15 Facts You Need To Know About Vietnam

Today, let’s learn more together about one of the first countries I visited (many years ago now) that made me fall in love with this part of the world: Vietnam!

Between its world-famous delicious dishes and its natural wonders, here are 15 facts you need to know about Vietnam!

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1. Vietnam or Việt Nam

If you’ve ever seen speeches from the United nations, for example, you’ve probably noticed that Viet Nam is presented in two words, and no, it’s not a spelling mistake, it dates back to the Nam Việt (or Nanyue) kingdom in 204 B.C.

This kingdom included what are today some southern subdivisions of China as well as parts of Northern Vietnam.

So how did the name Vietnam come about? The country first had to ask permission from the Qing dynasty to change the order of the name in the 1800s (from Nam Việt to Việt Nam), and it wasn’t until 1945 that Vietnam (merged) was officially adopted as the official name.

Wikipedia has actually a great article on the subject, tracing all the names the country previously had.

2. Dragon and fairy’s ancestors

The dragon holds a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese. Many attractions have a dragon in their names or represent it, maybe because they consider themselves to be its descendants. Intrigued?

There’s actually a legend: that of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ (a dragon king and a fairy princess) who met, fell in love and eventually got married.

Âu Cơ gave birth to 100 children, but after a while Lạc Long Quân told his wife that they were incompatible, he belonging to the underwater world and she to the mountains. He told her they should separate their children, half going to him and half to her.

Beautiful but at the same time sad, this is where the belief in being descended from a dragon and a fairy comes from, and part of why it’s an important symbol in the country, representing wealth, prosperity and nobility.

Other sacred animals/creatures include the turtle (longevity and wisdom), the unicorn (loyalty and intelligence) and the phoenix (virtue and beauty).

3. The Roof of Indochina

Wondering about Vietnam, but also about the Indochinese peninsula’s highest mountain? Welcome to Fansipan and its 3,143m, which have earned it the famous nickname of “the Roof of Indochina”.

Popular with nature and adventure lovers for its trekking, don’t worry if you’re not really into strenuous activities, as you can reach the top of the mountain via a cable car.

Bear in mind that its northern location, near Sa Pa, and the sometimes capricious weather can bring plenty of fog, if you’re not lucky. Due to its popularity, you should also expect crowds if you visit during the weekends or in the middle of the day.

4. The 5 elements in Vietnamese cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is all about balance (Yin and Yang ), focusing on five elements (wood, earth, fire, metal and water), which are in turn encompassed by 5 other correspondences:

• Flavors (ngũ vị): sweet, sour, bitter, salty and spicy
• Colors (ngũ sắc): white, black, green, yellow and red
• Senses (ngũ giác): smell, sight, taste, touch and hearing
• Organs (ngũ tạng): gall bladder, large intestine, small intestine, urinary bladder and gall bladder
• Nutrients (ngũ chất): powder, water, minerals, protein and fat

5. Coffee lovers

If you’re a coffee drinker, then Vietnam won’t disappoint you, quite the contrary.

To prove just how much they love this black gold, Vietnam is actually the second largest producer and exporter of coffee after Brazil, and hold 50% of the global supply.

Planning to visit Vietnam soon? Try the popular iced milk coffee or egg coffee!

6. The world’s largest cave

At 9km long, 200m high and 150m wide, Sơn Đoòng Cave, located in Quang Binh, is the largest known cave in the world.

What’s certain is that I’d love to spend an adventurous day exploring its nooks and crannies and feel like a speleologist on a mission, provided it doesn’t turn out like the movie Descent, of course!

7. A natural wonder

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, and made one of the natural wonders of Vietnam and the world in 2011, Hạ Long Bay (Hạ Long meaning descending dragon) is a one of kind place that attracts millions of visitors every year.

And although I’m not a big fan of touristy places, I have to admit that the limestone formations emerging from the water and the beauty of the bay, in general, remain as a fond memory of my stay in Vietnam.

8. A symbol full of meaning and beauty

Remember the sacred and symbolic animals of the country? Well, another fact about Vietnam that I wanted to share with you is the powerful symbol of their national flower: the lotus.

Representing purity, serenity, elegance, strength and resilience, the lotus is more than just the national flower as it’s also said to represent the Vietnamese people themselves.

9. Water puppetry tradition

When we think of Vietnam, we think of traditional cuisine, clothing, the famous Tết celebrations and much more, but there’s one thing that often get overlooked: water puppetry.

Originating over a thousand years ago from rice farmers who used their rice paddies as the main stage to celebrate the harvest, but also to have fun, water puppetry quickly became an integral part of the country’s traditions, highlighting the lives of villagers and passing on from generation to generation.

Interested in seeing a unique, fun and entertaining water puppet show? Head to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi!

10. Motorbikes as the main means of transport

With over 101 million inhabitants in the country, this fact about Vietnam should come at no surprise!

With big cities often congested and stifling, motorbikes are fast, convenient and the smartest option for daily commuting.

Just remember to always wear a helmet, or risk a fine!

I should add that once you’ve crossed a busy street in Vietnam, you can pretty much do anything, believe me!

11. The famous conical hat

I’m sure we’re all familiar with the conical hat from Vietnam. Called Nón lá, this hat is not only beautiful to wear, it’s also a testament to their ingenuity.

Used to fight off rain, which slides down the brim, and to protect against the sun, the conical hat is made from lightweight materials such as bamboo, palm leaves… Originally worn by farmers and street vendors, it is now an iconic cultural symbol worn by all.

12. 54 ethnic groups

54 ethnic groups and a multi-nationality country: that’s how you could describe Vietnam. But if we wanted to be even more specific: one group, the Viet (over 85% of the population) live mainly in the big cities, Mekong Delta, Red River Delta… while the other 53 ethnic groups live in the mountains.

And while you may think that such a disparity is unfair or weird, know that the solidarity between all these ethnic groups is, in fact, remarkable, offering equal rights to all and showing the world that cultural diversity can also be a proof of strength.

13. A national dish loved by all

Yes, I’m of course talking about the delicious Phở. Made with broth, rice noodles, herbs and meat (often beef), you’ll find it in every region, sometimes with its own variations, but two things you’ll always find are its comforting broth and fragrant flavors.

A dish not to be missed unless you want to incur my wrath (just kidding)!

Other dishes to include on your foodie tour of Vietnam: Bánh Mì (unrivaled Vietnamese sandwich), Gỏi Cuốn (spring rolls) and Cao Lầu (noodles).

14. A rare and coveted essence

Cà cuống essence, made from a rare water bug of the same name and often used to enhance the flavor of the dipping sauce served with Bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls), is quite a rare condiment.

The reason? To collect the essence, which is in fact the pheromone secreted by the male, a whole tiring and meticulous process must be carried out by collecting the liquid present in the insect’s small dorsal’s bag.

The rarity of the water bug and its essence has, of course, an impact on the price of a small bottle (~$20).

Whether for its taste or its supposed aphrodisiac qualities, the popularity of the essence and water bugs in general is renowned.

15. A beautiful and graceful national clothing

The Áo Dài, or traditional clothing of Vietnam, consisting of a long tunic slit on the side as well as loose silk pants, may seem simple to some but its elegance, grace and timeless beauty are a symbol of the country’s pride, as well as holding major cultural significance.

Originally representing your place in the social hierarchy, the Áo Dài has evolved to follow fashion trends and social changes, becoming a cultural symbol worn by men and women alike, while preserving its cultural heritage.

A tradional clothing, unifying generations and embodying Vietnam’s values with elegance.

That’s a wrap on the facts about Vietnam! I hope you’ve been able to learn some interesting facts and that it gave you an urge to visit this wonderful country!

Want to know some of my favorite things to do in Vietnam? Read more here!