Viet Nam is a thin, long country that takes plenty of influences from its close neighbours (Cambodia, Laos and China). For instance noodle dishes served in the north of the country take influence from China. Also, when travelling north to south, the food as you progress south starts to become more rice-based and sweeter. A reason for this is the mighty Mekong Delta and warm climate that supports the wide-ranging exotic fruits, vegetables, coconut groves and rice paddies.