Often associated with slim looking smiley women wearing conical hats, Vietnam is located along the eastern edge of Indochina. It has a surface area of 329,314 square kilometers. Vietnam is also known for its seemingly endless and fascinating 3,260 kilometer long coastline; some parts dotted with coconut palms casting their shade, while others appear to disappear in infinity of sand dunes and rugged mountains. Besides the white sandy beaches and tranquil water, Vietnam is also a country that boasts of a rich culture heritage. The old capital of Hue, for example, is a site included on the World Heritage list. It is an amazing country with 82 millions inhabitants including approximately 54 ethnic groups and the Vietnamese are very proud of their 4,000 years of history. The French established a colony in Vietnam that held for almost 100 years. The war with the Americans did much to turn the world’s attention to Vietnam, which remembers the event, either for its brutality or the failure of American power.
The Vietnamese people are not only very determined, but also warm and friendly. Vietnam today has reached new heights of prosperity and is open for visitors to visit country at peace.