Celebrating its new-found serenity, Vietnam has opened wide its doors, inviting visitors to enjoy its imperial cities, its magnificent countryside and its millions of smiling faces. In Cambodia, too, there's an increasing sense of renewed confidence and optimism in the air, as tourists return to the remarkable medieval city of Angkor. More mysterious landlocked Laos reveals golden temples and the atmosphere of another time, another world. The fabulous Mekong forms the lifeline of the three countries.