Vietnam is a country full of beautiful scenery, delicious coffee, and fascinating culture. From the North to the South, there’s much to explore in Vietnam.
Let’s have a look at some interesting facts about Vietnam you should know!
Where is Vietnam Located?
Vietnam is a South Asian country located on the eastern edge of the Indochina Peninsula. It borders Cambodia and Laos to the west and China to the north.
What is the Capital City of Vietnam?
The capital city of Vietnam is Hanoi. However, it’s not the country’s largest city. That distinction belongs to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon.
Hanoi is known for its vibrant nightlife, amazing cuisine, and rare art and crafts. On the other hand, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant economic center.
What is the Official Language of Vietnam?
The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese. It is spoken by approximately 90% of the Vietnamese population. The majority of the population also understands English. Other less popular languages include Chinese, French, and Khmer.
What is the Culture of Vietnam Like?
Vietnam’s culture is mainly influenced by the Chinese and European nations. The country is multi-ethnic and multicultural. Vietnamese culture is a mix of traditional and contemporary values, with religion strongly fused into it. Most of the Vietnamese population identifies with three major religions: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
One other fun fact: according to Vietnamese mythology, the Vietnamese people are descendants of dragons.
Some major Vietnamese cultural activities include:
- Burning votive paper- a ritual for honoring the dead that involves burning votive paper and paper money.
- Ancient worship- An ancient Vietnamese tradition performed to pay tribute to deceased family members and remind people of their origins.
- Praying to the God of Wealth (Caishen) in business – Each year, some Vietnamese people make offerings to Caishen, the God of Wealth, for prosperity in their businesses.
- Lunar new year celebration (Vietnamese Tet)- Celebrated on the same day as the Chinese new year, Tet is a cultural holiday to mark the arrival of spring based on the Lunar calendar.
What are the Top Attractions in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a scenic country with mountain passes, natural beaches, and plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Halong Bay is by far the most famous tourist attraction in Vietnam. It features over 2000 limestone peaks and shimmering seas with lots of lagoons and grottoes. The bay is best explored by boat and has plenty of caves and changing scenery.
Other top attractions include:
- Hue historic town
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- My Son temple
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Cat Ba Island
Outdoor activities such as kayaking, biking, and hiking are very popular in Vietnam.
Also Read: Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam
Is Vietnam Safe?
Vietnam is one of the safest destinations for travelers. The majority of the areas are trouble-free, with no instances of crime. The locals are polite and friendly and tend to be highly reserved. You can travel all over the country without worrying about being attacked or robbed.
What is the Climate of Vietnam Like?
Vietnam experiences both temperate and tropical climates influenced by the monsoon season. The North and South regions experience a temperate climate, with heavy rainfall between May and October. The central region experiences a tropical climate, with heavy rains between September to January.
Does Vietnam Have a Coastline?
Vietnam has a coastline stretching over 3,400 km and a plethora of beaches. The country also has islands and archipelagoes that provide an alluring vacation experience to travelers.
Other Facts About Vietnam
- Vietnam has 8 UNESCO sites, either natural or cultural.
- Vietnam produces some of the world’s tastiest coffee.
- Vietnam is a vegan friendly country. Vietnamese cuisine encompasses five fundamental tastes; sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, and salty. An ideal Vietnamese dish should contain all five elements.
