According to Vietnamese mythology, the Vietnamese people are the offspring of a dragon and a fairy, who fell in love and had a hundred children. The dragon father then ascended to the sky, leaving behind his children and his fairy wife to rule over the land. The dragon is thus a symbol of the origin, strength, and prosperity of the Vietnamese nation. In recent times, Vietnam has also shown its rising power and potential in the region and the world. Vietnam is indeed a land of the ascending dragon, a land of opportunities and adventures for both its people and its visitors. In this book, we will take you on a journey through Vietnam’s amazing attractions and share our exciting experiences during our holiday in Vietnam. As a coastal nation, Vietnam boasts captivating seaside tourist spots that will enchant travelers of all backgrounds. Additionally, Vietnam is home to the mighty Mekong River, the longest in Southeast Asia, offering extraordinary and unique experiences in its riverside cities. Popular destinations like Banana Hills and Mount Fansipan have gained global recognition, further enhancing Vietnam's appeal to a wide range of tourists. Travelers from various countries can take advantage of Vietnam's visa-free policy, allowing them to explore the country for up to 30 days without any hassle. Moreover, the Vietnamese currency, the Dong, offers an advantageous exchange rate, making Vietnam an accessible and affordable destination for travelers from all walks of life. During our first visit to Vietnam, we encountered both unforgettable and challenging situations that resonate with any traveler. On the very first day, we nearly lost our bags containing passports, wallets, and travel money, a thrilling experience that serves as a lesson for everyone. We also fell victim to restaurant scams - not once but twice. We also almost got scammed while paying for a ride-hailing service. Furthermore, our well-intentioned actions sometimes led to unforeseen consequences, creating both humorous and frustrating situations that any traveler can relate to. Vietnam is rapidly emerging as an exciting tourist destination, offering travelers from all corners of the world unique and unforgettable experiences. With its diverse attractions, visa-free entry, and favorable exchange rates, Vietnam presents itself as an enticing choice for anyone seeking adventure and discovery. Our story serves as a reminder that despite challenges, travel experiences can be amusing, enlightening, and resonate with travelers from any background. So, pack your bags and embark on an extraordinary adventure exploring Vietnam!

Two decades after the end of the Indochina War, three celebrated journalists with firsthand knowledge of Vietnam's troubled past remember its rich history, survey its remarkable present and future as Asia's newest economic tiger, and reveal its captivating beauty. 140 color photos. 30 b&w photos.

This book will take you on a fantastic journey to visit sites, learn about legends, try new modes of transport, sample new foods while at the same time getting up to antics that all kids can relate to! This journey takes them to the Land if the Ascending Dragon known as Vietnam. They visit both the north and south; ride on a cyclo and scooters; meet animals from turtles to silly monkeys; and try new food as well as the familiar and favourite ice cream! Join them on their exciting new journey!

Outside of its war with the United States, Vietnam’s past has often been neglected and understudied. Whether as an aspiring subordinate or a rebel province, Vietnam has been viewed by most historians in relation to its larger neighbor to the north, China. Seeking to reshape these accounts, Descending Dragon, Rising Tiger chronicles the vast sweep of Vietnam’s tumultuous history, from the Bronze Age to the present day, in order to lay out the first English-language account of the full story of the Vietnamese people. Drawing on archeological evidence that reveals the emergence of a culturally distinct human occupation of the region up to 10,000 years ago, Vu Hong Lien and Peter D. Sharrock show that these early societies had a sophisticated agricultural and technological culture much earlier than previously imagined. They explore the great variety of cultures that have existed in this territory, unshackling them from the confined histories of outsiders, imperial invaders, and occupiers in order to show that the country has been central to the cultural, political, and ethnic development of Southeast Asia for millennia. Unrivaled in scope, this comprehensive account will be the definitive history of the Vietnamese people, their culture, and their nation.

Explore an epic, new fantasy saga of dragons, gods, and heroes. Once this was a peaceful world, on the opposite side of the galaxy. Now this is a world of elemental beings. A place where Humans struggle, reborn anew by a mad god into slavery. Humanity survives a third generation of life under the yoke of the Mad Undine God, Plthunlos. Guided by the ancient explorer Bphophix, mankind struggles to stay hidden while serving as saboteurs. Bphophix, once the starship captain who settled on this planet, seeks an end to the torment humanity exists under in this strange new world of elemental beings and insane gods. The Mad Undine God, Plthunos, sends his favorite anointed Human, Cyrex on a mission. He runs into trouble when he meets Illidara, a surly, beautiful and young Undine priestess. Deep within the Celestial Gardens, Draax, Dragon Goddess of the Boiling Seas, plots to take over the world of Naalrinnon. Will the Dragon gods' unification bring an end the people of Naalrinnon?

You may have been to Mexico or the Caribbean Islands. You may have visited London, Paris or even Rome. But have you ever experienced exotic Bali, rustic Borneo or the warm breezes and aquamarine waters of French Polynesia? How about Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila or mysterious Myanmar? Join an around the world cruise with seasoned travelers as they explore diverse cultures in 52 ports of call in 29 different countries. Using a combination of historical facts, keen observation and vibrant photography, the author brings you the sights, sounds, smells and ambiance of this exciting 122 day circumnavigation of the globe. Written in a factual and humorous style, with poems and short stories, this travelogue chronicles a truly memorable adventure that is both entertaining and educational.