geography

Vietnam is abundantly endowed with all sorts of geographical features, with mountains and valleys, forests and coastlines, waterfalls and lakes and rivers and deltas. 

An intricate network of thousands of tributaries and rivers interspersed the 330,991 km² land area. On the average, there is a river pouring into the sea at every 20km along the coastline. Two major rivers, Red River and Mekong River, provide rich fertile delta land for growing crops all year round. The Mekong River delta (with a total area of 40,000 km²) in the south supports mainly rice growing with most of the produce exported overseas. The Red River delta (with a total area of 15,000 km²) in the north supports a variety of crops primarily supplying the consumption needs of the northern area. Temperate crops such as cereals are cultivated as the north enjoys 4 seasons. 

Three-quarters of the country is made up of mountains and hills with differing characteristics depending on the area in which they are found. Most of Vietnam's high mountains are found in the north, including Mount Fansipan (3,143m), the highest peak in Indochina. The mountainous geography, together with deep valleys, a natural location for many beautiful waterfalls in this area, the biggest of which being Ban Gioc waterfall. 

In the highlands, rice cultivation takes place through the ingenious creation of man-made terraces cut intricately along the contours and mountain slopes. Seen from afar, these terraces appear to be "steps" leading up to the mountain peak. 

Numerous limestone mountains and grottoes can be found all over the country, in the mountain ranges, rising from paddy fields or appearing above the sea. In Halong Bay, more than 2,000 limestone islands emerge from the clear emerald waters giving rise to a breath-taking impression of nature. As rainwater erodes away the limestone over the years, interesting caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites are formed.     

Those who do not feel too much drawn to mountains and highlands would enjoy the beaches and seas of Vietnam. Vietnam has a long coastline along the sea, and many of its beaches today remain untouched.  Tracing along the 3,451 km coastline from the north to the south, one would come to the Hai Van Pass which separates the provinces of Hue and Danang.  The view from this high cliff is simply incredible.