If you have any plans to visit Vietnam for business or pleasure in the near future, make sure you indulge in the mesmerizing landscapes and mouth-watering cuisine, while also exploring the intriguing and peculiar aspects of this enchanting country.
Discover eight fun facts about Vietnam that are sure to surprise and captivate you!
1. Nguyen is the most common last name
Nguyen has earned the title of being the fourth most popular surname worldwide, and in Vietnam, it reigns as the most common surname, belonging to over 36 million individuals. This staggering number accounts for nearly 40 percent of all Vietnamese surnames.
Consequently, it is customary in Vietnam to address individuals by their given names rather than their surnames.
2. Snow in a tropical country
Want to know one of the fun facts that will shock you and your friends the most? Despite being a tropical country, Vietnam does have snow in some areas! It’s in a small town situated in the North of Vietnam, over 1,600 meters above sea level called Sapa. Therefore, Sapa is also addressed as Europe inside Vietnam where you can see snow falling.
3. Vietnam is home to water puppetry
This can be one of the fun facts about Vietnam that not a lot of people know. Water puppetry is an interesting reminder of all the precious moral values and traditions that are passed down from one generation to another generation in Vietnam. This form of art is introduced to international friends who love to explore the culture and history through art performances.
4. Land of lights
All of the big cities in Vietnam like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are well-known as never-sleeping cities due to their hustle and bustle happening every day. Whenever you go out on the street, there will always be shops opened and serving even at midnight.
5. There are many ways to address someone
Discover an intriguing aspect of Vietnamese daily life – the fascinating way people refer to themselves and others. While in English we simply use “I” or “me” to address ourselves, in Vietnamese, there are multiple words like “minh,” “toi,” “to,” “tui,” and more, all meaning “I” or “me.” To accurately communicate, it’s important to consider age and gender when choosing the appropriate term to refer to yourself and others.
6. Sunny-side up eggs, banh mi, xoi (sticky rice), and banh bao (steamed buns) are the favored choices for breakfast
Vietnamese individuals often enjoy convenient, budget-friendly, and quick breakfast options to navigate through the chaotic traffic and ensure a prompt arrival at the office or school drop-offs. A delectable combination of fried eggs, bread, and a medley of vegetables serves as an ideal choice for a home-cooked breakfast. For those rushed mornings, beloved takeaways like Banh mi, xoi (sticky rice), and banh bao (buns) are the go-to favorites.
7. The locals prefer to drink beer after work
Another fun fact about Vietnam is that people usually hang out with their friends and colleagues and drink some beers after their nine-to-five jobs instead of returning home; it is their way to relax and refresh after a hard-working day.
8. Motorbike madness
It might not come across as one of the most surprising fun facts about Vietnam that motorbikes are everywhere in Vietnam; no matter where you are, those motorbikes always occupy some parts of your views. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the two big cities in Vietnam, and they are also where motorbikes are used the most. Ho Chi Minh City now has 7.4 million (2016) while Hanoi has over 5 million two-wheeled vehicles (2017). According to statics in early 2017, there are more than 45 million motorbikes in Vietnam.
If you can’t find the way to crossing the street and afraid of these motorbike in Vietnam, follow these tips to cross the road in Vietnam like a pro!
There is a world of wonders waiting to be explored in Vietnam, from its vibrant traditions to its diverse cultures, tantalizing cuisines, and warm-hearted people. If you haven’t had the chance to visit this enchanting country, now is the perfect time! Start planning your unforgettable adventure today!
