Vietnam
Vietnam has a history stretching back thousands of years. Early Vietnamese societies developed around the Red River Delta, but perhaps the most important outside historical influence was China, which controlled parts of Vietnam for roughly a millennium. Vietnam regained independence in the 10th century, although Chinese philosophy, Confucianism, Buddhism, writing, architecture and food continued to influence Vietnamese culture.
Today, Vietnam has a population of more than 100 million and has become an important manufacturing, export and tourism economy. Hanoi is the capital, while Ho Chi Minh City—the former Saigon—is the country's largest commercial center.
Vietnam remains politically communist while economically incorporating substantial private enterprise and international investment. It is also ethnically diverse, officially recognizing 54 ethnic groups.
Food
Vietnamese food culture emphasizes freshness, balance, herbs, vegetables, rice and contrasting flavors and textures. Sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy elements are frequently combined within a meal.
Rice is fundamental and appears as steamed rice, rice noodles, rice paper and numerous other preparations.
The internationally famous phở consists of rice noodles served in an aromatic broth, usually with beef or chicken, herbs and other accompaniments.
Bánh mì provides a wonderful example of Vietnam's colonial history expressed through food. The French baguette was transformed into a distinctly Vietnamese sandwich filled with ingredients such as meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, cilantro and chili.
Tourism
Vietnam's tourism appeal combines history, food, cities, beaches, mountains, rural landscapes and cultural diversity.
Hanoi provides an excellent introduction to Vietnamese culture through the Old Quarter, markets, temples, French colonial architecture, street food and coffee culture.
Ho Chi Minh City offers a faster-paced contemporary urban experience alongside sites associated with the Vietnam War and French colonial period.
Social Entrepreneurship
Vietnam is particularly interesting because tourism has expanded rapidly while many rural and ethnic minority communities have historically had fewer opportunities to participate in the country's economic growth.
