Ho Chi Minh is regarded as the father of Vietnam who helped lead the country to independence; as a result, his legacy remains in Vietnam’s capital. His mausoleum opened in 1975 and was modeled on Lenin's in Moscow. In the mausoleum, Ho's body is housed in a glass case, and it is sent to Russia for continued preservation on a yearly basis. The mausoleum receives a great number of visitors each day, so make sure to not miss this incredible historical site. As with Vietnamese religious sites, respectful attire and conduct are required.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

When it comes to Southeast Asia's highlights, visiting Angkor Wat Temples is at the top of many travelers' bucket lists. Angkor Wat is the centerpiece of the UNESCO-recognized temples of Angkor -- a well-preserved reminder of the Khmer Empire's former grandeur. It comes as no surprise that Angkor Wat tours provide fascinating insights into bygone eras. At least once in your lifetime, see this massive temple complex in silhouette before it shines with the golden light of early morning. As you witness a beautiful sunrise over Angkor Wat, be prepared for a truly unforgettable moment. Over the centuries, overgrown foliage has interwoven itself into the picturesque temple of Angkor Thom. And, if you're looking for less touristic Angkor complex ruins, venture to the hidden gems of Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre to see exquisite salmon-pink sandstone carvings.

Embark on a Tonle Sap tour to see the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The Tonle Sap's climate is relatively predictable with two distinct seasons (wet and dry). The lake fills to the brim during the rainy season, and in contrast, it can shrink down to just a few feet during the dry season. A cruise through this great lake will take you past Tonle Sap floating villages, home to people whose livelihoods depend upon the fishing and agriculture that these waters provide. Explore Tonle Sap Lake to learn more about Cambodian village life, mangroves, and the stunning bird sanctuary that is situated in this peaceful region.

Royal Palace history began in 1866, when it was built under the command of King Norodom. The king, in collaboration with ministers and astrologers, decided on this exact site due to its geographic significance. With its traditional Khmer- style roofs, dramatic spires, and generous flourishes of gold, this iconic palace can be seen across the city. Many years ago, the Royal Palace also featured traditional Cambodian dance performances. Discover the Throne Hall -- a site for local ceremonies -- with its tower that stretches almost 200 feet (59 m) into the sky. As with all sacred Southeast Asian sites, the Royal Palace dress code requires conservative clothing that fully covers your shoulders, arms, torso, and legs.

One Phnom Penh attraction you should definitely visit is the Silver Pagoda, named for its floor made from solid silver tiles. This pagoda, as well as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, are two striking structures that form the Royal Palace Complex. Constructed in the late 1800s and early 1900s, this magnificent pagoda was rebuilt in the 1960s. Some of the temple's treasures were lost when Vietnamese forces swept into Phnom Penh to overthrow Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. Yet today, the pagoda still houses many invaluable works of art including Buddha statues made from precious metals. The most impressive of these Buddha images is crafted from gold, encrusted with diamonds, and weighs almost 200 pounds (90 kg)!

Wat Phnom Temple is a major attraction in Phnom Penh. According to legend, Lady Penh found a large tree near the Mekong River with four bronze Buddha statues inside. She later built a small shrine for these artworks that eventually became Wat Phnom. Located on the city's only hill, this temple has an especially impressive entrance, including a staircase with lion and naga (serpent) sculptures. In addition to the beauty of Wat Phnom's religious and artistic treasures, the building is surrounded by abundant trees and emerald-green foliage. Today, devoted locals come to the wat to wish for good luck and success in school or work.