Vietnam, a captivating Southeast Asian country, is filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights. Its stunning landscapes and vibrant traditions provide countless fascinating facts that intrigue and inspire worldwide travelers. So, why wait? Let’s explore some fun and interesting facts about Vietnam that are sure to spark your wanderlust!
Interesting Facts about Vietnam’s Nature
First of all, let’s dive right in and uncover some interesting facts about Vietnam‘s stunning natural beauty!
An S-shaped Country with a Long Coastline
Speaking of interesting facts about Vietnam’s nature, Vietnam is an ‘S’-shaped country that features a coastline that runs 3,260 kilometers (or 2,030 miles). For beach lovers, it’s a true haven, packed with beautiful beaches and brilliant coastal views. Places like Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc are worth checking out!
Home to Thousands of Islands
Vietnam has loads of islands, around 4,000 in fact, dotted along its extensive coastline. Many of these are easy to get to for visitors. Some of the popular ones include Hoang Sa, Truong Sa, Phu Quoc, Cat Ba, to name but a few.
Home to the Largest Cave in the World
The next on the list of interesting facts about Vietnam is that this country is home to the largest natural cave in the world, Son Doong Cave in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. This cave is so big, it even has its own ecosystem, rivers, and climate. If you’re up for an adventure, a journey to Son Doong Cave costs about $3,000, a worthy expense for an exploration of the world’s most majestic cave.
Nation of Rivers
Vietnam is a country full of rivers, with over 2,360 rivers that are longer than 10 kilometers and 109 main channels. Among them, the Mekong Delta and Red River Delta are the biggest. They are a vital part of Vietnam’s agriculture, culture, and everyday life.
Northern Vietnam is Quite Chilly in Winter
Unlike the tropical climate of the central and southern regions, Northern Vietnam experiences a significant drop in temperature from December to February. Places like Sapa might even surprise you with snow!
8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Vietnam is home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites! These include the stunning Halong Bay, the imperial city of Hue, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, and Trang An Landscape Complex. You really should check them out – you won’t be disappointed!
Roof of Indochina
Fansipan, known as “The Roof of Indochina”, is the tallest peak in Vietnam and all of Indochina, reaching up to 3,147.3 meters (10,326 feet). It’s a great spot if you’re into trekking. Try it out, the view’s worth the climb!
The most Scenic Road – Ha Giang Loop
Fancy a motorbike adventure? Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam offers you an unforgettable experience full of breathtaking landscapes and a vibrant mountain ride. Rent an easy rider, explore the winding roads of Ha Giang, and enjoy the area’s lively nightlife with happy locals. It’s a fun-filled journey you won’t forget!
Markets on the Water
The Mekong Delta’s floating markets, like Cai Rang floating market, are a bustling hotspot for trade and a great way to experience local culture. Plus, you can sample some super fresh and tasty tropical fruits straight from the orchards. Be sure to stop by – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Vietnamese People: A Tapestry of Diversity
Next, let’s explore some interesting facts about Vietnamese people!
Vietnam is Home to 54 Ethnic Groups
Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups, each with its own unique customs, traditions, and languages. This amazing cultural tapestry gives visitors a colorful and vibrant experience like no other.
Nguyen is a pretty Popular Last Name in Vietnam
This is truly one of the most interesting facts about Vietnam. In fact, about 3 out of every 10 people there share this surname! And of course, that doesn’t mean they’re all part of the same family.
Extended Family Living
In Vietnam, it’s common for extended family members to live together. This showcases just how central family ties are to Vietnamese culture. And this is a fun fact – younger family members usually need to be home before 10 p.m.!
Street Ninjas
Many people in Vietnam, particularly women, cover up completely to shield themselves from the sun. This outfit makes them look like ninjas, hence the term “street ninja.” It’s quite a change as sunbathing is popular in some countries. But in Vietnam,dressing like this is pretty much essential to cope with the intense heat.
Interesting Facts about Vietnamese Dong
The Vietnamese currency is the Dong. It’s used for all transactions and made from polymer. And here’s a fun part, each note features tourist attractions in Vietnam. So, if you’re on an adventure in Vietnam, your money can be your very own travel guide.
QR Code Payments
This is one of the most interesting facts about Vietnam that often surprises tourists. QR code payments are now a regular thing, especially in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. You can just use a QR code to pay for your groceries. Easy peasy!
The Safest Travel Destination
Vietnam ranks 3rd among the safest Southeast Asian countries to visit. It’s not just safe, but also welcoming and super friendly – perfect for a stress-free adventure. So, you can just kick back, relax, and make the most of your trip!
Vietnam’s Culture: A Rich Heritage
Now, let’s dive into the truly interesting facts about Vietnam culture. It’s simpler than you might think, and all the more charming for it.
Influence from China
China has had a profound cultural impact on Vietnam, as Vietnam was under Chinese rule for much of its history. Therefore, when you’re in Vietnam, you’ll see many ancient structures with a Chinese touch.
Religious Diversity
Vietnam is home to a wide variety of religions, including Buddhism, Catholicism, and traditional folk religions. This beautiful blend can make any visitor feel right at home.
Tet Holiday – Quiet Streets
On the first day of the Tet Vietnamese New Year, the usually bustling city streets become quiet. People travel back to their hometowns to enjoy the holiday with their families. It’s a unique and cozy experience – just a day before, these same streets were packed with people.
Traffic Order in Chaos
When it comes to interesting facts about Vietnam, many travelers express surprise at their initial experience with Vietnam’s traffic. At first glance, traffic in Vietnam may appear chaotic. However, there’s a unique rhythm to it. Everyone finds their own path, leading to surprisingly smooth and crash-free journeys!
Soccer is the National Sport
Soccer is the most popular sport in Vietnam, with a passionate fan base and vibrant local leagues. You’ll often see locals, especially the younger crowd, getting together for a friendly match after a day’s work or on the weekend.
Speed Dating
This is quite one of the interesting facts about Vietnam that leave tourists in awe. Speed dating isn’t just a recent global trend. It’s actually been a thing in Vietnam for quite a while. If you visit the Love Market in Sapa, Vietnam, you’ll see it’s a part of a local ethnic group’s tradition. It’s a fun way Vietnam keeps up with modern social trends!
Vietnamese Food: Culinary Delights
Finally, let’s take a down-to-earth, friendly look at some interesting facts about Vietnamese food!
Street Food Culture
Vietnamese street food is amazing. You’ll find an array of delicious and affordable dishes that give you a true taste of Vietnam. Pho Vietnam and Banh Mi are so well-known, they’ve made it into the Oxford Dictionary! And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ve got to try Vietnamese Che. It’s a treat!
Draft Beer
Locals and tourists love the refreshing draft beer, or “bia hoi“. It’s not just about the beer, it’s a cultural experience! You’ll find it in local eateries all over the streets. Great for a chill-out session after a long day of exploration.
Super Strong Coffee
Vietnam is a big deal in the coffee world – it’s the world’s second-largest coffee exporter! But it’s not only about the volume; Vietnamese coffee is super strong and well-loved all over. In Vietnam, there are numerous different versions that will leave you surprised, like coconut coffee and egg coffee. Totally worth a taste!
Rice & Chopsticks
In Vietnam, rice is a mainstay of every meal, and chopsticks are the tool of choice for eating. If you’re visiting Vietnam for the first time, using chopsticks may seem a bit challenging at first, but don’t worry! With a bit of practice, you’ll master it in no time.
King of Cashew Nuts
This is one of the interesting facts about Vietnam that may even surprise locals. Vietnam has been the world’s largest producer of cashew nuts for years, and known for the high quality and rich flavor of cashew nuts. You can buy cashew nuts in Vietnam at a very reasonable price as a lovely gift for your beloved at home.
So, those are some interesting facts about Vietnam. Hopefully, these facts in this list provided by Asia Legend Travel caught your interest and given you a small peek into why Vietnam is such a fascinating place. Between its stunning natural sites, rich culture, and tasty food, there’s a whole lot of fun, practical, and friendly experiences waiting for you in Vietnam.
