Country name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Area: 329,566 sq. km (128, 527 Square miles)
Population: 84 million (Growth Rate 2.0%)
Capital city: Hanoi (pop 3.5 million)
Electricity: Mainly 220V, 50 hz

85% ethnic Vietnamese, 3% ethnic Chinese, also Khmers, Chams (a remnant of the once great Indianised Champa Kingdom) and members of some 55 ethno-linguistic groups
For a country that is only slightly larger than Italy, Vietnam possesses an immense geographical and cultural diversity. Its varied climate and landscape range from four seasons in the mountainous north to year-round tropical temperatures in the lush south.
Vietnam's cultural mix stems from its intriguing history dating back more than 4,000 years. Its historical legacy includes a thousand years of Chinese occupation, which has left a very strong foreign cultural influence, evident in the pagodas, local cuisine, and continuing practice of Confucianism. The Cham civilization, which blossomed in the central region in the 14th century, has left many ancient Hindu-like temples, which are still visited today. Vietnam's regal past can be revisited in the former capital city of Hue, where the Citadel and Royal Tombs represent an era of cultural renaissance. The French colonial legacy is still evident in many parts of Vietnam, as illustrated by the distinctive yellow pastel-colored architecture of its villas and administrative buildings.

In Vietnam you can discover unspoiled beaches along the coastline stretching 3,200km north to south and mountainous regions where hill tribe people continue to live isolated from mainstream society. Pastoral landscapes of lush rice paddies and fresh vegetation, offer ample opportunities to observe the agrarian lifestyle of eighty percent of Vietnam's population. Today, most of the country remains relatively unchanged although in major cities you will discover a modern infrastructure and technology. Today, visitors can choose to travel at various levels of comfort, staying in anything between budget to deluxe accommodation, using public or private transportation, and dining local style or in the finer Vietnamese and international restaurants. If you are interested in cultural exploration, picturesque landscapes, warm hospitality, or an adventure of a lifetime Vietnam is your destination!