Vietnam Official name:Socialist Republic of Vietnam  Capital:Hanoi  Area: 331,690 sq km;  Population:91,519,289 (July 2012 est.)  Ethnic groups:  Vietnamese90 percent  Chinese2 percent  Khmer, Cham and other 8 percent  Languages:  Vietnamese (official), Chinese, Khmer, Cham, other minority languages H XY

China

Terrain - South and North, low flat delta - Center, mostly highlands - Far North and Northwest, hilly and mountainous

Continental Southeast Asia: Vietnam ■ Geographical setting Coastal plain along the South China Sea with a population of 78 million. Stands for “ People of the south ”. Two major deltas: the Red River (Song Koi) and Mekong. Natural penetration corridor towards China. Only 5% of the territory is mountainous. The south is more fertile than the north. Most minerals resources are in the north. ■ Divided into three units Tonkin (Hanoi). Cochin China (Saigon). Annam (Hue). Hanoi Ho Chi Min City (Saigon) Red River Delta Mekong River Delta Annamite Chain

Continental Southeast Asia: Vietnam ■ Colonial history Strong Chinese influence. Vietnam was a province of China. Unified in the 1700s. French influence from 1787: Between 1884 and 1893 France captured Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Renamed Indochina. “ Mission civilisatrice ”. Difficult colonial ruling because of different ethnic groups such as Thais, Laotians, Khmers and Viets. Emergence of nationalism in early 20th century. Japanese occupation increased nationalism.

Continental Southeast Asia: Vietnam ■ Unification of Vietnam: Vietnam War Civil War ( ): Civil war against the French occupation. Ended in 1954 with the division of Vietnam along the 17th parallel. Involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War: Started in 1950 with military aid to the French. After the French defeat, the United States backed the South Vietnam government. Facing strong guerilla warfare, the United States started to send troops in By 1969, 600,000 troops were involved in the Vietnam War. Withdrawn in 1973 and in 1975 South Vietnam surrendered. 2 million people killed during the war. Conflicts with China (1979).

Continental Southeast Asia: Vietnam ■ Economic recovery Embargo imposed by the United States ( ). The first decade after the Vietnam War: Very slow recovery. Became a net importer of rice, instead of an exporter. Communist style economic planning. Liberalization of the economy (mid 1980s): Introduction of market principles (Doi Moi). Among the lowest labor costs in Pacific Asia: Good level of education (88% literacy rate). Favored foreign investments, notably (1994). ASEAN joined (1995). Differences between the north and the south, as the south was more exposed to capitalism.

Continental Southeast Asia: Vietnam ■ Tourism High tourism potential. Long coastline; beach resorts. Intact coral reefs. Political and social stability. Sub-tropical climate. Original cuisine: often adapting French cuisine. Lack of development has protected Vietnam's numerous natural resources.

From Ho Chi Min City to Hanoi A Glimpse of Vietnam Hans 2012

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Basics  Vietnam is relatively long and narrow, with a varied terrain. (Two rivers and one mountain)  Vietnam has about 50 ethnic and language groups, but ethnic Vietnamese, or Viets, constitute the vast majority of the population.  Vietnamese history is closed related to China and in the modern time, France, Japan and United States play certain roles in shaping the modern Vietnamese nation. H XY

Natural Resources  Vietnam’s most valuable natural resource is its land, particularly the fertile, alluvial soils in the Red and Mekong deltas.  Gold, iron, tin, zinc, phosphate, chromite, apatite, and anthracite coal.  Oil extraction in starting from the 1980s in the South China Sea H XY

Climate  Mostly tropical.  Marked by dry and wet seasons.  Plenty rainfall, making it a country suitable for the growth agricultural products. H XY

Environmental Issues  Groundwater contamination.  Lack of safe drinking water.  Fefoliation, soil degradation as a result of chemical spray during the Vietnam war.  Deforestation as a result of rapid development. H XY

Principle Cities  Hanoi (capital)  Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Largest City  Haiphong  Da Nang  and Hue H XY

Language  Vietnamese, closely related to Khmer  Chinese was used for many centuries, leaving many historical legacies in Vietnam.  Localized Vietnamese Chinese character (Chu Nom 字喃）  In 1910, Latinized Quoc Ngu （国语） replaced Chinese to become the written language for Vietnam. H XY

Religion  Vietnam contains a rich mixture of religions, reflecting the influence of many cultures.  Three major belief systems: Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism (Taoism).  The court recognized only Confucianism, which is more a set of social ethics than a religious faith.  Roman Catholicism as a result of French conquest.  H XY

Education  For centuries, education in Vietnam was based on the Confucian system practiced in China. （科举制度）  The French introduced Western schooling  The South adopted an education system based on the United States model, which emphasizes the development of an individual’s talents and skills  Education is free and is compulsory for 5 years of primary school 。  Most universities are located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Thai Nyuen and Danang. H XY

Economy  Vietnam’s society was predominantly agrarian, with rice playing a key role in accumulating wealth.  After French colonization, cash crops such as coffee, tea rubber and other tropical crops are gaining ground as a export commodities.  In 1986 the government launched a reform program to move toward a mixed economy that operates under private as well as collective or state control. H XY

Vietnam Background Economy - GDP is approx. $83.5 billion - Agriculture makes up 36% of the GDP. Currency - new dong - US $1~ ND $11,000

Foreign Direct Investment FDI in first 7 months focused on Industrial Zones Total licensed projects: 332 Total registered investment capital: US$ 794 million (+81% in projects, +0.5 % in capital) Sector Number of Project Total Registered Capital (US$ million) Industrial & construction The agricultural forestry and aqua-products 1530 Tourism & hotel service, Culture & Health (Source: Vietnam Economy Times)

Foreign Direct Investment Investment Status : Investment by sector Source: VIR 7-13/Apr/2003)

Foreign Direct Investment Realized capital Segment Total Capital (US$ billion) Heavy industry 4.34 Oil & Gas 3.34 Light Industry 2.40 Hotel & Tourism2.02 Construction1.92 Office - Apartment 1.60 Food Processing 1.47 Agriculture, forestry, fisheries 1.22 Transport, Post 1.00 Source: SGT weekly (01/Apr/2003)

Foreign Direct Investment Number of FDI projects ( ) licensed : year Number of projects Total registered capital (Mill.USD) Of which: Legal capital (Mill.USD)Total Source: Vietnam General Department of Statistics

Foreign Direct Investment Number of FDI projects ( ) licensed : year

Foreign Direct Investment Number of FDI projects ( ) licensed : economic activity Number of projects Total registered capital (US$ million) Total Agriculture. Forestry 3211,379.9 Fishery Industry170416,077.5 Of which: Oil and gas industry 564,200.4 Construction2824,616.6 Hotel & Tourism 2024,834.8 Transport. Communication 1403,424.9 Finance. Banking Cultural. Health. Education Other services 2937,645.2 Source: Vietnam General Department of Statistics

Foreign Direct Investment Number of FDI projects ( ) licensed : province Number of Projects Total registered capital (US$ million) Total Red River Delta Hanoi North East Source: Vietnam General Department of Statistics

Foreign Direct Investment Number of FDI projects ( ) licensed : main counterpart Number of Projects Total registered capital (US$ million) Total317039,100.8 Of which Taiwan6054,884.6 Hong Kong (China) 3193,634.3 Korea of Rep. Of 3093,224.7 Japan2963,441.2 Singapore2525,886.1 France1582,175.5 Thailand1351,092.4 United States 1201,339.3 British Virgin Islands. 1061,845.6 China R.P Source: Vietnam General Department of Statistics

Total Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 – 2002 Year Total Visitor Arrivals to Vietnam 1,781,7542,140,1002,330,0502,627,988

ASEAN Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 – 2002 Year ASEAN Visitors 167,281265,338240,883269,448

Other Asian Visitors Arrival to Vietnam Year Other Asian Visitors 824,0411,067,2231,152,9341,320,286

Europe Visitors Arrival to Vietnam Year Europe Visitors 234,006272,001306,620343,350

North American Visitors Arrival to Vietnam Year North American Visitors 241,468239,487266,433303,519

Oceania Visitors Arrival to Vietnam Year Oceania Visitors 67,81173,44790,982104,890

Other Visitors Arrival to Vietnam Year Other Visitors 247,153242,389272,198286,485

Comparison of Visitors from Different Markets

Percentage of Different Markets in 1999

Percentage of Different Market in 2002

Reasons for Increased Tourism  Modernizing and developing economy.  Tourist campaigns highlighting beaches, golf courses, adventure travel, and history.  Affordability

International Flights to Vietnam Distance & Flying Times SectorDistance Flying Time SectorDistance MilesReturnMilesReturn to Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Bangkok6021:50Bangkok4611:35 Beijing1,4583:35 Hong Kong 5412: :30 Los Angeles 7,64816:35 8,15816:45 Melbourne4,78610:45Melbourne4,1688:30 Moscow4,19310:25Moscow4,78912:25 Paris5,71311:30Paris6,28812:10 San Francisco 7,30416:45 7,81916:55 Seoul1,6964:50Seoul2,2325:50 Singapore1,3664:00Singapore6802:00 Sydney4,82811:00Sydney4,2568:40 Taipei1,0323:40 Taipei1,3853:35 Tokyo2,3106:25 Tokyo2,6856:25

Sample Tour Package to Vietnam Number of People 25 7 to 9 9 to to 14 Price in US$ INCLUDES: Twins sharing room at 2-3 star hotel. 12 nights in total. Meals as mentioned the Program. 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners, 7USD / lunch or dinner / person. Special requirement ( vegetarian, Muslim food ) could be arranged with prior notice from guest. Land transfer by A/C vehicle for whole trip Domestic air ticket from Hanoi to Hue Domestic air ticket from Danang to Sai Gon Sailing boat trip in Halong bay Dragon boat trip in Perfumer River in Hue English/French speaking guides. Other languages are available upon request. Admission fees for all tourist places. EXCLUDES: International flight from/to Vietnam Visa arrangement Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.) Drinks Tips and gratuities

War Tourism Vietnam is most prominently known as a place of war and political strife. However, as the country opens up to foreign investment, war tourism has become an increasing attraction.

Places of Interest  Ho Chi Minh Trail  Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)  Hue

Ho Chi Minh Trail  The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a supply route used by the Vietcong during the war. It consisted of mazes of jungle, paths, tunnels, and canals which the Americans and South Vietnamese failed to conquer.  Currently, a 42 kilometer section is under restoration to become a sightseeing trail. This is estimated to cost $3.5 million and should be completed by 2005.

Ho Chi Minh Trail Tourism  Tourists will stop at war sites as well as learn about the ecology and culture of the area. –Ta Con airport –Troung Son cemetery  Includes a memorial for the soldiers who kept the trail opened –Dakroung forest –Van Kieu-Pa Ko ethnic groups

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) –War Remnants Museum (Museum of American War Crimes)  Displays illustrations of violent crimes committed against civilians by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, such as the spreading of toxic defoliant and torturing of prisoners. Includes a mock prison with emaciated models that are beheaded and dismembered. 6 million visitors (1 million from abroad) have entered the museum in the past 29 years.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) –Military Museum  Collection of tanks, shells, bombs and wreckage from American and Vietnamese troops. –Rex Hotel  A popular hangout for American soldiers during the war. Preserved to look much as it did during the war. –Apocalypse Now Nightclub  One of many nightclubs that have emerged with a war theme to attract tourists. –Cu Chu Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels  “The Cu Chi tunnels, a 75-mile- long underground maze where thousands of fighters and villagers could hide, are at the top of the list of tourist spots for Ho Chi Minh City, 45 miles to the southeast.” New York Times  “Besides housing a huge guerilla garrison that operated safely yet within easy striking distance of the American forces in Danang, the mountain caves also offered sleeping quarters, kitchen and a full field hospital.” New York Times

War Tourism Cu Chi Tunnels

War Tourism Cu Chi Tunnels: What to expect “Following the man in green fatigues, the tourists arrive at an open- sided hut, where the women in black show them to their seats. There, on a big-screen television set, the Vietnam War plays on: B- 52's drop strings of bombs, villagers run for cover, communist guerrillas fight back.” (New York Times) A sign outside the tunnels reads: "Please try to be a Cu Chi guerrilla. Wear these uniforms before entering tunnel." Black pajamas, pith helmets, rubber sandals and old rifles are available.” (New York Times)

War Tourism Cu Chi Tunnels: What to expect Visitors can :  Pay $1 a bullet to shoot an AK-47 rifle.  View reproductions of American GI Zippo lighters that say such things as –"Death is my business and business has been good." –"I know I'm going to heaven because I've already been to hell: Vietnam.“  Purchase dog tags and jewelry made from bullet shells New York Times and

Hue  Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) –A 5 kilometer patch of land stretching from the Laotian Border to the South China Sea that was desecrated by bombs and battles. –Trucks take the tourists around the battlefield area where there are guns lying next to the road in a downward position, symbolic of American defeat. Along the tour, one will see bombed churches, old bridges, and rotting tanks.

Hue –It is impressed upon the tourists that the fields were planted with mines, which still go off occasionally, thus continuing America’s destruction on Vietnam. The people living around the area, however, have been creative with the wreckage. Old shells have become flowerpots and parts of fences, and tarnac from airfields now appears nailed into roofs.

Hue Hue  Quang Tri Tunnels –Vinh Moc was the first city in North Vietnam to be hit by US bombs. These tunnels were built by local villagers in order to escape bombings by B-52’s.  Each family was entitled to 4 meter’s squared of space, which then connected to other families spaces to form webs of tunnels.  The tunnels included meeting rooms and a clinic, where 17 babies were born underground.

Hue  Khe Sang Base –Located in the DMZ, this base was the sight of pivotal fighting in the war. Used to deploy US soldiers into North Vietnam.  Ta Con Airport  Important airport of the Khe Sang Base, which had the most modern equipment and best soldiers.

Hue  Today, Khe Sang Base and the Ta Con Airport are being renovated to better attract war buffs since most of the actual war remnants no longer exist.

Tourism (not war related)  Vietnam possesses variety of tourist attractions: –Hanoi  Capital of Vietnam  History, Museums, Temples etc… –Ha Long Bay  Recognized by UNESCO as natural wonder  Over 3,000 Islands  165 km from Hanoi –Sapa  “Sapa is still a must-see on any northern Vietnam itinerary. On a clear day you will treated to views of steeply terraced rice fields, towering verdant ridgelines, primitive mud-thatched villages, raging rivers and astounding waterfalls.” (Vietnamadventures.com)

Hanoi  Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam –Large city –Located in East Plains of North VN. –European City –Population: 2 million

Hanoi  Where to stay? –Sofitel Metropole Hanoi –$200 per night for a single or double. –Classic French Colonial Hotel – recently remodeled “Before the recent building boom in upscale hotels, the Metropole was ‘The Place’ to stay in Hanoi. For many, it still is. This classic French colonial hotel in the center of Hoan Kiem District was restored and remodeled a few years ago by the Sofitel chain. Today the Metropole is as much a hub for business and society as it is a hotel.” (Vietnamadventures.com)

Hanoi  Places of Interest:  The Ba Dinh Square Zone –Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum –Uncle Ho’s house-on- stilts –Ho Chi Minh Museum  The West Lake Zone –Area of over 800 hectares

Ha Long Bay Main Attractions of Ha Long Bay: Calm clear waters 3000 Island’s and Limestone Mountains Sandy Beaches Location: 165km from Hanoi Northern part of VN

Ha Long Bay Bai Chay (Scorched Beach) Dark Sand, 70 deg F Named Scorched Beach b/c of historical event. Perfect place to start a tour of Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay  Hang Dau Go (Wooden Stakes Cave) –One of most beautiful caves at Ha Long –3 Chambers to the caves  Outer Chamber –Largest Capacity (~3000 people) –25 m high ceilings  Middle Chamber –Famous for colorful stalagmites and stalactites  Inner Chamber –Much Smaller than others –Stone wells full of fresh water year round

Ha Long Bay  Sung Sot Cave –Path to cave is quite steep –2 Chambers  Outer Chamber –Square in shape –Referred to as waiting room –30 m high ceiling with perfectly smooth walls (appears manmade)  Inner Chamber –Known as ‘Serene Castle’ –Formations appear to resemble a general looking over his troops. –Light reflected from moving water outside makes formations in the chamber seem alive

Ha Long Bay

Sapa  Characteristics: –Originally created as a retreat for locals from Hanoi’s stifling summers –Located in Tonkinese Alps near the Chinese border –There are eight ethnic groups that inhabit this region:  Hmong, Dao, White Thai, Giay, Tay, Muong, Hao and Xa Pho  Most prominent are the Red Dao

Sapa  Reasons to visit: –‘Love Market’  Courting Ritual every Saturday night –Beautiful Mountains –Waterfalls

Sapa  Things to know about Sapa –Times to visit  Spring & Fall is best  Summers are muddy/rainy  Winter can be very cold –Locals  Quaint town  Do not like to have pictures taken unless paid for it