The largest of the three countries that made up French Indochina, Vietnam has become synonymous with a history of war and repression. However, the reality of this beautiful country in south east Asia is that it is a peaceful, welcoming place, respecting of its rich cultural history, and yet embracing the future to create a dynamic forward looking and unique destination that is fast becoming one of the biggest tourist draws in the Far East.
People come to Vietnam from all over the world, attracted by the exotic beautiful nature of the country, the Mekong Delta in the South is the location of some fantastic beach resorts, while in the North, around the Red River Delta, you can see traditional lifestyles of rice farming in abundance.
The Capital, Hanoi is still unmistakeably colonial in style, and has the air of fading grandeur peculiar to the Far East. There are many building still standing from the French era, although the city is developing very rapidly into modern urban chaos.
With wide tree lined boulevards, large parks, and an old town of pagodas and temples with strange animal imagery, Hanoi is a place that will charm any visitor.
Many people take advantage of the low prices on offer in Vietnam by adding it onto a holiday around Thailand, and there is a great deal of contrast between the modern bustle of Bangkok, and the more relaxed pace of life that one finds in the quiet coastal resorts of Vietnam.
Facts for the Traveller:
Name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Capital: Hanoi
Area: 329,566 Sq KM
Population: 81.6 Million
Language: Vietnamese, Russian, French, Chinese, English
Flight Time: 14 Hours from London
Currency: Dong
