Vietnam travel guide

Vietnam's story of recovery must astound all of those who waged war here during the twentieth century. And plenty did. French, Japanese, British, American, Australian, Korean, Chinese and Cambodian troops - to name some - have all drawn blood from this small but strategically desired land.

And despite all that, contemporary Vietnamese continue to rate amongst the world's happiest and most optimistic people.

Cynics might say that they're coming off a low base. As recently as the late 80s, Vietnam's economic situation was dire. Average annual per capita income hovered around US$200.

But energy and optimism are some of the most irresistible attributes of the Vietnamese. It’s the optimism of youth. Well over half of Vietnam’s 86 million people weren't even born when Communist tanks took Saigon and ended the war in 1975

And since the early nineties, the country has been transformed from laggard to development superstar with growth only a few notches behind China.

For many of Vietnam’s young people, rapid upward mobility is the norm - the misery and deprivation of war and hardline communism, the lot of their parents.

But as Vietnam's experiment of capitalism with communist characteristics - whatever that means - moves into its second decade, some faultlines are appearing. Corruption, environmental degradation, deep income inequality and dysfunctional cities are taking some of the gloss off its amazing developmental achievements. The next two decades are sure to be rivetting. 

For travellers, Vietnam offers a wonderfully rich experience of history and culture, food, stunning landscapes and some spectacular beaches. There's plenty of fun to be had engaging with the people too.

It's hard to imagine how the two major cities, Hanoi and Saigon, could be more different. Hanoi retains its colonial grace and a certain aloofness while Saigon, always at full throttle, has managed to hold on to its friendly and welcoming character while struggling to stay ahead of its own momentum. 

And Vietnam offers a welcome that is warm and convincing. Any postwar bitterness that exists is well hidden. The atmosphere, especially in the south, is exuberant.

The commerce may get too much at times but this is always a nice place to be.

And there's plenty of diversity. The spectacular mountain country of the far north with its montagnard tribes seems galaxies away from the agricultural frenzy of the Mekong Delta. And in between, there's the history of Hue and Hoi An and a coastline sporting stunning beaches and wonderful islands.

Vietnam's exquisite cuisine and its shopping are also winning the hearts of travellers from around the world.

Vietnam offers a near perfect combination of cultural and historical depth and simple great experiences for the interested traveller. But it's the atmosphere of a people on a mission that really makes Vietnam a great place to be.