of North Vietnam. Instead, he had a quaint North West-style stilt house -- one of his many legacies -- built behind the palace. Ho Chi Minh's House in Hanoi is surrounded by a picturesque garden, and the 100-square-foot interior is made up of two rooms with simple furnishings. 'Uncle Ho' spent the majority of his life in this modest dwelling, remaining there until his death in 1969. Make sure to find time to visit Ho Chi Minh's house, his mausoleum, and the Memorial Museum -- these are absolute must-sees!

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Asia's most famous and beautiful bays. Located on Vietnam's northeast coast, it is home to over 3,000 limestone islands and majestic, towering outcrops. Take a junk boat (a traditional, Chinese-style sailing ship) or classy boutique-style boat on a cruise through this exceptionally picturesque bay. Disembark on one of the islands and swim to explore glassy waters in hidden caves, take a bamboo row boat to discover some of the bay's secluded villages, or hike to find breathtaking aerial views of the bay. We recommend an overnight cruise; a morning on the sundeck is a refreshing way to greet the dawn of a new day. A Ha Long Bay cruise is the perfect way to discover the bay in depth and appreciate its natural beauty.

According to Vietnamese legends, each evening in ages past, an old lady wearing red used to appear on a hill. She predicted that in the future, a deity would demand that a Buddhist pagoda be built on this hill. Lord Nguyen Hoang heeded this request and built Thien Mu Pagoda. This seven-tiered octagonal tower remains an iconic symbol of Hue. In addition, this pagoda is one of the monuments associated with the Imperial City (Citadel), which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Trying Hue cuisine is must. Many years ago, Hue was the imperial city of the Nguyen dynasty. Today, it continues to play a critical role in Vietnam's culinary history, as it became home to some of Vietnam's most iconic dishes. Hue's imperial cuisine reflects the lavishness of royal lifestyles and includes feasts made from succulent meats and fish that are garnished with colorful, carved vegetables. In contrast, rustic dishes are made from everyday produce, and the traditional bun bo hue (rice noodles with slices of beef) is a local favorite. In addition, vegetarian specialties, which were once mainly for Buddhist monks, also have a long tradition in Hue.

It is believed that the Perfume River’s name comes from the orchard flowers that fall gently into its flowing water, which carries them (and their sweet, fresh aromas) into Hue. Without question, a Perfume River Cruise is one of the city's most distinctive -- and romantic -- pleasures. This river's unparalleled beauty has served as inspiration for many Vietnamese poems, novels, works of art, and music. A Perfume River Cruise is also a great way to visit the royal tombs, pagodas, and historical sites located along the water. For travelers seeking relaxation, a leisurely boat trip through Hue’s tranquil countryside is a perfect alternative to the hustle and bustle of traffic in town.

Today, Hue's Imperial Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a striking example of Vietnamese architecture. Centuries ago, the citadel was the major cultural and religious center of Vietnam's last dynasty -- the Nguyen dynasty. The complex sits on the banks of the Perfume River and includes impressive royal tombs, pagodas, and temples. The Imperial Citadel is a resilient structure that has weathered the ravages of multiple wars, and as a result, some areas still require renovation. Yet overall, the Imperial City retains much of its impressive grandeur from centuries past.

Hai Van Pass, located in Central Vietnam, is an approximately 13-mile (21 km) stretch of road with an elevation of 1,600 feet (494 m) that offers exceptionally stunning panoramas. This mountainous pass is home to verdant forests and breathtaking views of the East China Sea’s coastline. For professional and amateur photographers alike, the spectacular scenery offers countless photo opportunities. Years ago, Hai Van Pass was the main track that crossed the mountain range between Hue and Danang. Throughout Vietnam's long history, this pass has always been famous one reason or another; it has been a geographic and political boundary, a climatic divide, and an important military post. Today, Hai Van Tunnel sidesteps Hai Van Pass, however, you will not want to miss the original pass's splendid, scenic route.

Hoi An's Old Quarter was one of Southeast Asia's major mercantile ports during the 15th through the 19th centuries. Like many commercial hubs, the Old Quarter in Hoi An became a meeting place for numerous cultures and traditions, and this cross- pollination has also influenced Hoi An's architecture and cuisine. Today, the district is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably one of Vietnam's most fascinating attractions. During your visit, be sure to take a nighttime stroll to see this lovely town illuminated by hundreds of colorful silk lanterns.

The Ho Chi Minh Opera House is a French colonial building located near Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. The Opera House's exterior is painted in pearl-white and pale beige, and these colors look especially luminous under evening lighting. This is one of Old Saigon's most recognizable buildings, and it is home to operas, concert recitals, ballet performances, and traditional dance and drama programs. The Opera House regularly posts information about its upcoming events, so visitors to Ho Chi Minh City will not want to miss one of these spellbinding performances!

The Central Post Office dates back to French colonial times and was designed by Gustave Eiffel with his collaborator Marie-Alfred Foulhoux. It is located next to Notre Dame Cathedral and encourages visitors to imagine what life was like in the late 1800s. It also remains in excellent condition and fully functional. Tourists are welcome to stop by and send postcards that will serve as reminders of their trip to this rich historical site. The Central Post Office still keeps two old glue pots, which were used many years ago for attaching stamps to envelopes. Some of the building's most distinguishing features include its marble floors, two overhead maps, and a colossal portrait of Ho Chi Minh.

Set on lovely grounds with manicured trees, the airy and open Reunification Palace is a fascinating example of 1960s architecture. Many dramatic scenes from Vietnam’s modern history took place at this building; the Reunification Palace is most famous for being the site where the Vietnam War ended. In 1975, a North Vietnamese tank smashed through the building's gates, and a soldier rushed inside to fly a Viet Cong flag from the balcony. Today, it still hosts important occasions including meetings with national and international dignitaries. Unless official events are taking place, this fascinating palace remains open to visitors.

Ben Thanh Market is one of Ho Chi Minh's oldest landmarks and remains authentically Vietnamese. If you wish to shop for presents for family and friends, look no further! Here, you can find silk-smooth lacquerware, bamboo products, local handicrafts and textiles, a wide range of aromatic spices, and even electronic goods. Ben Thanh is alive with hustle and bustle -- most of its food stalls remain open until mid-afternoon, and at night, nearby restaurants swing open their doors to welcome hungry customers. Best of all, the market will give you the opportunity to mingle with the locals and enjoy daily Vietnamese life first-hand.

The Cholon Area is Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown and abounds with classical Chinese architecture and temples. As you explore this bustling town, you'll see Chinese characters decorating the shop houses and find people chatting in Chinese. Cholon also includes Binh Tay Market, built by the French in the 1880s. Binh Tay offers exceptional insight into local culture, tradition, and cuisine. Here, the wide range of available foods is an experience in itself, and their varied colors and textures make for excellent photographs.

Ho Chi Minh's Notre Dame Cathedral, named for the Virgin Mary, was built by the French during the late 1870s and early 1880s. This elegant Catholic church is almost 200 feet high (60 m) and constructed from brick imported from Marseille, which still retains its bright red color. The cathedral's design includes two large bell towers with bronze bells, as well as exquisite stained- glass windows. There is a Virgin Mary statue located in the church's front square, and it is believed that this statue shed actual tears in 2005. Each day, numerous people visit the church to pray, light votive candles, and hope that they will see a miracle.

The War Remnants Museum, formerly known as the Museum of Chinese and American War Crimes, is a stark memorial to the Vietnam War. It includes U.S. military equipment, bombs, armored vehicles, and an immense helicopter. In addition, there are hundreds of striking exhibits and horrific photos. Each year, approximately half a million visitors visit the museum to learn about the intense suffering brought about by the war. While the War Remnants Museum is a very somber place, and these artifacts are extremely difficult to look at, they stand as powerful reminders of the importance of peace.

The 155-mile-stretch (250 km) of Cu Chi Tunnels, which were used by Northern Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War, are located north of Ho Chi Minh City. These tunnels served numerous functions; they were a hiding spot from enemies, places where families lived for extended periods, storage facilities, military command centers, and hospitals. If you wish, you may try to crawl into the tunnels, although you will be startled by how narrow they are. In recent years, some of the tunnels have been slightly enlarged to allow visitors easier access.

The Mekong is more than just an unhurried flow of water headed toward the South China Sea. This mighty river meanders through Southern Vietnam, and its waters help make the Mekong Delta the most fertile in the entire nation. One of the best ways to experience this rich region is through a Mekong Delta Cruise. As you gently float on a sampan (a traditional, Chinese-style boat), enjoy gazing at nearby villages, lovely fruit orchards, and farmers and fisherman earning their daily livings. Take an exciting overnight cruise along the Mekong Delta, where you can witness the lively mornings that are characteristic of this region. Each morning, the Mekong Delta wakes up early! Its bustling floating markets open to sell their fresh produce, including succulent tropical fruits.