Total area of Vietnam is 127,243 square miles (329,560 square km) with two thirds of the area are covered with hills and mountains. The coastal line is more than 3,000kms long endowed with many beautiful beaches and bays. Vietnam has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. From the rice paddies to the lush jungle, everywhere you look it's green. And from the mountains to the flat river deltas to the sandy beaches, the landscape is so diverse.

• Capital: Hanoi (3.5 million in 1994)
  
  
• Independence: September 2, 1945
  
  
• Monetary unit: Dong; valuation 1 U.S.$ = D 15,450
  
  
• Official language: Vietnamese. English is becoming more common as a second language
  
  
• Population: 77 million, average household size (1989): 4.8 people
  
  
• Labor force (1990): 32.7 million -- agriculture 65 percent -- industry and services 35 percent
  
  
• Urban-rural ratio (1995): urban 20.8 percent; rural 79.2 percent
  
  
• Ethnic groups: Vietnamese, Chinese, Hmong, Thai, Khmer, Cham, and mountain groups
  
  
• Religions (1995): Buddhist 66.7 percent; Roman Catholic 7.7 percent; Protestant 1.0 percent; Cao Dai 3.5 percent; Hoa Hao 2.1 percent; other 19.0 percent
  
  
• Literacy (1995): 93.7 percent of people over age 15 are literate
  
  
• Railroads: 1,762 miles (2,835 km)
  
  
• Highways: -- Paved 14,552 miles (23,418 km) -- Unpaved 43,425 miles (69,882 km)
  
  
• Vehicles (1994): 200,000 passenger cars, trucks and buses, 5.5 million Motor bikes.
  
  

Vietnam has some truly remarkable weather patterns:

* In the North (Ha Noi to Sapa):

There are four distinct seasons. Summer is from May to October where temperatures are in mid 30s with occasional heavy rains. In winter temperatures average in the low teens from December to March. February and March can be damp with drizzling and overcast sky.

* In the Central (from Nha Trang to Hue):

The variety of weather patterns in this region is noted due to the Truong Son mountain range situated in the northwestern on the country. There are rainy periods from November to December. Due to the interior location, Dalat is cooler than the coastal regions from November to March. Danang and Hue may be affected by typhoon activity from mid October to mid December when it is cooler, overcast and drizzly.

* In the South (from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet):

The whole year round, it is hot with dry and wet seasons. The wet season is from May to October where there are downpours, which are brief and predictable. When average temperatures reach the low 30s(Celsius), rain showers can be a blessing in disguise and provide relief to the sweltering heat. The dry season from November to April is generally sunny and humid and can be uncomfortable if no precautions are taken for sun protection. In short, Vietnam can be visited throughout the year.

In short, Vietnam can be visited throughout the year.

There are several means of transport :

* Meter-Taxi:

Meter-Taxi, hired cars, bus, coach with A/C or without A/C. Cyclo or motor bike taxi are an option.

* Trains:

Trains are operating services between Hanoi to Hochiminh City, Hai Phong Port, Lao Cai (to Sa Pa), Lang Son, Thai Nguyen. While the average speed is about 40 kms/hour, the Reunification Express running on Hanoi-Hochiminh City track (1730kms) reaches about 50kms/hour. There are several daily departures to the big cities. The carriages are equipped with fans and basic toilets. There are soft cushioned seats, hard seats and A/C sleeper carriages on Reunification Express.

* Planes:

There are daily flights between Hanoi and Hochiminh City and other cities. Vietnam Airlines is a flag carrier with Boeing, Airbus, ATRs and Fokker aircrafts. Foreign pilots (British, French, Australian ) are contracted to fly on long distance routes. Departure tax is charged for both domestic and outbound overseas routes.

* Boats:

Hydrofoil (high speed) boats operate daily services between Hochiminh City and Vung Tau, Can Tho, Chau Doc in the south ; Haiphong and Cat Ba Island in the north. For cruising in Halong Bay or in inland waterways in Mekong Delta, local 10-25 seater boats are used.