10 Fun Facts About Vietnam

There are plenty of fun facts about Vietnam. For instance, 40% of Vietnamese people share the surname Nguyen. The country has its unique sport, Sepak Takraw. Vietnam is also the world's largest exporter of cashew nuts, and locals even enjoy drinking snake wine! Beyond these, I've compiled the top 10 fun facts about Vietnam to share more fascinating details with you. When traveling to Vietnam, don't forget to check it out for yourself.

Kingdom of Motorbikes

You may find some interesting topics like "How to cross the road in Vietnam?" on the internet. Known as the "Kingdom of Motorbikes", motorbikes are the main mode of transportation for local Vietnamese people. On average, 2 people own 1 motorbike. Follow your Odynovo tour guide to cross the road, and witness the ceaseless traffic in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The simple principle is: once you start to cross, don't stop suddenly. They know how to avoid you. If you want to ride a motorbike somewhere to challenge yourself, Ha Giang Loop is an ideal place. It's really a thrilling and adventurous experience.

Motorbikes in Hanoi Old Quarter

Cost-Effective Tailoring in Hoi An

A bespoke suit or dress might be costly and time-consuming to craft in your country. However, the talented dressmakers in Hoi An Ancient Town work their magic to create stunning pieces in just one or two days. Want to tailor a traditional Ao Dai - a long, elegant gown with side slits? No problem! Hoi An's skilled artisans can craft the perfect one for you. On your first day in Hoi An, visit a tailor shop to place your order. By the time you leave, you'll have a brand-new, custom-made outfit. If you're short on time, they also offer convenient mailing services.

A Street Where Trains and Life Coexist

Have you ever seen a street shared by trains and people? In Hanoi's Old Quarter, Train Street has become a favorite spot for tourists. The tracks run just inches away from the buildings on either side, with some old houses transformed into cozy cafés offering a relaxing atmosphere. Make sure to check the train schedule before you go, or rely on your Odynovo tour guide to arrange the perfect time for your visit. Be cautious when the train passes, especially while taking photos - it's a thrilling yet safe experience!

Hanoi Train Street

The World's Largest Cave - Son Doong Cave

Boasting the world's largest cave by volume and cross-sectional area, Son Doong Cave (Hang Sơn Đoòng in Vietnamese) is a marvel of nature located in UNESCO Site Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This extraordinary cave has its own ecosystem, complete with jungles and a flowing river. Discovered in 1991 and first surveyed in 2009, the cave system is estimated to extend over 9 kilometers in length. How massive is it? Picture a Boeing 747 flying through without its wings touching either side. To better protect the environment, the number of visitors is strictly limited each year. To secure your chance to explore this natural wonder, contact your Odynovo travel consultant for an early reservation.

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The Underground World - Cu Chi Tunnels

Built during the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels form a vast subterranean network spanning over 250 kilometers. This intricate maze demonstrates incredible ingenuity, featuring living quarters, kitchens, storage facilities, and even hospitals. Visitors can explore the underground system by locating hidden entrances, crawling through narrow passages, and observing covert traps. It's an unforgettable journey into a world of resilience and survival. It is also a good place to learn something about the Vietnam War history.

Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam

Home of Water Puppetry in Hanoi

Dating back to the 11th century, water puppetry originated in the villages of Northern Vietnam. The wooden puppets are performed over a pool of water controlled by hidden rods, depicting folklore and legends. This traditional Vietnamese art is now become very popular in northern tourist cities like Hanoi. There are special theaters with water stages to showcase the water puppet shows, accompanied the folk music playing by local people. You may not fully grasp the story behind the show, but it won't hinder your appreciation for this ancient art and culture.

Boats That Look Like Baskets

Along Vietnam's central coast, in places like Hoi An or Hue, you'll often spot unique boats shaped like baskets. Known as "Thung Chai" in Vietnamese, these basket boats are woven from bamboo and coated with waterproof resin. Today, they're not just tools for fishermen but also a popular means of transport for visitors. Boatmen expertly stand on these vessels, rowing at a relaxed pace and often singing local songs. Spinning the boats to elicit excited screams from tourists creates a fun and unforgettable memory for everyone. Don't worry about safety - these sophisticated boatmen know exactly how to handle their trusty companions.

Basket Boat Ride

Snow in a Tropical Country

One surprising fun fact about Vietnam is that snow can be found in winter - even though it's a tropical country! Sapa, a quaint and ethnic town in northern Vietnam, sits over 1,600 meters above sea level. Sapa is close to Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam, standing tall at 3,143 meters. If you visit Sapa between December and January, you might witness snow blanketing the mountains, creating a magical winter scene. But Sapa offers more than just snow. Why not visit and discover its wonders for yourself?

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The World's Longest Cable Car Over the Sea

What could be more exciting than a trip that combines relaxing by the sea, enjoying amusement parks, spotting wildlife, and riding the world's longest over-sea cable car all at once? On Phu Quoc Island, you can do it all! The non-stop three-rope cable car connecting Hon Thom and Sun World Hon Thom spans an impressive 7.9 kilometers. While riding this cable car, you will marvel at the breathtaking, unobstructed bird's-eye views of Phu Quoc's stunning coastline. The 15-minute journey offers plenty of time to snap photos from the stable cabin. This is a must-try experience when visiting Phu Quoc Island!

Cable Car Between Hon Thom and Sun World Hon Thom

The World's Second-Largest Coffee Exporter

Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee exporter and the top exporter of Robusta beans. In Vietnam, coffee is more than just a drink - it's a lifestyle and an attitude. You can savor egg coffee (Cà phê trứng) in high-quality coffee shops or enjoy iced coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) at budget-friendly street-side cafes. Sitting on a low plastic stool at an unassuming street corner, you'll feel like a local, experiencing the authentic flavors of Vietnamese coffee.

Discover More Fun Facts About Vietnam With Odynovo

Since 2009, Odynovo has been curating unforgettable journeys to Vietnam, gaining a deep understanding of this captivating destination. Curious about Vietnam's unique traditions, history, or hidden gems? Or perhaps you have a fun fact to share? Feel free to contact us - we'd love to hear from you and help you plan your next adventure!