A Vietnam tour puts a fascinating country within every traveler's reach

More than anything, travel changes perspectives. In years past, travel to a country like Vietnam might have been perceived as impossible. However, with the passage of time and the building of relationships, travelers have discovered that the country is a jewel in the Southeast Asian crown. Today, a Vietnam tour makes it easy for anyone to experience the magic and dynamic change taking place in the country, and discover why it's becoming a must-see in the region.

There are many ingredients in the recipe for the perfect travel experience, and each of them is critically important. The ultimate destination brings together beautiful scenery, fascinating history, impressive monuments, delicious food, unique markets and charming accommodations - Vietnam has all of these things and more.

However, travel is colored by the ease - or lack thereof - with which you can experience everything a destination has to offer. Independent travel in Vietnam can be a challenge, but a Vietnam tour, led by experts like Tauck, makes it easy to experience everything the country has to offer - and often get a more in-depth view. In addition to taking care of all the day-to-day details, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the trip, a tour can save up to 40 percent of the cost of organizing everything on your own.

If you're intrigued by the idea of visiting Vietnam but not sure of what you should see, keep these tips in mind.

* Hanoi. During your Vietnam tour make sure to explore the country's capital, a city bustling with energy and an unforgettable cultural experience. It's the perfect place to delve into Vietnam's complex and delicious cuisine and to see both modern and ancient history, from the Belle Epoque buildings and wide boulevards that remain from its time as the capital of French Indochina to Ho Chi Minh's modest "house on stilts" and mausoleum. See a traditional water puppet show and the famed One-Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 to resemble a lotus flower.

* Hue. Beautiful Hue is a destination not to be missed on a Vietnam tour. It is famous for its excellent cuisine, including the spicy noodle dish bun bo hue. Beyond its culinary appeal, Hue boasts the imperial splendor of the Citadel, the 19th-century home of Vietnam's former emperor and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

* Da Nang. The beaches of Vietnam are getting more and more attention, and in-the-know travelers head to Da Nang for a bit of sea and sun. Delicious seaside meals are easy to come by, particularly in luxurious resorts like the one on today's modern "China Beach" enjoyed by Tauck's guests, that offer guests both restaurants and rooms that look out onto the natural beauty of the area.

* Ho Chi Minh City. South Vietnam's main hub is teeming with excitement and history. Having a guide can be a big help in this complex and full of character city, and Tauck's Vietnam tour offers guests the experience of touring historical sites like the former Presidential Palace and the Cu Chi Tunnels with local guides, as well as viewing the former U.S. Embassy, the 19th-century Saigon Notre Dame Basilica and the stately central post office, designed by Gustav Eiffel (as in the Eiffel Tower).

A Vietnam tour that brings together its history, nature, culture and cuisine, while taking care of the travel details, is a convincing way to see why the country is a rising star among Southeast Asian travel destinations. For more information, go to www.tauck.com.