Vietnam, located in South East Asia, is bound by the South China Sea to the East and Laos and Cambodia to the West, while China shares the border to the North. The country is shaped like an elongated S with three basic regions: North - characterized by its mountainous regions and the Red River Delta as well as plains.Central - high plateaus, alluring beaches and lagoons are attractions for many visitors, coupled with the allure of the ancient city of Hue.South - The Mekong River and the magic of the city of Saigon (previously called Ho Chi Minh City) ensures that visitors to the country travel the length and breadth of Vietnam.