20-Nights Thailand & Vietnam: Mountains & Coastlines - 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Mui Ne

Mui Ne's status as the rising star of Vietnamese tourism is because of its geography. The curved southern coast bay looks out over 7 mi/11 km of impossibly perfect tropical beach (which is, administratively, a part of larger Phan Thiet to the west), shaded by coconut palms and with a gentle arc around the azure waters of the South China Sea. The daily breezes that whip through the bay have shaped the coastline, creating a stunning landscape of white and red sand dunes, as well as a watersports industry.

Mui Ne has become the kite-surfing capital of Asia. Besides kite-surfing, the most popular tourist activity is sledding down the sand dunes on plastic sheeting. But if your idea of activity is lounging on the beach, with this much beach, it could take several days just to determine your favorite spot. The average water temperature hovers around 80 F/27 C, so getting in for a swim isn't difficult, either.

This arching bay of palm-fringed, white-sand beach was once accessible only via bumpy dirt track. Backpackers and adventurous watersports enthusiasts were the only visitors to disturb the local fishermen whose families have lived on this coast for generations.

But things have changed. Mui Ne's single paved street is now flanked by hotels, restaurants and bars. Small, low-rise beach resorts welcome guests year-round, as do the surf stores dotted around town. The Ocean Dunes Golf Club offers 18 holes, wireless Internet access in the clubhouse, and a hotel.

Visitors should be aware that Mui Ne hasn't quite refined its tourist relations approach. The townsfolk, most of whom wrestled a living from the sea until recently, often appear to view the increasing number of tourists as an especially profitable kind of fish. Remember to count your change, and don't sign your credit card bill until you've looked over the charges.

Nha Trang

Hue

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Hoi An

Hanoi

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city built on the roots of a traditional heritage that dig deep into the soil of time. It's a city with a beautiful cultural personality of its own. In addition, it's been blessed with much majestic beauty in nature. The people themselves are an unforgettable part of Chiang Mai. Handicrafts of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for visitors from all over the globe.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai, Thailand's first capital, has the most interesting and varied ruins in the country. The centerpiece of Sukhothai itself, 280 mi/450 km north of Bangkok, is a large monastery. Nearby is a colorful and fascinating market. Wat Mahathat has an abundance of Buddha images.

If you're not joining an organized tour, catch a songthaew (a truck that serves as a bus) or hire a cab (be sure to negotiate the fare before getting in) to take you to the ruins. They're fairly spread out (many are hard to find), so a taxi driver or other guide is essential. It takes a full day to see all of the ruins.

Bicycle rentals are also available. There are more ruins nearby at Si Satchanalai, known for its many stupas and temples.

Kanchanaburi Region

Bangkok