In a few short decades Vietnam has gone from war torn strife to tourist hot spot. The watershed transformation in fortune has been undeniably remarkable. From the perspective of those familiar with what Vietnam was like for most of the 20th century, the contrast could not be more acute.

Close to 4 million international visitors now enter the country every year, with a bullet. The last decade alone has seen a twofold increase in tourist numbers, most notably from China. If current trends persist, Vietnam will be among the ten most popular tourist destinations in the world by 2016.

With success of course, comes the occasional predicament. Whether the government can flip economic growth and harness enough investment in infrastructure is a perpetual question mark in Vietnam. The nation, like the rest of Southeast Asia, is not without some serious, endemic problems as well. Local and environmental concerns must not be left aside in favor of tourism. In essence, the price of success in Vietnam is a familiar tale.

Still, the news in Vietnam has been very good of late and the country still has a long way to go to approach the kind of visitor numbers Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore post on a regular basis. So do your part and discover these five superb destinations in Vietnam.

Can Tho

The Mekong Delta is a magical place and swallows approximately 39,000 square kilometers of Vietnam. The region represents the area where the mighty Mekong River runs into the South China Sea via a network of tributary channels. What that means for tourists is remarkable river culture and cuisine, incredible biodiversity and towns like Can Tho.

With close to 1.2 million people, the city is the central hub of the Delta and is the de facto “rice bowl” of Vietnam. More than half of the nation’s rice comes from Can Tho, in addition to a bevy of other products, as visitors to the city’s famous river markets can bear out.

Da Lat

The Central Highlands of Vietnam offer a completely different experience from the monsoon tropical confines of the Mekong Delta. A favorite haunt of colonial France in the early 20th century, the region is now a popular tourist destination throughout Southeast Asia and indeed, the world. Da Lat, the “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the unequivocal star attractions.

The city of 120,000 people is full of inherent charm. The pine forest and floral landscape is lovely for one, and the unique temperate climate is suitable for a wide variety of agriculture. A popular honeymoon favorite in Vietnam, Da Lat has scores of historic guest rooms, with beautiful views of flower plantations and Xuan Huong Lake.

Vung Tau

Most tourists who flock to Vung Tau ignore the most important feature of the local economy. On the tip of a small cape, the capital of Ba Ria-Vung Tau is also the crude oil center of Vietnam. The offshore oil and natural gas industry of the port city is big business.

Nonetheless, the beach is why people come to Vung Tau. A favorite holiday resort destination with residents of nearby Ho Chi Minh, the city has a vast and picturesque coastline to enjoy.

Hai Phong

The third most populous city in the country is also the chief seaport of north Vietnam. With more than 1.5 million people, Hai Phong is a vital, energetic city, with many fine points of interest.

Nha Trang

Possibly the most popular tourist mecca in all of Vietnam, Nha Trang is a microcosm of what has gone down in the country over the past several decades. The coastal city of close to half a million people is a paradise for backpackers and Louis Vuitton-lugging jet setters alike. Whether a surge in popularity threatens the serene beauty of this former hidden gem remains to be seen.

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