Vietnam is located in South-East Asia. The name of the country has become almost a synonym of the Vietnam War. The history of the country goes back a lot further than 'the war that wasn't won', as the Americans euphemistically call it. Vietnam is actually a country with a long history and ancient traditions. It has many historic sights and old temple.
Vietnam covers an area of 330.363 sq. km making it about as big as Italy or New Mexico. Vietnam has a 3400 kilometre coastline and mountainous terrain covers 75% of the country. There are two huge and fertile river deltas where most of the population live, the Red River in the North and the Mekong River in the south. The mountainous north and central regions are relatively sparsely population. Vietnam shares land borders with Cambodia 609 miles (982 km), China 794 miles (1,281 km) and Laos 964 miles (1,555 km).
Vietnam still has sort of two capitals: Ho chi minh City formerly known as Saigon in the north and Hanoi in the North. Hanoi still has an almost intact old center. Ho Chi Minh City is a very busy and lively place. Both are big and interesting cities. Halong Bay, in the north, which means "landing dragon," is clearly Vietnam’s most beautiful region. With over 3,000 oddly shaped limestone islets, the natural beauty of the grottoes is captivating. The city of Hue, the ancient capital of the Annamese, is another highlight. Quite a few of the constructions were badly damaged. It is located about halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
