Nha Trang, Vietnam

Vietnam consists of a total area of 208,635 square miles (335,767 km), and is bordered on the North by China and on the West by Laos and Cambodia. The population of Vietnam is approximately 60 million. In the North the population is the densest in the Red River Delta; in the South the population is concentrated in the fertile plain of the Mekong Delta and in the central lowlands. The port of Nha Trang recently got upgraded to handle lager vessels. At this time it handles approximately 600 vessels a year with a maximum capacity of 30.000 GT. Nha Trang is the capital of Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving, it is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists (it is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists), attracting large numbers of backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. Nha Trang used to be a quiet fishing village and as little as two years ago it was still pretty sleepy, however, recent government and private investments have transformed it into a thriving beachside resort-town with a gorgeous beach promenade several miles long and a variety of hotels ranging from brand-new five-star venues along the waterfront to small, family run hotels, all within easy walking distance of the beach around Biet Thu and Nguyen Thien Thuat streets. Here you will also find a variety of restaurants, ranging from sophisticated dining experiences to family run, so there is something for every budget and taste. However much you may enjoy the beachside holiday atmosphere, do not neglect to take a walk through the older part of town to see the fishing fleet at anchor and do not miss the Long Son Pagoda which is marked by a huge white Buddha statue. This beautiful temple pays tribute to the lives and tragic deaths of the monks who so dramatically emolliated themselves as a protest against the Vietnam War. It is a somber reminder of the tragedies of Vietnam which ended with the reunification of the country just 30 years ago.