Vietnam

Vietnam, officially named as the Socialist Republic, is located at the eastern edge of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Vietnam shares a border with China to the north, Cambodia to the southwest, and Laos to the northwest. To the east of Vietnam is the South China Sea. The capital city of Vietnam is Hanoi.

The history of Vietnam is not as modern as many perceive to be. With beginnings and settlements as early as the Paleolithic period, Vietnam encountered its first Vietnamese state under the rule of the Hong Bang Dynasty. In 111 BC, the Chinese began to creep in and began securing their rule over the region.

Back and forth, Vietnam went between the rule of China, then under the rule of France, followed by Russia, and finally to its own rule and government. The Vietnam War in the 1960s was the result of the battles between what was then North and South Vietnam, with the U.S. siding with the cause of South Vietnam. This conflict led to numerous lives lost in the war, devastating the country's infrastructure. With the fall of Saigon in 1975, the Vietnam War may have been considered over, but the aftermath of war still lingers to this day.

Since Vietnam has such a long history, it is not surprising that the country also offers many destinations where travelers can visit and can learn it unique history. Places of interest in the capital city of Hanoi include Nha Bac Ho, which is the residence of Ho Chi Minh, the former leader of North Vietnam. The Halong Bay area offers tours for those looking to see a bit more of Vietnam during their stay.

Lodging in Vietnam ranges from very affordable accommodations to expensive, thus suiting every budget and taste. To cross this vast country, you can always book a flight on one of the many internal airlines, but the railway lines cover most of the country. Some visitors may prefer to travel by bus. As you cannot drive in Vietnam with an international license, so car travel is only an option if you hire a driver to take you around the country.

Ho Chi Minh City

One of the most visited cities in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City. This city was named after a North Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh. The former name of Ho Chi Minh City is Saigon. It is located nearly 1,094miles south of the capital city of Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh City also happens to be Vietnam's largest city and it is the undisputed commercial capital. There is a wide variety of tourist activities in Ho Chi Minh City. From museums and religious sites to water parks, there are attractions for visitors and tourists of all ages.