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.

No nation on Earth is as newsworthy as 21st-century China—and no book could be timelier than Dragon Rising, as world attention focuses on China's all-out effort to present itself as a modern world power and on the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Becker is the ideal guide to the profound changes within China that are reshaping global economic, diplomatic, and military strategies. He weaves analysis with anecdotes to address today's pressing uncertainties: How will China cope with pollution, unemployment, and demand for energy? What form will its government take? Can Shanghai's success with urban capitalism be replicated elsewhere? Each chapter focuses on a specific region and its local issues—minority unrest, poverty, corruption—then places them in the broader context of China society as a whole. Vividly illustrated with photographs that capture the paradox of an ancient culture remaking itself into a dynamic consumer society, Dragon Rising is a wonderfully written, well-rounded, wide-ranging portrait of China's problems and prospects.

"Everything I look for in a fantasy." -- George R. R. Martin All paths lead to war. . . Marcus' hero days are behind him. He knows too well that even the smallest war still means somebody's death. When his men are impressed into a doomed army, staying out of a battle he wants no part of requires some unorthodox steps. Cithrin is an orphan, ward of a banking house. Her job is to smuggle a nation's wealth across a war zone, hiding the gold from both sides. She knows the secret life of commerce like a second language, but the strategies of trade will not defend her from swords. Geder, sole scion of a noble house, has more interest in philosophy than in swordplay. A poor excuse for a soldier, he is a pawn in these games. No one can predict what he will become. Falling pebbles can start a landslide. A spat between the Free Cities and the Severed Throne is spiraling out of control. A new player rises from the depths of history, fanning the flames that will sweep the entire region onto The Dragon's Path -- the path to war. The Dagger and the Coin The Dragon's Path The King's Blood The Tyrant's Law The Widow's House The Spider's War

A history of modern Tibet, discussing the efforts of Tibetan leaders to maintain the country's independence in the face of increasing political pressures.

In chapters organized geographically, beginning in Hanoi, working south toward Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), and ending in the Mekong Delta, the author and the photographer explore the country through firsthand encounters with Vietnamese of every sort, showing Vietnam in a 1990s context - the culture, the geography, the resources, the landscapes, and the people. They provide a perfect introduction for the traveler to a country now experiencing a resurgence of tourist and business interest.