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About Vietnam
Vietnam, a strip of land shaped like the letter “S” with diverse topography, lies on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula. It is bordered by China in the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west and the Eastern Sea (South China Sea) of the Pacific Ocean to the east and south. Land covers an area of 331,236 km2 where three quarters of its territory comprises mountains and hills. Vietnam's first civilizations were found in the Red River Valley about 5,000 years ago. Today, Vietnam is a multi‐ethnic country with around 54 ethnic groups coexisting peacefully. All ethnic groups have their own unique cultures and beliefs. And their religions are also diverse. But as a communist country, Vietnam has no official religion. People are free to worship if they want to, the majority of people follow what's called the “Three Teachings” of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The country's cuisine is renowned worldwide for its fresh ingredients and complex flavors. It is a blend of Chinese and Thai styles and features seafood, homegrown fruits and vegetables. Vietnam offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience from the ancient temples of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay.
Climate
Vietnam is a country where tourists can visit in all four seasons. Vietnam's climate changes by seasons and by regions from Northern Vietnam (from Hai Van Pass northwards) to Southern Vietnam (from Hai Van Pass southwards). Northern Vietnam has a highly humid tropical monsoon climate with four distinguishable seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter) and is influenced by the Northeast and Southeast monsoon. Winter lasts from November to March. During the winter in the northern mountainous regions, the temperature sometimes drops to 0 0C with snow. Southern Vietnam has a rather moderate tropical climate given the weak influence of the monsoon and is characterized by dry and rainy seasons and warm weather all year round. The average temperature in Vietnam varies between 21‒27 0C and gradually increases from the north to the south. The annual average rainfall stands between 1,500‒2,000 mm.
