National Geographic Traveler: Vietnam, 4th edition

Description

With practical information on when to go, where to stay, what to eat, and what to do, this is the ultimate guide to the best of Vietnam. Vietnam is host to a unique mix of natural beauty and cultural diversity. It has one of the most ancient cultures of Southeast Asia, with relics of its rich history found at tourist-friendly sites such as the Hindu temples of My Son and Ponagar Tower. Its landscape ranges from mountain passes to lush rice fields and some of the world's most beautiful beaches stretched along 1,860 miles (3,000 km) of tropical coast. This comprehensive and beautiful illustrated guidebook offers walking and driving itineraries to well-known wonders and hidden treasures within the country, as well as useful maps to navigate your way. Active travelers will find plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs with self-guided walks through the shops of the Old Quarter of Hanoi, along the legendary Mandarin Road, and through tunnels used by Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Thrill seekers can find adventures from kite-surfing in Mui Ne to spotting tigers in Chu Mom Ray Park. And for a taste of authentic Vietnam culture, visit the markets of the mountain tribes.

Armed with a graduate degree from the Iowa Writer's Workshop, JAMES SULLIVAN headed to Vietnam in 1993 to bike across the country. Along the way, he learned the language, became entranced with Vietnam's history and culture, and met his future wife. He lived in her hometown, Hue, for a year and told the story in his novel, Over the Moat: Love Among the Ruins of Imperial Vietnam, published in 2004. He has returned to Vietnam many times since, and he is currently living in Hue with his wife and two children, where they are refurbishing an ancient house. His travel stories have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, the New York Times, Golf Digest, Bicycling, Golf & Travel, and two Scholastic publications. British-born RON EMMONS updated and wrote new features for the 2010 edition of this guide. Now living in Chang Mai, North Thailand, Ron is the author and photographer of several books, including Portrait of Thailand and Walks along the Thames Path. His feature stories on travel, culture, nature, Buddhism, and photography appear regularly in a range of international publications. KRIS LEBOUTILLIER has photographed assignments for National Geographic Traveler, including stories about Tasmania, Singapore, Rajasthan, and Vietnam. He is the author and photographer of Journey Through Phnom Penh and Journey Through Ho Chi Minh City, both published by Marshall Cavendish. Represented by Getty Images, LeBoutilllier has worked for such diverse clients as Forbes Asia, Smithsonian, Spa Magazine, and the Discovery Channel.