Vietnam is a captivating country with a rich history and vibrant culture just waiting to be discovered. From its pristine beaches and emerald waters to its bustling cities and serene countryside, Vietnam has something for every type of traveler.
As you plan your next adventure in this southeast Asian gem, equip yourself with these 12 fun facts about Vietnam. They will surely pique your curiosity and get you excited to uncover more surprises this amazing country has in store!
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1. Motorbikes Outnumber People in Vietnam
Believe it or not, there are over 45 million motorbikes zooming around Vietnam currently—that’s more motorbikes than there are people! Motorbikes are the preferred mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike thanks to their convenience getting around busy city streets and small villages. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself hopping on the back of a motorbike during your Vietnam vacation. It’s practically a rite of passage!
2. Vietnam Is the World’s Second Largest Coffee Producer
Vietnam produces over 1.76 million tons of coffee beans each year, making it the second largest coffee producer in the world after Brazil. Coffee cultivation has a long history in Vietnam and plays an integral economic role to this day. Vietnamese coffee is famous for its ultra-strong, smooth taste which has captivated coffee connoisseurs across the globe.
3. Ha Long Bay Has Over 1,600 Limestone Islands
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural beauty, Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam contains over 1,600 tiny limestone islands covered in lush vegetation. Take a cruise through the emerald waters of this surreal seascape and you’ll be greeted by hidden caves and idyllic sandy beaches around every turn. It’s pure magic!
4. Vietnam Shares Its Border With 3 Countries
Bordering the eastern edge of the Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam shares its land borders with China to the north, Laos to the west and Cambodia to the southwest. Despite Vietnam’s turbulent history with its neighbors, today these countries enjoy relatively friendly relations and open borders.
5. The Vietnamese Language Has 6 Tones
Tonal languages like Vietnamese use tone variations to convey different lexical meanings for the same word. While English has no tones, Vietnamese has 6 tones denoted by accent marks. This makes Vietnamese a real challenge for foreigners to pick up! But it also makes the language more musical, poetic and expressive.
6. Vietnam Has Over 2,000 Miles of Coastline
Thanks to its prime position along the eastern edge of the Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam boasts a long and winding coastline spanning over 2,000 miles. From the sandy beaches of Phu Quoc island to the world-famous scenery of Ha Long Bay and beyond, Vietnam’s coastal landscapes are incredibly diverse and breathtakingly beautiful. Read more.
7. Vietnam Is Home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
In recognition of its outstanding cultural, historical and natural value, 8 spectacular sites in Vietnam have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From the imperial city of Hue to the mystical caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to the ancient port town of Hoi An, visiting Vietnam’s UNESCO sites is a amazing way to discover the country’s illustrious past and awe-inspiring landscapes.
8. Vietnam Has Over 86 Million People
As of 2022, Vietnam’s population stands at over 96 million people – that’s more than Mexico! In fact, Vietnam is the 15th most populous country on Earth. The Vietnamese people are young, ambitious and optimistic about the future, with 60% under the age of 35.
9. Tet Nguyen Dan is Vietnam’s Biggest Holiday
Tet Nguyen Dan, Vietnamese New Year, is the country’s most important and widely celebrated holiday. Marking the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar, Tet is a time of family reunions, ancestor worship, feasts, festivals and good luck wishes for the coming year. The weeks surrounding Tet see nearly the whole country celebrating with fireworks, flowers and traditional foods like banh chung sticky rice cake.
10. Vietnam Is Home to 54 Ethnic Groups
While the majority Kinh ethnic group makes up 85% of the population, Vietnam recognizes 53 additional ethnic minority groups within its borders. Ranging from remote mountain villages to island communities, Vietnam’s minority groups each have distinct languages, customs, modes of dress, music and crafts which embody the true meaning of Vietnamese cultural diversity.
11. Vietnam Operates Over 150 Zoos & Wildlife Parks
It may surprise you to learn Vietnam is home to over 150 zoological parks and wildlife conservation centers! Highlights include the Cuc Phuong National Park home to over 2,000 species and Ecopark Zoo with the world’s largest manmade freshwater ecosystems. This demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment to protecting its precious natural habitats and indigenous species.
12. Hanoi and Saigon Were Named After Chinese Cities
Most foreigners aren’t aware that Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) were named after ancient Chinese cities. This interesting fact reflects the significant Chinese influence on Vietnamese language, architecture, political institutions and culture throughout history. Though Sino-Vietnamese relations have seen ups and downs over the years, this shared heritage binds the two countries.
In Summary
From buzzing cities packed with motorbikes to gently terraced rice paddies, captivating history and breathtaking landscapes, Vietnam has surprises waiting around every corner.
I hope these fun facts sparked your curiosity to uncover more of what makes Vietnam such a vibrant, diverse and welcoming country.
With friendly locals, mouthwatering cuisine and terrific sightseeing at every turn in Vietnam, an unforgettable adventure awaits you. Why not start planning your Vietnam vacation today?
