Lying on the eastern side of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter āSā with a distance of 1650 km from north to south. 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. Vietnam is one of the most naturally beautiful and romantic destinations in the world, with soaring mountains and hills, peaceful rivers and springs, virgin beaches and unspoiled landscapes. Conversely, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are enormous cities that offer attractions such as museums, markets, parks and pagodas, many restaurants and bars and an exciting nightlife.
Since being liberated from years of war, occupation and isolation, the Vietnamese are now looking to the future and are revealed as a people of great dynamism and charm. Infuenced by Chinese and French culture, the Vietnamese have maintained a strong sense of their own uniqueness while embracing new outside influences. The country has a history and culture of ancient architecture, religions and cults, and traditional festivals. Traditions carry real meaning in Vietnam, where ancient heroes are still venerated at colourful temple festivals, people honour their ancestors, and village elders teach the values of hard work, hospitality, and filial loyalty.