Vietnam, or the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the thirteenth most populous nation in the world, with a population of nearly 86 million. It is also the easternmost country on the Indochina peninsula, bordered by Cambodia to the southwest, Laos to the northwest, China to the north, and with a long coastline along the South China Sea to its east.

Historically at a crossroads of sorts, and invaded in turn by China, Thailand. France and the United States, the influences from those eras are palpable, in the art, language, customs, culture and landscape of the country.

In recent years, of course, communism/socialism (and a degree of isolationism) have been the prevailing cultural influence in Vietnam, but the hard-core versions that were initially imported are being softened to allow for free enterprise, foreign investment, and the blossoming of small businesses.

Vietnam, as travel destinations go, is relatively safe, untrammeled by tourists, and still gives a taste of the “old” Southeast Asia and French Colonial empire. There are tremendous waterfalls, impressive rivers, huge lakes, wildlife, elephant rides, jungles, wonderful people, and fabulous food, and all at a fraction of the cost of most other travel destinations.

Vietnam is extremely rugged across most of its land area, except right along the coast, and even that area is far from flat. The exception is the Mekong Delta, which is flat, almost boggy in places, and hot.

The list of activities and sights in the country is nearly endless and constantly growing. In fact, you can even golf in Vietnam! Amenities, likewise are multiplying to cater to visitors. Now, one may not find many five-star hotels outside Hanoi and Saigon (HCMC, or Ho Chi Minh City), but there are lots of mom-and-pop places with air-conditioning, hot water, private bathrooms, satellite TV, decent beds, buffet breakfasts, and a genuinely welcoming attitude. You can travel amazingly cheaply and, with a few precautions, stay healthy, happy, involved, and active. And the scenery is spectacular.

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