Officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vietnam is perhaps the most romantic as well as the scenic destinations in the world. Vietnam is a nation located in Southeast Asia on the eastern region of the Indochina Peninsula. Occupying an area of about 1, 25, 000 square miles, the country is about the size of New Mexico in the US or Italy. It has China to the north, Cambodia and Laos to the west, and the South China to the east. With Hanoi as its capital, Vietnam is truly a rich tapestry of towering mountain peaks, primitive forests consisting of rare as well as beautiful fauna, graceful rivers, mysterious caves, incredible rock formations, lush deltas, magnificent beaches, and dazzling waterfalls.

However, things to see and explore in Vietnam are far beyond its scenic attractions. For history buffs and curious travelers, Vietnam offers a wealth of attractions related to rich culture and history of the place. Geographically, Vietnam consists of three sections: central, north, and south. Central Vietnam is home to some of the best beaches and lagoons in the nation. The ancient imperial city of Hue is also situated in this region. The northern region of the country is much famed for its alpine peaks and the fertile deltas and plains.

Most prominent among the attractions found in this region are the historic city of Hanoi, the plains of Vinh Yen and Cao Bang, and the charming Halong Bay. When comes to the southern region, it is home to such attractions as the modern city of Ho Ci Minh and the fertile alluvial delta of the Mekong River. Apart from these, Vietnam consists of a large number of archipelagic islands and a huge continental shelf. In fact, Vietnam has such a great number of attractions that it takes a month or two to explore them all.

Other prominent attractions in the country are Dalat, which is considered the jewel of the southern highlands region; Muine, an enchanting beach destination; Mekong Delta, renowned for its floating market; Vung Tau, much famed for its temples and pagodas; and Phu Quoc Island, which is regarded as a paradise on earth, Thus, goes on the attractions of the country. Additionally, the country’s landmarks cover an array of lakes, interesting museum and art galleries, and nature parks and gardens. Likewise, while your stay in Vietnam, you can enjoy a number of activities from fun filled and leisurely activities to adventure as well as educational activities.

Many experts have articulated that Vietnam is the new economic hotspot and has the potential economic growth and development China once had. Vietnam has a population of over 86 million, making it the 13th most populous country in the world; at the current growth rate it may soon reach the top 10 spot. Vietnam is a young country with an outstanding 65% of its population under the age of 30. Traditionally a rural agrarian society, the race is on for the move to the cities, like Thailand and Malaysia before it. Vietnam has an annual GDP (nominal) per person of only $1,000, similar GDP that made China & India the world number one place for labour and outsourcing. Despite economic instability Vietnam still manages to maintain high consistent economic growth.

Vietnam has its fair shares of people in rural areas as to educated urban/city areas. This gives the best of both worlds; business labouring and industrial establishment will be beneficial aswell as quality service outsourcing and other tertiary sector businesses. They have greater population, economic growth, and more competitive GDP per capita than rival neighbours, this is the imitating competitive edge China had that made them one of the most powerful country on earth.

Vietnam jumps to first place in the 2008 annual Global Retail Development Index (GRDI), kicking India out of its 3 year top spot as the number one destination for retail investment. The progress was driven by strong GDP growth, changes to the country’s regulatory structure favouring foreign investors and increasing consumer demand for modern retail concepts. Vietnamese consumers are among the youngest in Asia, with 79 million below the age of 65 and consumer spending has increased by more than 75% between 2000 – 2007.

Regardless of the global economic crisis, Vietnam still manages to pull themselves together and implement major development plans. Vietnam is currently building their biggest highway project (US$1.5 – $2bn), the 105 km Haiphong – Hanoi Highway is of international standards and the first ever highway in Vietnam designed without residential houses on both sides. The highway is an important route to link all the cities and provinces in the Northern Key Economic Region that helps facilitate implementation of the strategic project named as “Two corridors, one economic belt” in Vietnam – China economic cooperation

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung appointed the state-owned Vietnam Infrastructure Development and Financial Investment Joint Stock Company (VIDIFI) to construct the nation’s highway and raise financing for it aswell as other coordinative projects along the highway. The coordinative projects consists of many major development plans such as science parks, industrial zones, new town/urban area and the Cat Hai Island industrial service trade complex located in Cat Hai island with an incredible area of 2,800ha. The estimated value of all coordinative projects is over US$4 billion. All projects lies within Vietnam’s prime locations.