Interesting Facts about Vietnam

12 Interesting Facts About Vietnam Everyone Should Know

 

A less popular but excellent tourist destination - Vietnam offers the perfect place for your next holiday trip. 

 

This Southeast Asian country is not just an affordable tourist hotspot but it also boasts a perfect blend of culture-rich architecture and scenic landscapes. Read on to discover 12 interesting facts about Vietnam that will surely intrigue your interest and make you plan your next trip to Vietnam.

 

1. Vietnam is Home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

 

Citadel of Ho Dynasty - a World Heritage Site in Vietnam

 

If you want to witness the real cultural heritage and natural splendour of Vietnam, UNESCO has made it easier for you. There are a total of 8 World Heritage Sites in the country that showcase the perfect blend of architectural epitome and natural beauty.

 

These 8 World Heritage Sites are:

 

• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi - constructed in the 11th century of the imperial era.

• Citadel of Ho Dynasty located in Thanh Hoa Province

• Complex of Hue Monuments - lies along the banks of Perfume River

• Halong Bay in Quang Ninh Province - known for its enchanting beauty

• Hoi An - ancient town popular for candle-lit lanterns

• My Son Sanctuary - home to 70 temples and tombs

• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park - boasts 400 million years old karst formation

• Trang An Landscape Complex - located on the Red River Delta

 

The heritage sites will give a true picture of how beautiful and culturally rich Vietnam is.

 

2. Vietnam is One of the Most Biodiverse Countries on the Planet

 

Vietnam's diverse landscape is home to over 13,200 terrestrial plant species and around 10,000 animal species, along with 3,000 aquatic species in wetland areas. With a coastline stretching 3,260 km and including iconic sites like Ha Long Bay, Vietnam has over 20 ecosystem types and 11,000 marine species. Some of these species may not be found anywhere else on the planet. 

 

Among its natural treasures, Vietnam stands out for its primates. Home to 25 primate species, including 11 critically endangered and five endemic to Vietnam, the country is a vital hub for primate conservation. Undoubtedly, Vietnam plays a crucial role in preserving the world's biodiversity.

 

3. World’s Largest Cave is in Vietnam

 

Vegetation cover in Song Doong Cave

 

There is no shortage of interesting facts about Vietnam. Son Doong Cave, located in Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, is the world's largest cave. It's so vast that it has its own ecosystem, weather system, and even a jungle inside.

 

This natural wonder boasts colossal caverns, mesmerizing stalactite formations, and an otherworldly atmosphere. Exploring Son Doong is like stepping into a surreal underground realm, with its own weather system and lush vegetation. The cave offers a unique adventure for those seeking to marvel at nature's grandeur and experience the thrill of venturing into the unknown. 

 

For anyone with a sense of wonder and a love for extraordinary landscapes, Son Doong Cave is a must-visit destination in Vietnam.

 

4. Motorbikes are the Primary Mode of Transportation in Vietnam

 

In the hustle-bustle of global transportation trends, Vietnam embraces its unique motorbike madness. While wandering on the streets of Hanoi, you don't have to wait at crosswalks; simply close your eyes, take a step, and watch the traffic gracefully weave around you. 

 

It's no surprise that Vietnam stands at the forefront of the motorbike industry in Asia, boasting millions of annual sales. Not just the natives, but even tourists find motorbikes as their favourite mode of transportation in Vietnam. 

 

As you travel through Vietnam, you can find a number of motorbike rental stores, offering a convenient way to explore. And the best part? You don’t need a license to join the two-wheeled adventure in Vietnam.

 

5. Vietnam is the Second Largest Coffee Producer in the World

 

Traditional Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Coffee holds a cherished spot in Vietnamese culture, enjoyed by people of all ages throughout the day – from breakfast to lively evening gatherings.

 

In the realm of coffee, Vietnam specializes in robusta coffee, renowned for its high caffeine content and rich creaminess. As surprising as it may appear, this small South Asian nation is the world's leading exporter and producer of this coffee variety.

 

Have you heard of egg coffee? A unique Vietnamese speciality, it's brewed with egg yolk, condensed milk, sugar, and robusta beans. While you can savour it anywhere in Vietnam, don't miss the chance to indulge in this traditional delight in the vibrant city of Hanoi.

 

6. One Pillar Pagoda is an Architectural Magic of Vietnam

 

The One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi

 

Built in 1049, the One Pillar Pagoda is a Buddhist temple in Hanoi that stands on just one pillar in the water, resembling a beautiful lotus flower. 

 

The story behind it is pretty interesting too – Emperor Ly Thai Tong dreamt of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who handed him a son while seated on a lotus flower. In gratitude, the emperor constructed the One Pillar Pagoda to represent the lotus and fulfil his dream of having an heir. 

 

The pagoda has withstood the test of time and is now a tranquil and culturally significant landmark that draws visitors with its unusual architectural and spiritual ambience.

 

7. Vietnam is Home to the Longest Cable Car Route in the World

 

Longest Cable Car ride over Phu Quoc Island

 

The Hon Thom Cable Car stands as Vietnam's and the world's longest cable car. Located on Phu Quoc Island, at the southern border with Cambodia, this remarkable cable car stretches across 7,899.9 meters. It seamlessly links the town of An Thoi to the captivating island of Hon Thom. 

 

Riding on the Hon Thom Cable Car treats you to stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand's blue waters, lush greenery, and charming islands on the horizon.

 

Hon Thom Island harbours pristine beaches, colourful coral reefs, and other natural wonders - a perfect landscape for breathtaking photographs.

 

8. Pho is the National Vietnamese Dish

 

Traditional Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup

 

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with bone broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat. It is one of the most popular street foods in practically all of Vietnam's major cities. Nothing better represents Vietnamese culture than Pho.

 

Despite its simplicity of appearance, Pho boasts a wonderful variety of textures and flavours. It not only adds to the variety of Vietnamese cuisine, but it also has numerous health benefits, specifically when served with numerous wonderful herbs that have been shown to help people feel better, such as ginger, mint, and spring onion. 

 

9. Vietnamese Drink Snake Wine to Improve Health

 

Another interesting fact about Vietnam is that people here consider snake wine medicine. It is believed to have several health and virility-enhancing benefits. 

 

In traditional practice, the venom of a snake is denatured by the high alcohol content by infusing it with rice wine. It is believed to improve blood circulation and enhance virility.

 

10. Floating Markets are a Thing in Vietnam

 

Floating market in Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam

 

In the southern part of the country, you can find numerous floating markets that display the country's unique riverine commercial culture. 

 

These markets, like the famous ones in the Mekong Delta, are a gorgeous collection of boats decked with fresh fruits, vegetables, and local goods. 

 

The floating markets in Vietnam provide a unique shopping experience as they navigate the canals. You can sample great local cuisine, mingle with friendly sellers, and enjoy the lively ambience. The markets not only serve as economic hubs but also provide a glimpse into the heart of Vietnamese communities. 

 

11. Half of the Vietnamese Population has the Same Surname

 

Now this is really an intriguing fact about Vietnam. 

 

Here you may feel like a big family reunion is going on every day because half of the people in the country share the same last name. Yep, it's true! Nguyen is like the superstar of surnames, and almost every other person you meet might be a Nguyen. It's not just a name; it's like a big, friendly club. 

 

Imagine being in a place where you're surrounded by so many people with the same last name—it's like an everyday family party! So, if you travel to Vietnam and meet a Nguyen, you're basically meeting a long-lost relative!

 

12. Vietnamese Cao Dai is a Mix of Several Religions

 

Cao Dai Temple near Ho Chi Minh

Cao Dai is a new religious movement in Vietnam. Founded in the 1920s in Tay Ninh Province, this harmonious faith combines elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and even Christianity. 

 

What's particularly interesting about Cao Dai is its plethora of saints, which includes figures from different religious traditions. Cao Dai followers believe in the unity of all religions, promoting tolerance and understanding among different faiths.

 

Take Away!

 

Travelling to Vietnam reveals a jumble of magnificent landscapes, delightful cuisine, breathtaking architecture, and a rich heritage. Your close encounter with these facts about Vietnam is still awaiting; take advantage of this opportunity to witness the beauty of this Southeast Asian nation. Book your Vietnam tour package and let the adventure begin.