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55 Fascinating Facts About Vietnam

This world鈥檚 fifteenth most populous country is in Southeast Asia. At the Eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia is where this country is located. Vietnam is an unforgettable destination with astounding natural beauty, fascinating cultural traditions, vibrant metropolitan areas, and hill-tribe settlements.

This is the reason why it attracts visitors from all over the world. Beautiful structures from the Nguyen Dynasty in Hu to the menacing Hoa Lo Prison, both of which were constructed in Hanoi during the French colonial era, are evidence of the intriguing history of Vietnam.

We鈥榣l explore numerous Vietnam-related facts in this article;

1. Vietnam is Renowned for having Amazing Caves

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Amazing caves can be found across Vietnam. Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, is located in Vietnam. It is part of the emerald-covered  Phong Nha K岷� B脿ng National Park in the country鈥檚 north.

Amazingly, other smaller caves can be found in this tranquil city. These caves have unique characteristics such as beautiful hidden formations. Examples of these smaller amazing caves are the Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave.

Also, read 10 Vietnamese Traditions you should know.

2. Vietnam Street Foods go Directly into the Oxford Dictionary

Vietnamese cuisine stands out for its wonderful tastes and endless variety. Amazingly, Instead of being translated into English, the Oxford Dictionary defines the Vietnamese words “banh mi” and “pho.”

The iconic sandwich, the banh mi, is gaining popularity with people all over the world. A rice noodle soup called pho contains raw or cooked beef, beef tendon, bean sprouts, and seasonings. Furthermore, these two meal is available across the entire nation.

3. Vietnam is a Country where Nearly Every Home has a Motorcycle

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Fascinatingly, the number of motorcycles in the nation exceeds 60 million. The first astounding feature you’ll probably notice when entering large cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh is the overwhelming presence of motorbikes.

Interestingly, one of the biggest markets for motorcycles worldwide is still Vietnam. Moreover, the nation uses about 2 million cars. Due to the high automobile tax, the car is seen as a luxury possession of the wealthy.

4. Football is the Most Popular Sport in Vietnam

Football has become one of the most popular sports in the world. Amazingly, the sport is also well-known in Vietnam. Locals enjoy this sport and frequent eateries and coffee shops to watch all national and international matches. Join these enthusiastic audiences if a match is taking place when you are there.

5. The Country Is One of The Largest Coffee Exporters

More than 10% of the coffee exported worldwide comes from Vietnam. Alongside that, Vietnamese coffee is regarded to be among the best you can find. Thus, Vietnam is heaven on earth for coffee connoisseurs with a preference for a dark roast.

6. The Most Prevalent Surname in Vietnam is Nguyen

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In Vietnam, Nguyen is the most popular last name. 鈥榃in鈥� is how this surname is pronounced. In Vietnam, this last name is shared by more than 36 million people. Due to this, you鈥檒l notice that people only use their first names while addressing one another.

7. The Country Features  Tiny Underground Tunnels

The C峄� Chi Tunnels can be found in Vietnam鈥檚 C峄� Chi neighborhood. These Tunnels were constructed by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Amazingly, the Tunnels were used to store ammunition. Moreover, they served as living quarters as well as hiding spots for the Vietnamese fighters.

The initial system was a labyrinth of up to 150 miles worth of tunnels that had first aid stations, kitchens, bunkbeds for sleeping, and traps, some of which were barely big enough for one person to fit through on their stomach. The bigger original tunnels have been reconstructed to make them larger and more accessible, and tourists can now walk through portions of them.

8. Vietnam has 8 UNESCO Sites

Vietnam has 8 sites that have been established by UNESCO. These sites include Hoi an Ancient Town, The Complex of Hue Monuments, the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, My Son Sanctuary, and the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty.

Other sites in this tranquil city that have been identified by UNESCO include Ha Long Bay and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park which are natural sites and  Trang An Landscape Complex.

9. Vietnam has a 3,444km Coastline

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Along the South China Sea, Vietnam鈥檚 coastline runs for around 3,444 kilometers (2,140 miles). Popular tourist spots along this coastline include a number of stunning beaches, bays, and islands.

Vietnam鈥檚 geology, economics, and culture all heavily depend on its coastline. It facilitates access to the sea for trade and fishing and sustains a robust tourism sector.

10. There are Many Different Ethnic Groups in Vietnam

Fascinatingly, there are 54 recognized ethnic groups in the multiethnic country of Vietnam. Every ethnic group speaks its own language and follows its own traditions. Vietnamese (Kinh) make up about 86 percent of the populace. They are concentrated in coastal and delta provinces.

11. The Nation has an S-shaped Shape

Vietnam is a long, slender country that forms an S-shape on the map when you look at it. Vietnam spans several different weather zones at once because of its length and varied landscape.

12. The Nation鈥檚 Traditional Attire is Known as Ao Da

Ao Dai is a brightly colored silk tunic with split waists that go with loose-fitting silk pants. These can be worn by both men and women, however, women are much more likely to do so, especially on special occasions.

Ao Dai is available in a wide range of designs, patterns, and embellishments, but they all have a few buttons at the top and typically have tight sleeves. Ao Dai is available in a wide range of designs, patterns, and embellishments. However, they all have a few buttons at the top and typically have tight.

13. Vietnam has a Practice of Worshipping Whales

Vietnam, which has a coastline spanning more than 2,500 kilometers, has always been sustained on fishing. Interestingly, the whales, according to fishermen, guard them while they are at sea and frequently assist the boats in locating land during particularly rough weather.

Many tales of whales guiding vessels to safety during a storm and saving lives are commonplace. At the shore, worship of whales is very common, but oddly, it seems to be more prevalent in the country鈥檚 center.

Existing boats are turned into shrines and temples, or brand-new temples are constructed. The fishermen congregate at the whale bone-filled altars to pray for safety and success at sea.

Read Top 10 Facts you didn鈥檛 Know About the Vietnam War.

14. Tet is the Name of the Vietnamese New Year

Tet is the biggest holiday in Vietnam. Moreover, one of the most well-liked celebrations in Southeast Asia. It is generally observed over a number of days in late January or early February. Tet is observed by cleaning the home, getting back together with family, and making offerings to the ancestors.

15. Vietnam is Home to Many Impressive Waterfalls

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Ban Gioc Waterfall is the widest in Vietnam. However, it is one of Vietnam鈥檚 most visited natural beauties. Amazingly, this fall consists of three falls. Moreover, the surrounding is beautiful as it includes limestone mountains and green forests.

The falls in this country are more than thirty meters tall and have multiple terraces. When it rains, the falls have so much water flowing down them that the terraces are entirely obscured and the cascade appears to be a single drop in height.

16. Vietnam鈥檚 History of Dog Eating is Extensive

When it comes to eating dog meat, this nation is regarded as the second largest. For consumption in their everyday diet, they use more than five million dogs. Dog meat is most commonly found in the North, with different degrees of acceptance. This winter meal can be prepared in a number of different ways, including grilled, stir-fried, stuffed into spring rolls, or added to soups.

17. The French had Completely Occupied Vietnam by 1885

Before the rest of the nation did so, Saigon became the first part of the country to be ruled by France in 1859. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos formed part of the French Empire known as Indochina.

However, following the French defeat, a decision was made to split Vietnam into distinct nations. These were the non-communist Republic of Vietnam in the south, and the Communist Democratic Republic of Vietnam in the north.

18. The Vietnam War Lasted for 20 Years

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1955 to 1975 was the time frame of the Vietnam War. South Vietnam and the Americans were fighting against the North Vietnamese Vietcong, who had material help from China and the USSR. North Vietnamese forces successfully repelled both the South Vietnamese Republic government and US invaders during the conflict.

18. The Currency of this Country is Known as Dong

Since 1978, Vietnam has been having its own currency which is known as Dong. The currency is issued by the State Bank of Vietnam. The currency is widely used within Vietnam for daily business. However, it can not be freely exchanged on international markets currency.

19. The World鈥檚 Healthiest Cuisines are Among those Served in Vietnam

Green herbs, veggies, and seafood are prominent ingredients in cuisine preparations. To improve the flavors of the dishes, numerous different components are blended with the cuisines and side dishes. Because of this, Vietnamese cuisine is regarded as the healthiest in town.

The majority of the dishes are loaded with vitamins E and A, antioxidants that help your body combat free radicals. Amazingly, because they substitute rice for wheat in their rice sheets, rice noodles, and rice flour, Vietnamese cuisine is virtually always naturally gluten-free. Generally, it aids in weight loss by maintaining blood sugar levels.

20. Ghost Money鈥� for Ancestors

In essence, 鈥済host money鈥� refers to a fake currency that is offered as a tribute to departed family members. This practice is referred to as 鈥渢in ma鈥� in Vietnam, which literally translates to 鈥済host money.鈥� These contributions are thought to be sent to the afterlife via burning, where ancestors and deceased loved ones can utilize them to buy essentials and live comfortably.

21. Vietnamese is the Official Language

In Vietnam, about 80 million people communicate Vietnamese, and millions more do so throughout Asia. Vietnamese is also extensively spoken in groups of Vietnamese people in far-off nations including Canada, the Czech Republic, and the United States. Interestingly, Law offices and businesses frequently need document translations from English to Vietnamese in Vietnam.

22. Vietnam is a Spiritual Nation with a Ton of Magnificent Temples

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Due to the fact that Buddhism is practiced in Vietnam, much like in other Asian nations, one can discover innumerable exquisitely decorated temples and shrines all around the country, from underground caverns to mountain tops.

23. Sidewalks are Not for Walking

In Vietnam, there are several uses for sidewalks besides just walking. There aren鈥檛 many places for pedestrians to stroll because merchants often put up their stalls on sidewalks and motorbikes and bicycles are frequently parked there as well. It can also be challenging and dangerous for people to walk because of the uneven surface, obstacles, and debris on the sidewalk.

24. The Hoan Kiem Lake is the Locals鈥� Favorite Scenic Spot

In fact, Hoan Kiem Lake is a well-liked tourist destination in Hanoi, Vietnam. The lake is surrounded by a lovely park with strolling pathways, gardens, and historical landmarks and is situated right in the center of the city鈥檚 Old Quarter.

King Le Loi acquired a miraculous sword, according to the lake鈥檚 folklore. He allegedly used it to drive the Chinese invaders away.

25. Fansipan is Vietnam鈥檚 Tallest Mountain

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Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan, is located in the northwest of the country and is a part of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. It is known as 鈥淭he Roof of Indochina鈥� and is 3,144 meters above sea level.

26. The First  President’s Body is on Display in a Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh served as the nation鈥檚 first president. His embalmed body is on display at a tomb. He is considered both the post-War icon of liberation and the founding father of contemporary Vietnam. The late president was honored by the UN as a 鈥淕reat Man of Culture鈥� and 鈥淗ero of National Liberation.鈥�

27. Vietnam was Invaded by China Four Times

Vietnam was ruled by the Chinese for more than a thousand years beginning with the invasion of Vietnam by the Han dynasty in 111 BC. The Chinese Ming dynasty invaded Vietnam repeatedly in the late 14^th and early 15^th centuries in an effort to increase their dominance and territory in Southeast Asia.

In an effort to punish the Vietnamese for not paying adequate reverence to the Chinese emperor, the Chinese Qing dynasty invaded Vietnam in 1788 and again in 1789. In 1979, China invaded Vietnam militarily as a result of border disputes between the two nations. The conflict lasted for roughly a month and resulted in significant deaths on both sides.

28. The Vietnamese Flag Represents a Variety of Things

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Five separate points make up the golden star, and they stand for warriors, farmers, laborers, workers鈥� rights advocates, and intellectuals. The background鈥檚 red color honors the wartime slaughter.

29. Vietnam Regards the Tortoise as a Lucky Animal

The tortoise is a symbol of endurance, knowledge, and strength in Vietnam. Vietnamese folklore identifies the tortoise as one of the Holy Animals. It is thought that owning a tortoise will protect you from bad luck and ward off evil spirits.

Read Top 10 Most Famous Vietnamese People.

30. There have been Numerous Architectural Trends in Vietnam

Vietnam has a long and varied architectural history that over time has been influenced by a variety of cultural, social, and political factors. Vietnam, for instance, was ruled by the Chinese for more than a thousand years, and this influence is visible in the architecture, especially in the usage of pagodas and temples with curving roofs and elaborate ornamentation.

31. Vietnam  Features Over 300 Rivers

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Vietnam is rich in rivers all over the nation. You will find 392 rivers in this tranquil city. Some of these rivers have a length of 6,734.6km long in total.

Some of these rivers are the Red River Delta and the Mekong River. The rivers have been the source of power, and transportation. Moreover, they have played a crucial role when it comes to agriculture in this nation.

32. People Drink Snake Wine as a Sign of Vitality

The snake wine is prepared to put whole snakes and herbs into a glass of rice wine. The mix is kept for a period of time to enhance the flavor.

It is believed that wine is a traditional medicine that helps in curing back pain and rheumatism. However, this wine can be dangerous as it may contain some poisonous from some snakes.

33. Vietnam is Governed by a Single Political Party

Since the nation鈥檚 unification in 1975, the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has held power as the only recognized political entity in Vietnam.

Heads of State and Government are represented by the President and the Prime Minister, respectively. The Prime Minister would be chosen to have the highest clout in government through the National Assembly鈥檚 legislative branch. The President, however, would only have ceremonial power and little influence.

34. Sepak Takraw is a Traditional Sports Played in Vietnam

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This sport is also known as Kick Volleyball. Participants must pass a ball over a net, slightly smaller than a badminton net, using only their feet and heads. Because players must be able to jump, spin, and carry out other acrobatic maneuvers in order to keep the ball in play, the sport calls for a high level of agility and ability.

35. Vietnam Values White Skin as a Sign of Beauty

The idea of white skin as pure and attractive is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese beauty standards. Both men and women make every effort to stay out of the sun to avoid tanning. Many cosmetics products available today also have whitening properties.

36. Around 3 Million People Lost their Lives in the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War which was fought for several years was one of the deadliest to happen in a single country. Other than the loss of millions of property, several lives were lost over the war period.

The war claimed the lives of almost 1.3 million combatants and 2 million civilians. It鈥檚 still a contentious battle today and one of the longest in history.

37. The Tourism Industry of Vietnam Expands Every Year

People seem to be becoming more and more aware of the charm and beauty of Vietnam. It boasts many stunning locations, intriguing historical sites, breathtaking architecture, a rich culture, delectable cuisine, idyllic beaches, and much more.

38. A Well-like Art Form, Water Puppetry Exists in Vietnam

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Water puppetry is a traditional art form that has existed in this region for a very long time. It is a component of Vietnamese tradition and culture. To keep them dry and water-resistant, the puppets are often made of wood and varnished.

39. The Primary Meal in Vietnam is Rice

Rice is widely consumed in Asia, like many other continents. Rice is a common ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine and is considered to be a staple food in the nation. Moreover, One of the main exports from the nation is rice, which is grown in many different regions of the nation.

40. The Largest City in Vietnam is not the Nation鈥檚 Capital

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There are several cities in Vietnam that are hubs of the economy of the nation. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is not the biggest city in the nation. The capital city is normally the biggest one in the majority of the world鈥檚 nations. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. It has a population of 8,993,082 people.

41. Certain Presents are Viewed as Unlucky in Vietnam

While in this nation, there are some gifts that you cannot give someone. This is because they are viewed as unlucky. For example, handkerchiefs are connected with crying and misery, offering one as a gift is said to be unlucky. Moreover, giving black gifts is undesirable and harmful in Vietnamese culture since this color represents sadness.

42. The Literacy Rate in Vietnam is 97.3%

The literacy rate in Vietnam is currently about 97.3%, which is quite high, according to the most recent statistics provided by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. In order to increase literacy rates, the Vietnamese government has put in place a number of initiatives, including expanding educational opportunities and raising educational standards. Younger people and metropolitan locations have higher literacy rates than older people and rural places do.

43. Vietnamese People Love Silk Painting

Vietnam has been engaged in the heritage of silk painting for many years. Vietnamese silk paintings are renowned for their vivid hues and finely detailed imagery, frequently including natural landscapes, flowers, and birds.

Le Pho, Mai Trung Thu, and Vu Cao Dam are a few of the most well-known Vietnamese silk painters. These painters have contributed to the growth of silk painting both in Vietnam and internationally, and collectors and art aficionados greatly prize their creations.

44. There is  an Event Called the 鈥楲ove Market鈥� Festival in Vietnam

Around Lunar New Year, the festival is often celebrated in late January or early February. The origins of the Love Market celebration may be traced back to the past when young people from many ethnic minorities flocked to the market to find a loving match.

Around Lunar New Year, the festival is often celebrated in late January or early February. The origins of the Love Market celebration may be traced back to the past when young people from many ethnic minorities flocked to the market to find a loving match. Locals congregate at the market to sell and trade goods, sing and dance, and take part in numerous cultural activities during the Love Market celebration while dressed in vibrant traditional costumes.

45. One of the Biggest Cashew Exporters in the World is Vietnam!

Vietnam produces a large portion of cashew nuts for export. In fact, it provides close to one-third of the cashew nuts eaten worldwide. There is an increasing demand for these nuts due to rising appetites, and Vietnam is actively attempting to meet that demand.

Also, read 10 Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Chicago.

46. Vietnam is Home to a Well-known Bridge

Despite only having recently opened in 2018, it has gained popularity and quickly risen to the top of Asia鈥檚 must-see destinations! The Golden Bridge has a length of 150 meters (500 feet). Have you ever seen the Big Hand Bridge? This breathtaking tourist destination is situated in Da Nang, Vietnam.

47. Vietnamese Smoke A Lot

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 25% of Vietnamese people smoke. It represents one-fourth of the nation’s total population!

It is quite unusual to see a Vietnamese woman with a cigarette because smoking is regarded as a “manly hobby.” In Vietnam, cigarettes are very inexpensive. Less than $1 is spent on a pack of cigarettes! Smoking from bamboo tube pipes is also fairly common.

48. Vietnamese People go Vegan Twice a Month

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Several Vietnamese people switch to veganism. They do this during the start and middle of the lunar month when the moon is new or full. They give up meat, alcohol, and other vices for the day in observance of the Buddhist principle of non-harming to animals.

49. The Buddha Enjoys Chocolate Pie

Any Buddhist temple in Vietnam will likely have the Buddha sitting happily atop a collection of donations from the community. The majority of presents are food and beverages, with the well-known Choco-Pies being one of the most well-known examples. The Choco-Pies are prepared of two small circular layers of cake, a marshmallow filling, and a thin layer of chocolate on the outside.

The pies are typically left with the Buddha for a day before being deemed blessed. As a modern-day satire of the sacrificial rite, the individual who subsequently eats the consecrated pies receives good luck.

50. Three-Legged Toad is Worshipped by Business Owners

When entering a private establishment in Vietnam, search for a miniature, decorative toad holding a coin and surrounded by incense and other offerings. Both conventional enterprises and contemporary high-tech franchises frequently exhibit this.

51. Vietnamese are Excellent Mathematicians

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In global math competitions, Vietnamese competitors frequently perform very well. Vietnam had a median score of 7 during the previous 10 years in the international math Olympiad. A third-place victory is occasionally achieved by Vietnam.

52. Vietnamese Culture Shows a Great Deal of Respect for Teachers

Vietnamese culture places a great deal of importance on teachers. This is a result of Vietnam鈥檚 long-standing Confucian beliefs, which have been passed down through the centuries. On November 20^th, for instance, kids can write poetry and send gifts to their teachers.

53. Lotus is the national flower of Vietnam

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Vietnam鈥檚 national flower was selected as the lotus in 2010. In several locations across the nation, the chosen flower is planted. Lotus is a representation of genuine beauty that is unaffected by dirt and the strong spirit of Vietnamese people who endure difficult situations to display their best traits to the outside world, despite challenging circumstances.

54. There Are More Than 5,000 Small And Large Islands in Vietnam

One of the most fascinating things to do in Vietnam is island hopping, which is also one of the most entertaining things you should know about Vietnam. In the entire nation, there are about 6,000 islands. The majority of these islands are found in Halong Bay and along the coast of central Vietnam.

55. You Get Younger by Eating Rats in Vietnam

When food was scarce due to hunger and conflict, rats were available for consumption, which is how rats came to be consumed in Vietnam. Some women in the Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam think eating rats can extend your life.

The Southeast Asian nation of Vietnam is renowned for its long history, varied culture, and stunning scenery. Tours to Vietnam are advised as the country provides more spectacular things to visitors.

Read 10 Best Vietnamese Restaurants in San Francisco.