Vietnam, a country in rapid economic development, is a unique blend of modern life and tradition. It has recently expanded its focus to include tourism, trade, and global significance while retaining its rich historical heritage. 

Halong Bay is Vietnam's number one tourist attraction.  Most people who visit the country have this destination at the top of their itinerary, and there are good reasons for this.  It’s beautiful. It’s so popular that in 2023, over 6.8 million people visited this UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Halong Bay is dreamlike, with over 200 rainforest limestone islands scattered around the emerald bay.  There could be no place like it.

One of the things I love to do before traveling to a new place is to read as much as possible about the location. I love books. Novels. History. Politics. Memoirs. They can all offer us a glimpse into a country's culture, landscapes, and history. Here are 5 books I recommend before visiting Vietnam.