From July 2015, you don’t need to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam if you’re a citizen from Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Spain

It won’t be long until the opening of an international airport changes Vietnam’s idyllic Phu Quoc island forever, so Bob James recommends you go see it now before everyone else gets there

Standing atop one of the stunning white-sand dunes near Mui Ne, Bob James reckons if you listen closely and you might hear the echoing voice of Peter O’Toole’s T.E. Lawrence

Vietnam may not be the first place that comes to mind for kite surfing, kite boarding and windsurfing, but as Bob James finds out, the small town of Mui Ne has a big adrenaline sports reputation

Considered by most little more than a bump in the road between Mui Ne and Nha Trang, Bob James finds that Phan Rang-Thap Cham holds hidden surprises for visitors looking for an isolated beach, a glimpse into a fading chapter of history, and some unique handicrafts.

Infamous as the town about which a US Army major declared “It became necessary to destroy Ben Tre to save it”, Bob James finds the city has become a fascinating stop to see everyday life in rural Vietnam – and also has one of the country’s best (and not outrageously priced) hotels

Can Tho Vietnam is one of the key areas to see life lived on the water in the Mekong Delta – and also to see just how fast Vietnam is changing. Bob James explains why you should try to get to Can Tho sooner rather than later.

Get a unique view of night time Saigon from the back of a motorbike with XO Tours’ elegant female guides. Bob James heads out on a whistlestop run through six of Ho Chi Minh City’s districts with three spectacular pitstops for Vietnamese food.

One of Vietnam’s most famous tourist attractions, the stunningly beautiful Halong Bay is also a bit of a minefield for finding a straightforward boat trip tour package. Russ Brooks explains how to find the best Halong Bay tour operator so as make sure you get a good value deal on a boat that’s safe

Traditionally you need to get a Vietnam visa in your passport from a local embassy before entering the country. However, it’s also possible to apply for a Vietnam visa online and collect it at the airport on arrival in Vietnam, as Russ Brooks explains

Saigon, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hanoi — there is a well worn backpacker circuit through Vietnam of its famous cities, but there are also scores of places just off the beaten track that are worth visiting in Vietnam too. Don Morgan gives his top 10 favourite places to visit in Vietnam.

How much money do you need to visit Vietnam? The answer ultimately depends on what kind of food you plan to eat, what standard of accommodation you plan to stay in, and how you plan to make your way around the country.

One of South East Asia’s most bewitching cities, Hanoi’s old world charm and scenic beauty has so far remained unchanged by Vietnam’s dramatic economic upturn. See it now before its tiny streets, spectacular restaurants and cheap prices disappear