HA NOI (VNS)— Foreigners can glimpse Vietnamese culture through the pages of an English language book newly released by The Gioi (World) Publishers.

Entitled A Guide to Vietnamese Culture, the book gives a panoramic view of the nation's history, architecture, festivals, customs, arts and food.

The editors have included significant cultural features into the book, including intangible heritage and must-see cultural destinations.

The book consists of essays by Vietnamese and foreign authors. They have been collected from issues of Vietnam Cultural Window magazine, published by The Gioi.

The book has been written by insiders, local journalists and long-term expats who understand the country.

"The book is a treasure trove of information for both old and new friends of this country, its people and culture," Australian Andreas Pohl wrote in the foreword.

The stories and subjects were selected by editors of Vietnam Cultural Window magazine, led by cultural researcher Huu Ngoc.

"Each story is a real-life experience of the writer," said Huu Tien, chief editor of the book.

"I expect that the book will be useful for tourists, foreigners living in Viet Nam, Vietnamese tour guides and researchers in Vietnamese studies."

The 270-page book is available at book shops and the The Gioi Publishers, 46 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ha Noi. It costs VND180,000 (US$9). — VNS