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Vietnam’s history is a long and rich one where there has been much suffering and death for the people of the country. Zhao Tuo, a Qin general, founded Nam Viet which included the Red River Delta and Southern China in 208 BC. Throughout the periods from 111 BC to the 10th century Nam Viet came under the rule of successive Chinese Dynasties.

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During World War II the Japanese defeated the French and used Vietnam as a base for their war against South East Asia and India. It was during World War II that a strong communist revolution had started and France’s attempt to recolonize Vietnam led to the First Indochina War that lasted for eight years and the defeat of the French at Dien Bien Phu – prompting them to withdraw completely.

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However, South Vietnam, with the support of the United States, wanted to make the division permanent. The United States were afraid and weary of the spread of what they termed “international communism” in the region should North Vietnam succeed in holding the elections.

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However, this was only the beginning of the difficult times for the country. Millions of South Vietnamese fearing reprisal from the North fled the country and became the ‘boat people.’ The Vietnamese army attacked and removed the Khmer Rouge from power in Cambodia.

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Today Vietnam has one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economies and a burgeoning tourist industry. Much of the country remains poor yet unspoilt by development. Few people talk about the war but reminders of the scars are everywhere. The Communist Party continue to run the country with an iron fist but people have more freedom for commercial activities.

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