10 Interesting Facts About Vietnam

Home to the World's Largest Cave and also the fourth largest cave

The gigantic cave, Son Doong Cave, is situated in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which holds the record for the world's largest cave. It has such big chambers that an entire city block full of skyscrapers will fit in.

Surprisingly, within this cave there is another complete ecosystem, including its weather system and jungles, hard to comprehend, no?

But that is not it, Vietnam also holds the title of having the fourth largest cave in the world called Hang Pygmy cave!

Motorbike Capital

Motorbikes in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City have taken over the roadways. Millions are still running around, making up about 90% of the vehicles on roads. It is a part of the culture, and crossing the street in this tide of motorbikes becomes an adventure unto itself.

Ho chi Minh city is also known as the motorbike capital of the world!

Unique Water Puppetry Tradition

Water puppetry is a form of specific art in the country where puppets dance on the water, dating to the 11th century. It represents typical folk tales and everyday life in the society through this spectacular show, which gives an insight into the country's long history of culture.

Water puppet shows are pretty popular in Hanoi and are mentioned in the list of top things to do in Hanoi by most travel guides.

A Country of Rivers

There are in excess of 2,360 rivers throughout the nation, the most prominent being the Mekong and Red Rivers. These rivers support agriculture, roads, and sea transportation. These are also the rivers which give Vietnam its green landscape and are its economic saviors.

The Coffee Producing Powerhouse

Vietnam is the globe's second-largest coffee producer, accounting for just over 16% of the world's supply of coffee. Vietnam has been particularly noted for producing robusta coffee beans, stronger and bitterer than the arabica variety.

Try a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee for yourself in the morning and tell us if you are still feeling sleepy. You won’t!

The first item on this list - the world's largest and fourth largest caves - is one limestone massif. The Elephant Cave and Ma Da Valley day trek enters its core zone on a permit with a daily visitor cap: the shortest way to walk into one of those caves rather than read about it.

A Biodiversity Hotspot

It is the 16th country in the world in terms of biodiversity, featuring around 16,000 kinds of plants and over 10,000 animal species in total. It features the rare Saola, referred to as the "Asian unicorn," and the dugong-a sea mammal which is related to the manatee.

Want to check for yourself while on your Vietnam trip then give a visit to Tra Su Cajuput forest, you won’t regret it!

The Commonness of 'Nguyen'

"Nguyen" is the most common Vietnamese surname, used by nearly 40% of the population. This is due to historical times when the general population took on the surnames of the prevailing dynasties.

Traditional Sport: Sepak Takraw

Sepak Takraw is the national sport of Vietnam. As its name suggests, this is kick volleyball. Originating from Southeast Asia, this is a game where a rattan ball is hit over a net by players using their feet, knees, chest, and head. This is an amazing combination of soccer and volleyball all put together.

The Mekong Delta Floating Markets

In the Mekong Delta, the floating markets have become a way of life. Various traders congregate in their individual boats, selling all sorts of fruits and vegetables among other things. Goods hang from a pole above the bow so buyers can identify each boat from a distance. These are basic to the market and life since they add colour and vibrancy to the culture too.

You have to do this tour if you are currently in Southern Vietnam cities like Ho Chi Minh.

High Literacy Rate

Vietnam possesses a literacy rate of more than 96%. This reflects how much the country values education. This certainly acts as a miracle and verifies the steps that are taken towards learning and development by this nation.

These few interesting aspects of Vietnam depict the peculiar combination of nature, culture, and history that amalgamate into this Southeast Asian nation. As an intending visitor or simply out of curiosity about this nation, there is always something different to learn.