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SOUTH VIETNAM The flat but lusciously green Mekong Delta is the southernmost region of Vietnam and is an attractive patchwork of rice paddies, swamps and canals. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam's largest, most dynamic city. With a population of nine million, its streets are brimming with shops, stalls and busy vendors with their wares spread out on sidewalks. Popular sights include the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral, built in neo- Romanesque style. The central Ben Tanh Market is the best for souvenir bargains and delicious street foods. You can also visit Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city, and the spectacular Chinese-style Emperor of Jade Pagoda. Dalat located in the Central Highlands region is renown for its relaxing, natural 'green' environment. A popular tourist destination, it is probably one of Vietnam's best-known vacation sites and is known as the country's unofficial honeymoon mecca. The many sights include Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace and the colourful fresh food and flower markets. Picturesque crumbling French villas from the 1930s dot the surrounding hillsides. Nha Trang is on the south central coast of Vietnam, and has probably the best beach in the country. Its turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and boat trips are available to interesting offshore fishing villages and islands including Monkey Island with diving also an option. The local beach resort in Vung Tau, located 128 kilometres south- east of Saigon, is a popular weekend getaway. The best way to reach Vung Tau is by a 75-minute hydrofoil trip from Ho Chi Minh. 212 www.paradisesonline.com The flat but lusciously green Mekong Delta is the southernmost region of Vietnam and is an attractive patchwork of rice paddies, swamps and canals. The Cai Rang floating markets are the hub of the Mekong Delta's fishing and farming trades. These markets appear frantic but tourists should not be discouraged. Everything on sale usually hangs off the front of each boat, and bargaining is encouraged. A sampan boat is the perfect way to watch the Mekong come alive, and tourists can expect to find everything from fish to jack fruit. The riverbank is dotted with stilted, wooden houses that are built right on the water's edge. My Tho is a quiet city, a day trip from Saigon, with an interesting Central Market. Take a boat trip to explore local canals and nearby islands including Tan Long, where longan orchards are found. Further into the Delta lies the colourful town of Can Tho, the biggest city in the Mekong Delta, with rice the most important industry. Can Tho has an array of delicious, local cuisine and photogenic floating markets nearby, and is close to the Cambodian border. Here you can also find the lively river town of Chau Doc, with beautiful sunset views from the top of Sam Mountain. Off the far south-west coast of Vietnam lies Phu Quoc Island, which has beautiful white sandy beaches and an increasing choice of resort-style hotels. It is famous in Vietnam for its black pepper and nuoc mam, or fish sauce, as well as its pearl factories. While it is not considered a prime nightlife destination, for peace, tranquility and relaxation, it is the perfect holiday spot.