It is, in fact, the world’s second-largest coffee-producing nation after Brazil, producing 16% of the world’s total coffee (Brazil’s is 40%). Japan briefly took control of Vietnam during World War II. Vietnam is the easternmost country in Southeast Asia. Owning a car is incredibly expensive because the tax is around 100-200%, so it’s a luxury reserved for the very wealthy. The most unique way of drinking coffee in Vietnam, and possibly one of our favorite ever coffees we've ever tried is the famous egg coffee of Hanoi. But I also learned alot about Vietnam. Not so in Vietnam! It Is Home The Some Amazing UNESCO Heritage Sites. On the other hand, roughly 2 million cars are used in the country. Vietnam's fauna includes 307 nematode species, 200 oligochaeta, 145 acarina, 113 springtails, 7,750 insects, 260 reptiles, and 120 amphibians. I personally wouldn't dare, but we saw many families on bikes there! Check out our video to give you an idea: You hoping to pass your grades at school…you cross your fingers for luck! To give you an idea, the population of Vietnam is almost 100 million. On a more serious note, and to nicely link to our final interesting fact about Vietnam, currency collecting geeks (like Stefan) will find the dong quite fascinating. And that also sums up our month-long trip through Vietnam! To give you an idea, the population of Vietnam is almost 100 million. Just like our beloved Ari, we do believe that God is a woman… and that she has some finely manicured hands! Read more in our interview with Quan from Saigon about gay life in Vietnam and also check out our comprehensive gay guide to Saigon. Vietnam is a country on the Asian continent (Asia). The largest city in the country is Ho Chi Minh City. We are Stefan and Sebastien a French/Greek gay couple from London. The art of water puppetry first originated in the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam during the 11th century. There are over 50 other minority groups that reside in Vietnam. The first records of this wine come from China, but the practice has moved into Vietnam over time. He is a tech geek, a total travel nerd and a food enthusiast. Vietnam's name was originally two words: Viet Nam. Vietnam actually has a legit fruit that translates to “milk from the breast” (“vu sua”) in Vietnamese. The nickname ‘Land of Smiles’ is derived from the fact that Thais seek harmony over social conflict. Gongs are used in place of bells to alert children on when school is in session. Vietnam is a gay friendly destination. As a gay couple, we loved how welcoming we were made to feel at the hotels we stayed in. No doubt that you may feel like a millionaire in Vietnam since you pay couples of millions of Dongs for a stay here. Naturally, those same properties transfer into the wine made from their bodies. The S then trails down passing Hoi An, Hue (both must-see cities for any traveller to Vietnam! The Mekong River and the Red River run through delta plains that are very fertile and ideal for growing the country's top crops, including rice. Aside from helping with sickness, it has also been said that drinking snake wine can improve virility, so… if you’re in Vietnam (because it is illegal to export this boozy concoction) and feeling adventurous, why not give it a shot? You read right – the “ca phe trung” is served with egg yolk whipped into the condensed milk. 50 Facts On Vietnam War There are many veterans and families that would like to forget the Vietnam War completely. Nguyen is the most common family name in Vietnam. I can tell you I was terrified out of my skin at the prospect of crossing the streets of Saigon when we first touched down Vietnam. Vietnam is the world’s largest exporter of cashew nuts – which equates to 353,000 tonnes sold for US$3.52 billion per year. Thirty-seven percent of the world's cashews come from Vietnam. For instance, during the Vietnam War, American soldiers would place the ace of spades on deceased soldiers’ bodies because they believed that the card was a symbol of death in Vietnamese culture. The history of Vietnam can be traced back to around 20,000 years ago. Together, we have been travelling the world for over 10 years. And while the ace of spades did not actually have significance to Vietnamese people when the mental torture began, it definitely made its impact by the time the war ended. The country is the world's largest exporter of black pepper. Over 86% of people who live in Vietnam are Vietnamese. that, I will never forget . This country is also one of the world's most biodiverse and features some of the world's most interesting and beautiful animals scattered across stunning landscapes. , My brother was in the Vietnam War. Crazy traffic aside, we loved Vietnam. The country's nominal GDP per capita is $2,111. What if we told you that setting can be found in real life? Nomadic Boys is our gay travel blog showcasing all our travel adventures as a gay couple. Sebastien is the co-founder, editor and author of nomadicboys.com. Researchers try to find antidotes for snake venom at the Dong Tam Snake Farm. Read our, 6. We recommend you always take out travel insurance before your next vacation. There are 840 birds and 310 mammals are found in Vietnam, of which 100 birds and 78 mammals are endemic. As you continue to peel and eat away at it, a few white milky drops dribble out, which explains the analogy to breast milk! At its narrowest point, the country is just 25 miles wide. The Vietnam War was one of the longest in the world's history, lasting from 1954 to 1975. While there are many spectacles to behold throughout the cave – like the underground river, the gigantic stalagmites and the calcite barrier known as the Great Wall of Vietnam – we believe these dolines are the best places to explore. Two of the most notable ones are Stone Dog and Teapot! Many people opt to not own a car because it is reserved for those who are very wealthy. 7. The country is the largest producer of the nut in the world. Vietnam Facts 1. 9. Over the years, sunlight has been able to travel inside the cave and allow gorgeous trees and other forms of vegetation to grow. Hugh Thomson, the man who… The Vietname den, or temple, is a monument that is constructed to honor great figures of the past. If you were to ask a local, it’s likely they would say that Saigon produces the best salted cashew nuts. 2. Seriously! In the West, we tend to regard tanned skin as the “ideal” – usually, a sign of wealth because you've just come back from an exotic holiday. Vietnam has many rice terraces, which allow the staple crop to be grown along steep mountains. This informationare perfectly researched by kids for kids: • Population: Vietnam as a country has a population of more than 90 million people as of 2019. Interesting Vietnam facts #9. Snake wine is an alcoholic drink that can be produced in one of two ways: 1) a whole venomous snake is submerged into a jar of alcohol, where it sits for a few months until totally infused, or 2) a live snake has all of its blood and bile drained into a glass of alcohol. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-25811724, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/cambodia/articles/what-i-learned-paying-my-respects-to-ho-chi-minh/, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/print_2103.html, http://www.vietnam-culture.com/articles-221-34/Tale-of-Vietnamese-Dragon.aspx, http://alphahistory.com/vietnamwar/japanese-occupation-of-vietnam/, http://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-biggest-cities-in-vietnam.html. Vietnam Facts for Kids. Find out more about Nomadic Boys. for your reading pleasure. Its government is Marxist-Lininist one-party socialist republic with a president and prime minister. You can check my channel for more videos like this. Not only have people found spiritual connections with the design of the bridge, but they have rightfully hailed it for being an architectural masterpiece. The áo dài. Most cities and farms are concentrated around river valleys and deltas. The car is considered a luxury property of wealthy people because car tax in Vietnam is about 200-300%. As a result, whitening products are big business across the country and many even have expensive surgery to make their skin paler! Vehicle taxes are between 100% and 200%, making motorbikes and other modes of transportation far more affordable for the average citizen. Find out some interesting and fun facts about Vietnam. Since its opening in 2018, the golden bridge has become a viral sensation due to its captivating support system. A typical busy street full of motorbikes in Hanoi. The chaotic and seemingly neverending traffic of Saigon and Hanoi all seem to work together in this sort of messy ‘union'. 2. This is perhaps most striking at the beaches. Vietnam has a 94.5% literacy rate, one of the highest in the world. Vietnamese currency – VND (Vietnam Dong – I know you are giggling) is hilarious. 3. According to Vietnam's Ministry of Transport, there are almost 60 million motorbikes in the country and only 2 million cars. Nowadays, tourists can find these classic shows either on portable tanks used for traveling performances or inside of buildings built with unique stages capable of taking on a small pool of water. Vietnam is the country with the 4th highest number of motorbikes, ban all motorbikes in the capital, Hanoi, by 2030, produced 339,700 tons of cashew nuts worth $3.09 billion, gay city guide to Saigon, aka Ho Chi Minh City, two-week itinerary for first-timer visitors to Japan, why Bali is one of our favourite Indonesian islands, Learn about what it's like to grow up gay in Vietnam in our. In comparison, the karst has come into existence over a mere 20 million years. With travel insurance, you can have peace of mind and not worry. Here are 25 Interesting Facts About Vietnam War. I bet that even many Vietnamese do not know or recognize such things. Vietnam is the variation of Nam Viet, which means Southern Viet. The official name of Vietnam is the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The GDP of Vietnam is $193.6 billion. So, imagine our absolute glee when we traveled to Vietnam for the first time and discovered the wonders of water puppetry! If you liked it please click the thumbs up button. 20 traditional Vietnamese foods you must try! The country has a population of 92,700,000, which makes it the 14th largest country in the world by population. With a geographical landscape full … In 2019, researchers found that the cave might be even larger than first thought because its river connects to another neighboring cave called Hang Thung. The islands are named after their shapes, which is absolutely hilarious when you think about it. The S then curves out at its southern tip which is where you find the economic and transport hub of Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City (also referred to as “Saigon” locally). For thousands of years, the country was ruled over by China. What happens if you suffer from illness, injury, theft or a cancellation? They're also much easier to park than cars. Drink snake wine to boost your health…, 14. Vietnam borders China, Laos, and Cambodia. Everybody is a Nguyen. Being such a small country Vietnam has had its struggles... 2. The Southeast Asian country of Vietnam is one of the world’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. I wrote to many serviceman at that time. Since the US Congress never declared war against Vietnam, it should be called the Vietnam conflict instead of the Vietnam war. Another legend claims he wears a robe because he's always rushing around and forgot to do up his trousers properly! This is not surprising given they've never had any anti-gay laws and have progressive laws for people with HIV/AIDS, which includes anti-discrimination and free health care. When the rice fields became flooded with water, nearby villagers would gather to entertain each other by making intricate wooden puppets dance across the wet surface. Vietnam is the second largest producer of rice in the entire world. Just fun and interesting blog posts delivered straight to your inbox. SaveTheSaola. 6. One of 10 facts about Vietnam culture that people didn’t know about is that it’s a heaven for smokers. The Vietnamese people live their lives around core values that include family, harmony, humanity, and community. Amazing Cynthia - how fascinating to read! The Golden Bridge: held up by The Hands of God! Pale skin is preferred in this country. Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has had a remarkable development record. Subscribe now to our gay travel newsletter, Home Destinations Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam, “Guys, take my hand, stay together and slowly cross the road. Beginning with Saigon, we flew up to Hanoi, visited the famous limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, then headed to the central region to explore Hoi An and Hue, before returning back south to the bustling Saigon. Ong Tao the Vietnamese god of the kitchen, 10. It celebrates rebirth and is an equivalent of the Lunar New Year.9. Facts About Vietnam. We love it so much, we have the culture of tanning and going to sunbeds. The most popular sport in the country is football, or what Americans call soccer. Vietnam Facts - Resources. The Thai language is a tonal language and belongs to the Tai-… Interesting Facts About Vietnam An aerial view of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Xin chào motherfactors! U just described our hometown with the most beautiful words, also genuinely. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open to the public for nine months so that visitors can view his body. Fun fact for kids about Vietnam Below are some interesting facts about Vietnam that’s will thrill kids to know before or when in Vietnam. The entire area comprises about 2,000 limestone karst islands, making it the largest limestone island ecosystem in Asia. Vietnam is the largest exporter of cashews in the world, and the second largest exporter of rice. In addition to covering up while in the sun, some residents also invest in skin lightening products. Vietnam War Causes . In fact, regardless of the effect on their enemies, American soldiers held onto the ace of spades as a morale boost. Cashew is big business here, hence why we added it to our list of interesting facts about Vietnam. Not ever. Here's a flavour of precisely why we fell in love with Vietnam set out as our 10 fun facts which we learnt about it during our big trip. They’re a cheap and healthy snack so no reason for you not to indulge during your trip. The majority of the land is hilly or mountainous and heavily forested, with only about 20% flatlands. We love World Nomads travel insurance and have been using it for years. Ten Interesting Facts about Vietnam 10/23/2019 1 min read 1. Apologies to any Vietnamese who may be reading this, but to see why, check the Urban Dictionary’s more explicit meaning in English slang and you'll see why! The cashew's fruit is called a “cashew apple” and is super healthy, containing five times the amount of Vitamin C found in oranges. Vietnam has many cultural symbols, including the Vietnamese dragon, the turtle, and the horse. The official and national language is Vietnamese. It is similar to volleyball, only players use their feet to kick the ball. He regularly shares his expertise of what it’s like travelling as a gay couple both on Nomadic Boys and on prominent publications ranging from Pink News, Matador, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Guardian and many more. Those fake tour companies try to gather as many tourists as possible, then send them on another tour to get some commission. In most countries, cars and public transportation is the most common way... 2. You’ll find them in most markets either raw or roasted. Vietnam is a country located in Southeast China. Every trip to the local fruit market is like a new adventure, always with a new discovery whether it's rambutans, langsats, mangosteens…and the breast milk fruit! The conflict has deep historical roots, most recently the First Indochina War between the communist North and the French-backed South, and the subsequent splitting of Vietnam into North and South. Motorbikes are also a handy way to get around, particularly in the tight narrow streets and tiny alleyways. Vietnam is a city that is rich with culture that can be seen in everything from its historic landmarks to its architecture to the art of its people. The name’s Long… Halong. Vietnam is the only country we know of that has its own deity for the kitchen! We instantly knew this would be added to our list of fun facts about Vietnam. – Source 2. Just don't stop or go back. What’s truly astounding about Hang Son Doong is that new discoveries are still being made. And on top of being the setting of two James Bond movies, I am also a UNESCO listed attraction located in northeast Vietnam. Everyone is called Nguyen, even uncle Ho, 11. We pretty much ate our way from the bottom all the way to the tip of this unique S-shaped country in Southeast Asia. The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong. We tried the star apple from a street seller in Hoi An and found it to be juicy and sweet. As well as exporting it, the Vietnamese also love to consume it and have accordingly developed a rich culture for consuming coffee. Though as impressive as those Bond films may be, we are definitely much more interested in looking at the history of Halong Bay. Plus, a ton of work went into the fine details of making the hands blend in with the surrounding forest. If you like exotic fruits as much as we do, then you'll be in paradise in Vietnam. The currency will feature one of the most famous ever Vietnamese, Mr Ho Chi Minh: Ho Chi Minh and Nguyen (pronounced “win”) are the two most common names you'll see everywhere in Vietnam. Vietnam remains one of the world’s largest motorbike markets. The actual name for it in English is “star apple” because when you cut it in half horizontally, the segments form a star-like shape. Combined, these things make Vietnam an impressive place to live or visit. The country's nominal GDP per capita is $2,111. thank you. These are the resources that were used for this article about the most important Vietnam Facts: Vietnam Ministry of Tourism: Foreigner's Experience Tet Holiday in Vietnam. The tax for motorbikes is far cheaper, making it a more … The star on the country's flag has deep meaning. Sepak takraw is a traditional sport in the country. Trust me it's super safe!”, “Are you f*****g kidding me?” I said to Stefan…. The highest point in the country is Fan Si Pan, which reaches a height of 10,315 feet. Owning a car is incredibly expensive because the tax is around 100-200%, so it’s a luxury reserved for the very wealthy. Vietnam Is A Cultural Mix Of Chinese, French, And Japan. Nguyen is the most popular family name in Vietnam, used by around 40% of the population. Rice is the country's most popular food, while pho (or noodles) comes in a close second. Motorbikes are very popular in Vietman. Though the bridge is intended to help visitors find their way between the gardens and the cable car station within the park, it has honestly turned into an attraction of its own. Just like many countries in Latin America, Vietnam is a huge exporter of coffee beans. The tax for motorbikes is far cheaper, making it a more affordable means of transportation for everyday folk. Many different forms of art are created in Vietnam, but one that is truly unique is water puppetry, which dates back to the 11th Century. Traditional Vietnamese culture revolves around the core values of humanity, community, harmony, and family.8. Don't miss our latest posts. Read about the history, culture, borders, currency, population, capital city, cuisine, popular sports and much more. Many exotic animals call Vietnam home, including elephants, rhinos, and tigers. However, this tragic war is a reality and it is a must to know facts about it and what the American soldiers endured during their time there. Their end goal was to scare their enemy troops to gain an advantage over them. I am glad people love our country please come back again. Visitors to the country can get a temporary residence card in place of a Visa. Vietnamese uses the traditional Latin alphabet. Subsequently, during the Cold War years, he was regarded as such an important symbol of unification. We're not quite sure why the word is so offensive to the Vietnamese, but one thing's for sure – avoid crossing your fingers like this when in public to avoid any unwanted confrontation: We're both coffee addicts, especially Stefan who can't seem to function as a normal human being until he's had around 6 cups of coffee…. Never. He spends most of his time planning Nomadic Boys' travels meticulously right down to the minute details and if not, he'll probably be cooking. Having tanned skin is frowned upon as a sign of being a labourer working hard in the sun. And that is precisely how one playing card was transformed into a bad omen! Nha Trang hopes someday u guys could visit us after the terrible pandemic : COVID-19. The war cost about $200 billion, and over a million soldiers and two million civilians died because of it. Now, we understand if this fact raises a couple of questions, so we’re starting from the very beginning. Our personal favourite interesting fact about Vietnam is its S shape. Unlike its other South East Asian neighbors whose citizens go to temples to worship or pray, the Vietnamese population goes to a pagoda instead. If you’d like to witness these giant, enchanting hands for yourself, then take a trip to the Sun World Ba Na Hills amusement park in Vietnam. One of the most interesting facts about Vietnam is how the citizens differentiate a pagoda from a temple. As soon as we found out the name of the Vietnamese currency, our childish humour took over and we wet ourselves laughing. We visited An Bang beach near Hoi An (another must-do tip from us!) Coffee in Vietnam (called ca pheI locally) is actually serious business. According to Vietnam's Ministry of Transport, there are almost 60 million motorbikes in the country and only 2 million cars. Vietnamese food is some of the healthiest food that you can eat. It's also delicious – like going face down in a mini cup of tiramisu as Stefan so eloquently put it: Vietnam is the world's largest exporter of cashew nuts, producing 37% of the global number. This process is much quicker, easier, and cheaper for many visitors. In Vietnam, motorbikes are everywhere, hence it's nickname: “The Kingdom of Motorbikes“! Hahaa guys. I pick up here the top 15 interesting facts in different aspects including geography, people, and culture, etc. Vietnam is one massive culinary adventure, from the rich “pho” broths of Saigon to the yummy “cao lau” noodle dishes of Hoi An and the delectable tiramisu-like “egg coffees” of Hanoi. Vietnamese Smoke A Lot Weird facts Vietnam: a lot of smokers. In that case, we highly suggest watching these well-versed artists act out the traditional legends, lore and history of Vietnam. Many fun facts about Vietnam might bring you travelers pleasure and enjoyment. I pray Stefan won't take 3 hours to get ready for our next date night, so I cross my fingers for luck…you get my gist…, Do not, I repeat, do NOT cross your fingers to a Vietnamese. Exes can meet during Vietnam's love market festival. Hello, Bonjour and Welcome to our travel blog. A veteran of that war. The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi. It is seen as an obscene gesture, akin to raising your middle finger and saying “F*** You!”. The country's flag is red with a yellow star featured prominently in the center. Sebastien has travelled to over 80 countries with his partner in crime and the love of his life, Stefan. very special time in my life Vietnam is the 46th most densely populated country in the world. As a foreigner, you will be treated with immense respect by the Vietnamese. It's overwhelming for first-timers. Each point represents something different: farmers, intellectuals, youth, workers, and soldiers. This is largely down to cost and practicality. The war had a huge impact on civilians. Their comprehensive coverage is second to none and their online claims process is very user friendly. Cynthia. The turtle is an important symbol in Vietnamese society. Pagodas are often opulent and ornate structures built for worship and offerings. Viet Nam was used commonly long ago... #2: Literacy. Vietnam is a long thin S-shaped country in Southeast Asia with a population of nearly 97 million people, making it the 15th most populated country in the world. Since reunification in 1976, Vietnam has evolved into a crazy, fascinating and above all else, thrilling destination in Asia. 3. He led the fight for independence against the French and the Japanese in the 1940s. It originated in the 1940s when milk was scarce and egg yolks provided a convenient replacement. Almost three-quarters of the population practice folk religions or are not religious. The most common is through a small metal drip filter called a “phin cà phê”, which is then served (either hot or cold) with condensed milk used as a sweetener. During this time he rushes up to heaven to give his annual report to the Jade Emperor (the King of Heaven) on the activities of the family, which determines the fate of each household in the new year. We never had any problems getting a double bed in the hotels we stayed at. He subsequently left it all to explore his passion for travelling around the world with Stefan to hand, and thus Nomadic Boys was born. I am from Vietnam and i enjoyed reading about your Vietnam facts. The gay scene and tasty prizes aside, Vietnam also has a rich cultural heritage, with its first independent monarchy dating back to 900 AD, a period of French colonialism from 1850-1945 and a subsequent period of division when the North and South became divided into two opposing rival states. So, let’s start with … #1. Well in 2017, the government announced it will ban all motorbikes in the capital, Hanoi, by 2030 and invest more in public transport, such as a Sky Train, much like the ones in Bangkok and Vancouver. And the bit above about how to cross the road in Vietnam? Other popular sports include volleyball, tennis, and table tennis. As the name suggests, it was forbidden to everyone else. ), sharing a border with Cambodia to the West and a long narrow coastline to the East with the South China Sea. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter . Venomous snakes are considered to possess medicinal properties that can cure many illnesses. We loved it and would zip back in a heartbeat! As foodies, we couldn't be happier. Nearly two-thirds of the American men serving the war were volunteers. We really weren't kidding about the hectic traffic in Vietnam, particularly the abundance of motorbikes. But you quickly realise it's absolutely fine…like our friend Quan told us, start walking slowly, but with purpose, and all the traffic just negotiates its way around you! In terms of area, the country is 128,455 square miles and is the 65th largest country in the world by area. Last accessed 8 February 2021; Saola Working Group. It’s so funny for me reading this blog cuz I’m a VNese. I learned alot at that time about the country of Vietnam and it's History . Tet Nguyen Dan (or simply Tet) is the most important festival in Vietnam. hi, thank you for sharing all this amazing informations, i have a small question please, is renting a bike safe enough for a family with two kids? While some western countries prefer a tanned look, having a tan in Vietnam signifies a laborer that works outdoors. 25 Interesting Facts about Vietnam 1. When you think about it, it's actually quite a remarkable shape for a country, long and thin, just like Chile in South America. They sent me Xmas cards and jewelry they sent me jewelry box they sent me Vietnam Dong Money they sent me Asian Dress but I certainly outgrew that pretty quick. Vietnam has an area of 331,210 sq km (127,881 sq miles), along with the eastern coastal strip of Southeast Asia. 16. My country’s territory has a shape of a narrow “S” letter. Vietnam's Ha Long Bay has been named one of the 7 Wonders of Nature. "What is a Saola." There are many interesting facts about the Vietnam War which many people don’t know – let’s explore some of the lesser-known facts about this period of history.