Indonesia Travel 04: CNNGo.com

Sunday, June 24, 2012

CNNGo.com

Posted: 24 Jun 2012 07:19 AM PDT

by Duncan Forgan

Whatever the movies have taught you about Vietnam, forget it.

The country is shedding its old look, disrobing itself of the heavy cloak of history to become a pulsating, spirited destination able not just to compete, but to surpass its peers in the region.

You want to spend? Try a shopping trip to Ho Chi Minh City's sparkling high-rise malls.

You want to lounge? Head for any of the beaches and luxury resorts that dot the coast.

You want to party till dawn, breakfast on a boat and explore caves and diving spots in the afternoon? Vietnam not only has you covered, it'll have first-timers wondering why they never made the trip out before and old hands already planning what to do in Vietnam next year.