Viet Nam is a long, thin country in South East Asia.
At it's narrowest point (near Hue) it is only 25Km wide.
It is bordered by China in the North, Lao to the West and Cambodia to the
South.
As one of the wettest countries on the planet it is transected by numerous
rivers.
The countryside is extensively cultivated for agriculture, particularly rice.
After widespread crop failures in Thailand in 1998, Viet Nam became the 2nd
largest
exporter of rice, after the U.S.A.
About 5000 years ago ancestors of the Vietnamese came from a small province
in southern China where they struggled for their existence against the Chinese.
From there they expanded south crossing rivers and mountains to form the
country now known as Viet Nam.
The word "Viet" comes from ancient Chinese and means to cross or traverse,
while "Nam" means south, so Viet Nam means to cross south.
To most people Viet Nam evokes images of war, especially to people like
myself
who were old enough to be conscripted (drafted) at the time.
Fortunately I didn't have to go there as a soldier but I was able to go as a
tourist.
While there are still some vestiges of war to be found, Viet Nam is a country
that seems
to be getting on with life and forgetting about the past (they have a lot to
forget).
Viet Nam has many scenic attractions, such as the Mekong Delta, Halong Bay,
the mountain and hill country and beautiful coastline and beaches.
While the countryside is very green and very pretty, it is not the main reason
to visit.
The best reason to visit Viet Nam is the people.
If you make the effort to meet and talk to as many of the people as you can
you will find it a very rewarding experience.
They are (in my opinion) one of the nicest people you would ever wish to
meet.
If you like children then you will find the kids in Viet Nam a delight.
Before you leave home buy some small gifts like balloons, pens, whistles and
toys.
The pleasure you give to the children is returned fivefold by the looks on their
faces.
As for getting around the country as an independent traveller, it is very easy.
There is basically just one main road, Highway 1, with a few offshoots along
the way.
There are buses that travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and back again.
You can get on and off wherever and whenever you like.
You can hire a car with driver fairly cheaply, as well as a motorbike or bicycle.
Cycling is a good way to see the countryside away from Highway 1, as you will
meet much more people than if you are on a bus.
There are plenty of hotels and hostels that cater to most tastes and budgets.
Most of the time you don't have to look for accommodation, as it will often
find you!
Don't count on guide books for up to date information, as they are usually
about 2 years out of date.
Their only real use is for historical background.
Penultimately (is that a word?), when to go.
One guide book I read said it doesn't matter what time of year you visit Viet
Nam.
Well, this is wrong, it does matter.
The first time I went was in May and it was VERY hot and VERY humid !
The second time I went was in November and it was much more pleasant.
Also the high (more expensive, more crowded) season begins in December.
Finally, a warning about visas.
If you plan on entering Viet Nam at a place other than Ho Chi Minh City or
Hanoi,
make sure your visa is stamped with the correct entry point.
(The same goes for exiting the country).
Vietnamese embassies have a bad habit of putting the wrong entry point,
which means another visa, and another US$25, not to mention the hassle.
I heard a couple of stories of people fronting up to the border post at
Cao Treo (Lao) only to be sent back to Vientiane for another visa.
