INTRODUCTION TO VIETNAM

Vietnam with its new open policy, its exquisitely beautiful scenery and its 4,000 years of glorious history is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. There is always something to do and someone to help you.

This small country has suffered much in its thousand years struggle for independence. Now through its government's careful policies and the energy and determination of its people, Vietnam is becoming a major new market and economic force. Its literacy rate is one of the highest, it is a major rice exporter, and it has a strong sense of purpose and hope.
Experience both the buzzing energy of a revitalized Saigon and a countryside where the customs and the pace of life have not changed for hundreds of years. Travel to Ha Noi, the charming capital with its numerous lakes and elegant buildings.

Enjoy Vietnam's rich history in its temples and pagodas, the natural beauty of the Mekong Delta with its thousand canals, the Truong Son Mountain that stretches the length of the country, the wonder of Ha Long bay with its spectacular 3,000 islands and 3,000 km of coastline with numerous, secluded, palm-fringed, white-sand beaches.

Vietnam has much to offer to archaeologists, including the sites of the brilliant dong Son civilization in the North, the Sa Huynh in the central region and the Funan (Oc Eo) in the South.

Saomaitours with its new programs to suit all tastes, its warm and enthusiastic staff and its elegant hotels with full modern facilities and delicious cuisine, looks forward to welcoming you to Vietnam. Please come and see!

VIET NAM OVERVEW

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 annual average temperature ranges from 22ºC to 27ºC. In Hanoi, the average temperature is 23ºC, in Ho Chi Minh City it is 26ºC, and in Hue it is 25ºC.
There are two distinguishable seasons. The cold season occurs from November to April and the hot season from May to October. The difference in temperature between the two seasons in southern Vietnam is almost unnoticeable, averaging 3ºC. The most noticeable variations are found in the northern provinces where differences of 12ºC have been observed. There are essentially four distinct seasons, which are most evident in the northern provinces.

HISTORY OF VIETNAM

Myths said that the Dragon and the Fairy met, then one bag of hundred eggs was born. In order to easily control the country, fifty of them went up to the mountain with Mother, the fairy and fifty went down to the ocean with Father, the dragon. Now, there are 54 groups in all living under the same roof. Scientists say that Vietnam is one of the earliest cradles of human race. Vietnam, a nation called Van Lang was formed, 4000 years ago by the Hung kings. The Vietnam's second historic period lasted 1.000 years (from 111BC to AD 938). Generations of the Vietnamese kept on fighting for national independence. In 938, with the decisive victory over Chinese feudalists, Ngo Quyen began the new era of building and defending the ruling dynasties in Vietnam. Sine 1945,Vietnam history has turned to a new page. A democratic country for working people came into existence. The result of the long patriotic war was the glorious victory that brought back the independence and national reunification to the country. Life was harsh after the war. The Vietnamese not only rebuilt their country but also continued fighting against foreign invaders to defend their independence. Life still runs like a long river. For the Vietnamese, building and defending the country is like a continuous epic. nowadays, with the "innovation" policy, Vietnam with 4.000 years of history and 3.260 km of pristine coastline warmly welcomes you. Vietnam lies in the central part of Southeast - Asia in the Northeast of Indochina peninsula, with its beauty and hard working and progress-minded people, has become highly attractive to foreign investors and tourists.

HISTORIC PLACES

Vietnam's first dynasty, the Hung Vuong, predates the birth of Christ. Since then the nation's history has been rich with names of places that commemorate victory against foreign invaders - Thang Long (modern Hanoi) the Ancient Spiral Citadel, Me Linh, Bach Dang and Chi Lang. Palaces and tombs in Hue bear bold specific traits of Vietnamese feudal past. In the 20th century, renowned battlefields, bound to the Ho Chi Minh era such as Dien Bien Phu, the Ho Chi Minh trail, Khe Sanh and Cu Chi tunnels, enable people from all over the world to explore the history of Vietnam.