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.

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.

One of Vietnam's most attractive tourist sites is Hanoi's Temple of Literature, originally Vietnam's first university. Today, this Confucian temple immortalizes Vietnam's most celebrated scholars by carving their names in stone. This exceptionally well-preserved complex is an enchanting example of Vietnamese architecture, and its interior teems with rich hues of gold and crimson. The exterior is equally gorgeous and includes picturesque courtyards, pavilions, and passageways that were once used by royalty.

Amid the hustle and bustle of city life in Hanoi, there is a tranquil oasis that locals and tourists enjoy: Hoan Kiem Lake. Numerous visitors flock here to take a stroll, or to sit and relax as they absorb the placid beauty of their surroundings. Hoan Kiem Lake is also known as 'The Lake of the Returned Sword.' According to legend, an emperor was given a sword to repel Chinese Ming dynasty invaders. Upon successfully completing this quest, the emperor returned the blade to the lake. In addition, Hoan Kiem Lake is home to Ngoc Son Temple (Tortoise Pagoda).

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!

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 Fujian Assembly Hall was built at the end of the 17th century by Fujians from China. Originally, the hall's main function was to give Fujian people a place to socialize, but later it became a sacred temple dedicated to Tien Hau -- the Chinese Goddess of the Sea. The hall exhibits classical styles of Chinese architecture including ornate gates, a beautiful courtyard, flowing fountains, and a large prayer room. In addition, there is a temple dedicated to fairies and midwives, as well as The Goddess of Fertility. As a result, childless couples frequently visit the Fujian Assembly Hall to leave offerings and pray that they will be blessed with children.

This beautiful bridge was originally constructed in the 1590s and remains one of Hoi An's most iconic attractions. The bridge's north side is home to a small temple dedicated to the Taoist God of Weather, and its graceful stone arch is topped with an ornate roof that is accented by tones of redcurrant and pale green. The Japanese Covered Bridge is certainly lovely during the day, but it becomes even more impressive at night; the city lights cause the bridge's vibrant colors and ornamentation to appear even more vivid!

Hoi An's Tan Ky Old House is steeped in rich layers of culture and history, and it has been carefully preserved over the course of seven generations. While Tan Ky Old House is one of Hoi An's most aged buildings, it is in excellent condition and divided into multiple functional rooms. Tan Ky also possesses elegant Japanese and Chinese architectural influences. Chinese aesthetics abound in the use of dark wood paneling and carved Chinese characters, and Japanese sensibilities shine in the designs of the ceiling and peaked roof. The house's visual appeal is further amplified by its numerous antiques and dazzling mosaics. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to explore this amazing architectural gem.

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.

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 Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of Ho Chi Minh City's most visually spectacular temples and an excellent example of Buddhist architecture. Over a century ago, the structure was built by Cantonese immigrants from Guangzhou in South West China to honor the Taoist god Jade Emperor Ngoc Hoang. Here, pungent clouds of incense fill the air, reminding visitors of the temple's sacred purpose. The Jade Emperor Pagoda is also known as the Tortoise Pagoda because many tortoises circle around a small pond, crawling on each other’s backs.

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.

Luang Prabang waterfalls are spectacular. The Kuang Si Waterfalls, located approximately 18 miles (29 km) from Luang Prabang, are some of the most gorgeous in the world. A Kuang Si Waterfall tour will take you to this majestic three-tiered waterfall which boasts turquoise waters that cascade 160 feet (50 meters) down. The falls collect into pools, and the cold waters are great for a refreshing swim. You can simply relax and enjoy this sublime setting if you wish. If you need to stretch your legs, take a trek to explore the streams that feed the main waterfalls.