Lonely Planet hails Vietnam cuisine

A Lonely Planet travel guide author has championed Vietnam for its world-class cuisine and jaw-dropping scenery.

Vietnam travel guide author Iain Stewart also drew attention to the contrasts offered by the country - from luxury hotels and buzzing cities to off-the-beaten-track adventures.

Calling the Asian nation an "utterly compelling" destination, Stewart says it would be a romantic location for a wedding or honeymoon.

He said the country's cuisine was "simply world-class".

"The street food scene is incredible, particularly in Hanoi where you can delve in yourself and indulge in bun ca (barbecued pork) or bun oc (snail noodle soup)," he said.

Vietnam offers visitors a rich history and a diversity of sites to explore, from the bustle of urban centres such as Hanoi to the peaceful countryside and "surreal" seashore of Ha Long Bay and the less well-known Lan Ha Bay, the travel expert highlights.

He said travellers looking to stray from the well-worn tourist paths should explore Hoi An and Vietnam's mountain areas in the north close to Sapa.