Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam is a small country of around 330,000 square kilometres (125,000 sq miles) located on the South China Sea on South East Asia's eastern coast. It is bordered by Cambodia, Laos and China and has a population of just over 90 million people. Although it's yet to shake off the stigma of war and hardship Vietnam is a country of beautiful lush forests, inviting coastal townships with great surf and wonderful beaches, highland villages lost in the clouds and modern and dynamic cities.

With a history stretching back around 5,000 years Vietnam has lived a turbulent life in historical terms. Ancient tribes battled over territory, and in modern times Vietnam has been savaged by its Asian neighbours, been subjected to French colonialism and suffered through the Vietnam War. Through all of this strife though, the Vietnamese people have managed to hold onto their rich culture and have in fact grown from the hardships.

Even though the country is only small in size it offers a surprising mélange of experiences for the traveller. Along the coast there are areas of beautiful white beaches interspersed with some amazing rock formations. The Mekong Delta region to the south is all jungle and   small villages alongside the river. The capital city of Hanoi is a rich blend of western and eastern culture with many Chinese influences as well as flavours and designs from when the French colonised the city. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the former capital of what was South Vietnam and is the country's largest city. It is an exciting and vibrant city that is just beginning to reach its stride in the modern world.

Travellers from all over the world are discovering more and more of the secrets and jewels that Vietnam has to offer. It is a country with its own very strong personality and deep, rich history but is inhabited by a friendly and gentle people. A trip to Vietnam will not only surprise you but the memories and experiences you'll bring away with you will last a lifetime.