Vietnam Trip

Thank you for publishing the articles on Vietnam (“Tourist Tours of Duty,” Jan. 31) and for playing a part in alerting the American traveler to the potential of this beautiful country. Vietnam offers spectacular beaches, fascinating ancient ruins, cosmopolitan and romantic cities, and, for now, the chance to be one of the first Americans to visit.

During the month of February, I was part of a test trip to the country, organized by Overseas Adventure Travel (349 Broadway, Cambridge, Mass., 02139; 800- 221-0814). My travel companions and I spent three weeks traveling south from Hanoi to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) by means of Toyota Land Cruiser, minibus, a pleasant Vietnam Airlines flight and the Reunification Express train. We trekked in the north, bicycled on the flat coast at Nha Trang and sailed the islands of Ha Long Bay, accompanied by two guide interpreters. The itinerary also included China Beach, Da Nang and Da Lat, and much of the trip was not previously covered in organized tours. We frequently found ourselves an attraction, surrounded by dozens of curious and friendly Vietnamese children and adults.

KRISTIN KELLY

Venice