Lying on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter S. China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south.
Longitude: 102^o08 - 108^o28 east.
Latitude: 8^o02 - 23^o23 north
GMT+7
Currency: Dong
Exchange rate ( 06 Jun 2008): US$1 = VND16,285
Vietnam is also a transport junction from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

VIETNAM stretches along the China Sea in the southeast of Indochina Peninsula. Throughout history, Vietnam has been heavily influenced by foreign countries from Chinese origins, through French rule, to Japanese wartime occupation and finally the American War that ended in 1975. Today, visitors to Vietnam will find a country with a fascinating blend of ancient and modern sights, western and oriental ideas.

HANOI
As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is also home to many of the country?s fine art collections and museums. Quite accurately referred to as an ?architectural masterpiece? in the Lonely Planet Guide, Hanoi has a timelessness which one cannot help feeling slip-away as the economy develops.
Places of interest: One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Fine Arts Museum, The Ethnology Museum, The Old Quarters, History Museum, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Water Puppets.

HALONG
is famous internationally and is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its thousands of natural islands. Also in the city, there are temples, pagodas and historical relics. In addition to tourism, there are other economic activities such as: trade, seaport, coal, marine products and the production of construction materials...
Places of interest: Thien Cung Grotto, Dau Go Grotto, Titop Islet, Halong Bay, Bai Chay Beach, Tuan Chau Tourism Zone.

NINH BINH
is located to the south of the Northern Delta, between the Red and Ma Rivers. It is bordered by Nam Dinh, Ha Nam, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa Provinces. The annual average temperature is 23.4?C. The population is made up of 23 ethnic communities, among which the Kinh accounts for more than 98%. The rest of the population consists of the Muong, Tay, Nung, Thai, Hoa, and Dao ethnic groups. The old city of Ninh Binh is one of many famous historical sites in Vietnam.
Places of interest: Dinh, Le Temples, Tam Coc Cave, Bich Dong Pagoda, Phat Diem Cathedral, Cuc Phuong National Park.

SA PA
The mystical town of Sa Pa lies near Fansipan, Vietnam?s highest mountain (3,413m) and close to the border with China. Besides the refreshing cool air, imposing mountain peaks and drifting valley mist, there is another charm to this market town. On Saturday afternoon, people flock from Lao Cai?s hill tribes dressed in traditional costumes. At night, groups of men court women by inviting them to exchange love songs. The lovers? dialogues are often simple and short as the region is rife with distinctly different dialects.
Places of interest: Sa Pa Ancient Rock Field, Fansipan Mountain, Ham Rong Mountain, Cat Cat Ethnic Village, Sa Pa Love Market.

DONG HOI
is the town city of Quang Binh Province. Northwest (50km) is Phong Nha Cave, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Places of interest: Phong Nha Cave, Phong Nha- Ke Bang National Park, Tien Son Cave, Nhat Le Beach.

HUE
is the capital city of Thua Thien Hue Province. From 1802 to 1945, Hue acted as Vietnam?s political capital, and today remains one of the country?s most important cultural and religious centers. The Perfume River which bisects the city has been the inspiration of many artists and poets for centuries. Hue is famous for historical structures. It is also the birthplace of many talented people. In 1993, UNESCO listed Hue as a World Heritage Site.
Places of interest: Thien Mu Pagoda, The Old Citadel, Tombs of Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, Hue garden houses and Other famous pagodas.

DANANG
Is the fourth largest city of Vietnam and acts as a hub for the center of the country. Danang itself is in a good location with an international airport and a busy seaport surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Danang has been quickly developing with many shaded streets, new buildings and luxury resorts which tell a tremendous story of growth.
Places of interest: Cham Museum, Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc sculpturors? Village, China Beach, Ba Na Hill Station, Hai Van Pass.

HOIAN
a World Heritage Site, is situated 30km south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early Western traders during the 17th and 18th centuries, its ancient architecture is a fascinating mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese. Hoian retains a feel of centuries past that grows on you the more you explore it.
Places of interest: Chinese Assembly Halls, Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky House and My Son Holy Land.

CENTRAL HIGHLAND
consists of cities and towns of Buon Ma Thuot (Daklak), Pleiku and Kontum where you can find many places of interest such as authentic minority villages, traditional thatched, wooden stilt houses of Ede, Jarai and Bahnar. An overnight stay in one of the villages is a memorable experience. One such village is Jun village on the shore of Lak Lake about 50km from Buon Ma Thuot. Here visitors can have a real Central Highlands experience with an elephant ride through the countryside, a cruise on the lake in a hollowed-out tree trunk known as a pirogue and spend the night in a village longhouse.
Places of interest: Dray Sap Falls, Lak Lake, ethnic minority villages, Giu Yok National Park, former military bases and others.

DALAT
is 1,500m up in the Central Highlands, Dalat is the most beautiful town in Vietnam. Surrounded by evergreen forest, waterfalls, and beautiful lakes it has by far been Vietnam?s most popular honeymoon spot. The temperate climate provides a welcome respite from the heat of the lowlands, and because of this, it boasts the country?s best flower gardens and fabulous fresh produce.
Places of interest: The flower gardens, Xuan Huong Lake, Domaine De Marie Church, Prenn Waterfall, Valley of Love, The summer Palace, Truc Lam Pagoda.

NHA TRANG
The idyllic fishing town of Nha Trang has some of the country?s finest beaches and clearest waters. The turquoise waters around Nha Trang are almost transparent, suitable for fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. In addition, there ?s a one-day trip to visit interesting sites around Nha Trang.
Places of interest: Hon Chong Promontory, Pasteur Institute, Oceanographic Institute, Long Son Pagoda, Tri Nguyen Aquarium, Hon Tam & Hon Mun Islands, Ponagar Cham Tower and other sites.

PHAN THIET
lies along two banks of the Phan Thiet River, 196km north of Ho Chi Minh City. This region is famous for nuoc mam (fish sauce) and the fishing industry. Today, Phan Thiet is a popular tourist spot with many luxury resorts built on brilliant white sand.
Places of interest: Mui Ne Beach, Hon Rom Beach, Pho Sha Nu Champa Tower, Ke Ga Island.

VUNG TAU
is an old port and the first Vietnamese area to be visited for its beautiful beaches. Vung Tau is situated in Ba Ria ? Vung Tau Province, 125km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City.
Places of interest: Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda, Niet Ban Tinh Xa, Nghinh Ong Festival.

HO CHI MINH CITY
Once the old capital of Vietnam, the cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is also the largest city in the country. Known as the ?Pearl of the Orient? during the 40s and 50s, it is fast regaining the atmosphere of a commercial and industrial center. The shaded boulevards, French colonial architecture, and sidewalk cafes are prominent reminders of its recent past. Its bustling markets are pictures of a new Vietnam.
Places of interest: Giac Lam Pagoda, Thien Hau Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace (The former Presidential Palace), History Museum, Cho Lon (China Town), shopping centers, Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh.

MEKONG DELTA
A visit to the flooded fertile area of the Mekong Delta is one of the best ways to experience Vietnamese rural life and nature. Producing over half of the nation?s rice, the delta is abundant with orchards and traditional fish farms. The region is particularly interesting because of its diverse mix of ethnic Khmer and Chinese. The main places of interest are the floating wholesale markets where buyers and sellers are bargaining and exchanging goods from their boats as well as activities of local people along the two banks of the Mekong River.
Places of interest: Boat cruise on Mekong river, the floating markets, orchard gardens, Vinh Trang Pagoda.

PHU QUOC ISLAND
lies in the Gulf of Thailand, 45km from Ha Tien and 15km south of the coast of Cambodia. Phu Quoc, the largest island in Vietnam, part of Kien Giang Province, is also part of an archipelago consisting of 22 islands of all sizes. The island covers an area of 585km2 and is 50km long. The island is where one can enjoy the natural beauty of sun and sandy beaches, marine life, tropical forests.