In 2005, Vietnam came in 7^th in the world for Best Tourism Development. This distinction was conferred by the World Tourism Council, which was drawn to the country's many hidden charms and warm, friendly people.

VIETNAM INTRODUCTION

"Vietnam is a country, not a war."

This incisive proclamation by Le Van Bang, former Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States, sums up the collective psyche of the Vietnamese people and serves as a powerful backdrop for one of the world's most astounding post-war recovery miracles.

Though memories lie just below the surface for all combatants and those who lived through the war in Vietnam and abroad, Vietnam is long a vibrant tourist destination and a visit of any length will dispel many preconceptions.

From lush jungle terrain to beautiful coastline, cosmopolitan cities to friendly hamlets, or among Vietnam's many ethnic hill tribes, travelers can experience the gamut in only a short trip here.

Vietnam's more than 2,000 years of history is marred by occupation: the Chinese, French, and Americans left a brutal imprint on the Vietnamese story, but also left a rich cultural smorgasbord. Chinese and French food, language, and architecture have been assimilated smoothly into the already fascinating Vietnamese fabric of culture. An ancient Confucian university, a Zen monastery, a Buddhist temple built in the Hindu style, a Vietnamese puppet show, French country chalets, and gourmet restaurants -- you'll find them all in Vietnam.

Vietnam hosts 54 minority groups, mostly in rural, mountainous areas. The distinct clothing, language, and customs of each indigenous group present another side of the country entirely. The Kingdom of Cham, an Indian- and Khmer-influenced nation, also made what is present-day Vietnam its home from the 2nd through 18th centuries, leaving a stunning legacy of art and architecture.

Vietnam is a land of rich natural beauty. From tall mountains and craggy limestone formations to dense jungles, river deltas, and pristine beaches, Vietnam's ecological treasures alone are worth a trip. Adventure and outdoor travel outfitters abound, and many travelers come to trek, bicycle, and paddle their way to scenic serenity.

If you want to see the country's past in terms of its wars, you can easily do so. Many sites, like the tunnel city of Vinh Moc, near Hue; crumbling pill-boxes of the DMZ (demilitarized zone); or old Viet Cong hideouts in the Mekong Delta or in the areas outside of Saigon are somber reminders of the past. American veterans and history buffs of all nationalities visit former bases and battle sites. The Vietnamese, though, would rather put their turbulent history behind them; the sentiment is almost a public policy, and you'll hear it like a mantra. You might have a chance to talk about the wars on a casual basis with people, and some might even share their stories, but expect no recrimination.

Instead, the Vietnamese are going forward to establish their country as a strong nation at peace. Since the inception of DOI MOI, the Communist Party's policy of loosening stringent economic restrictions and opening trade, Vietnam has enjoyed exponential growth. From the smallest northern village to frantic Saigon in the south, all are rushing for a slice of the pie. National infrastructure is growing, foreign investment flowing, and tourism booming. The Asian economic crisis is a distant memory and in larger cities, the central business districts rank with any in the world for quantity of glass and steel, and are peopled by an increasing number of Western businesspeople. Expat residents bring along their pocketbooks and appetites, and local hotels and restaurants rise to the challenge.

And it is easy to get around; English speakers are many and, though the touts are plenty, you'll have your pick of tour guides, ticket agents, and drivers. Vietnam's relatively good roadways and efficient air system make much of this small country within very easy reach of the casual traveler, and the country also hosts an ever-expanding collection of affordable, luxury resorts.

So, whether to close a chapter on the past, to experience a lively ancient culture, to see beautiful countryside, to get your adventure fix, or to just get a bit of beachside or cosmopolitan comfort, Vietnam has it all. Be sure to bring your camera: The whole country is a photo op in motion.

The reason Vietnam has become one of the most popular destinations for international travellers is simply because it has so much to offer. It's beauty varies from the magnificent limestone peaks in Halong Bay to the the rice paddy lined canals of the Mekong Delta. People have finally begun to look at the country from another perspective, now that travelers and tourists from the West are being welcomed into what was once a forbidden country. It may take a bit more effort and tenacity to plan an excursion into Vietnam than it would for another Southeast Asian country, but Vietnam has much to offer in terms of culture and sights.

Home to 54 ethnic minority groups, Vietnam is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world and these hill tribes continue to live according to the same customs and traditions they have for centuries. A country of contrasts, one day you can be sitting in a French villa cafe with young Hanoians comparing their stylish new mobiles and the next you can be in the remote mountains sitting in the home of a hill tribe sharing a glass of rice wine. Wherever you go you'll be welcomed by friendly, local people and children will shout their Hellos and invite you to play football with them.

The Asian Tourism Federation recently voted Vietnam as the safest place in Asia to travel and, with its last war over 30 years behind it now, Vietnam is rapidly developing and enjoying the benefits of economic growth. With development comes change and an impact on the environment and culture, but the Vietnamese are fiercely proud of their heritage and cultural identity, and as such go to great lengths to preserve it. Through Responsible Tourism programs the Vietnamese Government works with various NGOs to develop eco-friendly alternatives to the more heavily impacted tourist destinations. Salute Vietnam Travel is proud to support and promote these projects that serve to build sustainable livelihoods for the poorest people and the poorest communities, with care for an approach that builds on indigenous knowledge, which strengthens endangered cultures, and which sustains environmental resources.
by : http://www.salutevietnam.com/