The official name of this country is the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and its capital is Hanoi. It extends 1700 km going north-south and it has 3260 km of coastline. The climate in the south is predominately tropical and in the north it is subtropical. Vietnam is bordered by China, Laos and Cambodia. Its 86,000,000 inhabitants are made up 90% Vietnamese and 10% minorities.

Vietnam is a land full of mysteries, but it is making the jump into the 21st century. Geographically, climatically, historically and culturally Vietnam lies at the intersection of the Indian and Chinese spheres of influence. Even though moss and patina cover cultural memorials that are thousands of years old, modern life pulsates on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. It is a country in the space between the past and a modern awakening, and it looks into the future with great anticipation.

The Doi Moi economic reforms of the Communist government introduced in 1986 are bringing hope and self confidence to the population. Social extremes are great, but hope for a bit of prosperity predominates everywhere. The people are open, considerate, disciplined, pragmatic and polite. Many western companies have set up branches in South Vietnam, and tourism is beginning to flourish.

Around Sapa:

The bay of Halong:

Pictures: Eddy Visser, XV1X