This study was conducted to analyse the salt tolerance of rice varieties from Vietnam at the germination and seedling stages. The effects of different kinds of salts upon seedling growth were also examined. Germination rate in 1.5% NaCl solution (24.4dS m^-1) ranged from 3% (Mot Bui) to 81% (OM1630-50). The salt tolerance at the germination and seedling stages was not positively correlated with each other. Variability in salt tolerance was obvious between tall and semi-dwarf groups and within each group. Although no variety survived at 16 dS m^-1, Thang Nong Do, a tall variety,was found to display a high salt tolerance. OM997, a moderately salt-tolerant semi-dwarf variety, would be a good example of breeding efforts in combining salt tolerance and high yield. The effect of salinity on shoot growth was less severe for older seedlings. A significant difference was observed in the effects of different kinds of salts, among which calcium chloride exhibited the severest effect and sodium sulfate was least harmful.