Scales of the Dragon: The Vietnam Experience offers an introduction to Vietnam in all its facets: people, customs, history, and emergence from poor to rising star in the modern world. It is distilled from 18 years of experience, constant travel and interaction with ordinary Vietnamese. It is an ideal introduction for the visitor to Vietnam, as it deals with all facets of life with wit, balance and insight. Vietnam is an extraordinary country for its natural beauty, fascinating history, and remarkable emergence onto the world stage, from poorest to a forecast place in the top twenty countries of the world.

The book is very much aimed at the visitor to Vietnam, and overall taste of the country, not just a travelogue or almanac of places to go. There is a Dragon theme, and the Scales of the Dragon are the bits and pieces observed by the author, parts of the whole. It is surprising how much the reference to the Dragon can help the foreigner understand the psyche of the Vietnamese people, even down to virgin sacrifice to the Dragon, only recently suspended. The book does not gloss over anomalies, but tries to put them in a context understandable to those visiting or coming to grips with this emerging power. Above all it is perfect invitation to come and experience a friendly, intelligent, and industrious people, superb and varied scenery, explore a macabre but fascinating history, and enjoy a superb experience at affordable cost in one of the safest, most stable countries in the world.