By: Indochina Sails

Don't mention the war. This, more or less, is the gist of my Rough Guide to Vietnam. Or, more accurately – and I'm paraphrasing here – don't become obsessed by the war. But it's hard when visiting a country where the association, for me at least, is immediate and inescapable: Vietnam – war.

Countryside in Dalat, Vietnam - Photo by Getty

Words and pics by Roderick Eime. Additional photography from Helen Wongs Tours

River cruising is the perfect means to explore the great Yangtze River.

The Yangtze River is a massive tempestuous monster. For centuries it has been both the life and death of the Chinese people, providing food, water for irrigation and a critical transport route, but turning fierce with immense and destructive floods. In 1998, the last destructive flood, some 2000 people were drowned and millions made homeless. This final malicious act of the Yangtze would be the last.

If China was to grow and prosper, the beast must be tamed and made to work for the masses. The might of the new China is setting out to tame this fearsome beast with concrete, steel and seemingly limitless manpower.

Tourism chiefs in China are trying to attract visitors by claiming that a mountain lays eggs.

Officials at Gulu village, Guizhou province, claim a cliff of Gandeng Mountain has laid more than 100 eggs, reports Guizhou Metropolis News.

They claim the eggs, as big as car tyres, appear in 'sockets' in the cliff around every two years.

Yang Shengjia, director of the local tourism bureau, said: "Another mountain egg is expected to be laid soon.

"If people, like visitors, can have long enough patience, they may view the astonishing scene of the mountain laying an egg."

Locals say each socket produces an egg every 30 years and that eggs have recently appeared in March 1999, May 2003, June 2005, March 2007 and January 2009.

Guarded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and helmed by magnificent stretch of golden beaches, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, misty mountain retreats, wide range of flora and fauna, hospitable people, rich cultures and festivities. The timeless mystery and beauty of India has been waiting for you for more than 5000 years, always warm and inviting, a place of infinite variety - one that favours you with different facets of its fascination every time you visit India.