Vietnam
Facts Vietnam
- With over 97 million inhabitants, Vietnam is one of the most populous countries in Southeast Asia.
- The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi (Hà Nội) , a historic city in the north of the country. It has more than 8 million inhabitants.
- The official language is Vietnamese. However, there are also numerous ethnic minority languages spoken by different ethnic groups in the country.
- Vietnam has developed into one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia. The most important economic sectors are agriculture (especially rice cultivation), fishing, mining, industry and services.
- The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND).
- The main religions in Vietnam are Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Catholic and Protestant Christianity. Traditional Vietnamese religions such as Cao Dai and Hoa Hao are also represented.
- Vietnam has a well-developed education system, ranging from compulsory primary education to secondary schools and universities. The literacy rate is over 94%.
- Vietnam has a long and complex history, ranging from centuries of Chinese rule to colonization by the French and the Vietnam War.
- Tourism plays an important role in the Vietnamese economy. Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world visit the country to enjoy its rich culture, breathtaking nature and delicious cuisine.
- Vietnam is rich in natural resources, but is also struggling with environmental problems such as air and water pollution, deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. However, the government is taking steps to address these problems.
Sights Vietnam
- Halong Bay (Vịnh Hạ Long) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most famous natural monuments. The bay consists of more than 1,600 limestone islands and islets jutting out of the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
- Hue (Huế) – The ancient imperial city of Hue, also known as the “Forbidden City”, was once the political, cultural and religious center of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty. The citadel and the imperial tombs are impressive testimonies to Vietnamese history.
- Hoi An (Hội An) – A charming, well-preserved old town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hoi An is known for its historic buildings, narrow streets, colorful lanterns and its picturesque location on the Thu Bon River.
- Sa Pa – Sa Pa is a popular mountain village in northern Vietnam, known for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minorities such as the Hmong, Dao and Tay. Trekking tours offer the opportunity to get to know the impressive landscape and the traditional way of life of the mountain tribes.
- Ho Chi Minh City (Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh) – Vietnam’s largest city is a vibrant center of culture, history and trade. Sights include the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the historic quarter around the Saigon Opera House.
- Cu Chi Tunnel (Củ Chi) – An underground tunnel system near Ho Chi Minh City that was used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. Today, visitors can explore part of the tunnels and learn more about life underground during the war.
- Mekong Delta (Đồng Bằng Sông Cửu Long) – The fertile region in the south of Vietnam is known for its rivers, canals, floating markets and lush fruit plantations. Boat trips through the Mekong Delta offer insights into rural life and traditional crafts.
Travel time Vietnam
Vietnam covers a large geographical area and therefore has a variety of climate zones. In general, the climate in Vietnam can be divided into three regions: North, Center and South.
North
The best time to travel to the north of Vietnam around Hanoi (Hà Nội) is the dry season from November to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant. During this time, the temperatures are mild and the landscape is green and lush. The rainy season lasts from May to October with a peak in July and August.
Center
South
In the south of Vietnam around Ho Chi Minh City (Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh) , the best time to travel is the dry season from December to April. The weather is then warm and dry, ideal for sightseeing and excursions into the Mekong Delta (Đồng Bằng Sông Cửu Long) . The rainy season is from May to November.
Events Vietnam
January/February: Tết Nguyên Đán (New Year) – Vietnamese New Year on the first day of the lunar calendar
April: Giỗ tổ Hùng Vương (Anniversary of the death of the Hùng kings) – Honoring the Hùng kings as the first rulers of ancient Vietnam
April 30: Ngày Giải Phóng (Reunification Day) – Liberation of Saigon by the Vietcong troops in 1975
May 1: Ngày Quốc tế Lao Động (Labor Day)
September 2: Ngày Quốc Khánh (Independence Day) – Independence from France in 1945
April: Giỗ tổ Hùng Vương (Anniversary of the death of the Hùng kings) – Honoring the Hùng kings as the first rulers of ancient Vietnam
April 30: Ngày Giải Phóng (Reunification Day) – Liberation of Saigon by the Vietcong troops in 1975
May 1: Ngày Quốc tế Lao Động (Labor Day)
September 2: Ngày Quốc Khánh (Independence Day) – Independence from France in 1945