Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate. The country has the length of 331,211.6 sq. km and population of 84,115,800 (2006). The capital is Hanoi.

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.

The country’s total length from north to south is 1,650km. The coastline is 3,260km long and the inland border is 4,510km. The country’s territory is comprised of three regions, that is, the North, the Center and the South. All three regions have their own features of cultures, customs, and beautiful landscapes.

The North is famous for the Capital of Hanoi - the city of one thousand years old, Halong Bay – over two thousand magnificent islands with different shapes, Sapa – a mountainous region with beautiful landscape viewed as the only one in the world. Other significant destinations in the Northeast include Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Ha Giang…, and the Nothwest consisting of Mai Chau (Hoa Binh), Son La, Lai Chau and Dien Bien.

The Center also has beautiful sites such Phong Nha Grotto, Hoi An ancient town and Hue Citadel, both of which are recognized as the World Heritage. Additionally, Nha Trang and Da Nang are attractive destinations, which are selected by many travellers.

The South is the country’s economic center but a big tourism zone as well. The South is famous for Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta, Phan Thiet – Mui Ne and some other National Parks, such as Cat Tien, Ca Mau.