Have you ever wondered what makes Vietnam such a fascinating country?. In this article, we will uncover some fun facts about Vietnam that will leave you intrigued and excited to explore this captivating country. So, grab a cup of coffee and join us on this journey of discovery!
1. Unique Zodiac System
In Vietnam, the zodiac animal signs are different from the Chinese zodiac. The Vietnamese zodiac features a cat instead of the rabbit, making the 12 animals in the Vietnamese zodiac: Rat, Buffalo, Tiger, Cat (instead of Rabbit), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
2. Crazy Traffic
Vietnam’s traffic can be chaotic, especially in major cities in Vietnam like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Crossing the road can be an adventure, with a constant flow of motorbikes and cars. But somehow, it works like a synchronized dance!
3. Country of the World’s Largest Caves
Besides Son Doong Cave, Vietnam is also home to the Hang En Cave, which contains one of the largest cave passages in the world. It’s so large that it can fit a 747 aircraft inside.
4. Diverse Ethnolinguistic Groups
Vietnam is home to 54 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own language, customs, and traditions, adding to the country’s rich cultural diversity.
5. Largest Cash Note:
Vietnam has one of the highest denominations of currency in the world. The highest Vietnamese banknote is the 500,000 dong bill, which is equivalent to about 21 USD (as of my last update in july 2023).
6. Fish Sauce Capital
Vietnam is the world’s largest producer of fish sauce, a vital ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. Phu Quoc Island is particularly famous for its high-quality fish sauce production.
7. Rice Production Powerhouse
Vietnam is one of the top rice producers and exporters in the world. The country’s lush rice paddies are a testament to its importance as a staple food.
8. Unique Birthday Celebration
In Vietnam, everyone celebrates their birthday on the same day, known as “Tet Nguyen Dan.” This day is the Lunar New Year and marks the age increase for all individuals, regardless of their actual birth dates.
9. Love For Karaoke
Karaoke is a beloved pastime in Vietnam. You can find karaoke bars (called “KTV”) in almost every city, and it’s a favorite activity for friends and family to gather and sing together.
10. Snake Wine
Snake wine, a unique alcoholic drink in Vietnam, is made by infusing whole venomous snakes in rice wine or grain alcohol. It is believed to have medicinal properties and is sometimes consumed on special occasions.
11. Owning A Car is a Rich Symbol
In urban areas, owning a car is often seen as a status symbol due to the convenience and prestige it brings, despite the motorbike culture.
12. Love for “Number 8”
In Vietnamese culture, the number 8 is considered lucky because it sounds similar to the word for prosperity and wealth. As a result, many people choose phone numbers, license plates, and addresses with the number 8.
13. The Love for Football
Football is Vietnam‘s most popular sport, and the passion for the game is evident through the enthusiasm of the fans and the success of the national team.
14. Unique Alphabet
The Vietnamese language uses the Latin alphabet with additional diacritics to represent tone. This makes it one of the few Asian languages using the Latin script.
15. Coffee Culture
Vietnam has a vibrant café culture, with coffee shops being an integral part of the daily life of locals. Enjoying a cup of Vietnamese coffee while socializing or people-watching is a cherished pastime in the country.
In conclusion, Vietnam is a captivating country brimming with fascinating and unique facts that make it a destination not to be missed.. So pack your bags, venture to this beautiful Southeast Asian gem, and immerse yourself in the wonders of Vietnam.
