10 fun and interesting Vietnam facts

1. Nguyen is the most common surname in Vietnam

In Vietnam, the name Nguyen is incredibly common - in fact, it's estimated that seven out of every ten Vietnamese people have it as either their first or last name. This is due to the fact that Nguyen is the most common surname in Vietnam, with an estimated 40% of the population bearing the name. It's also the most common surname in other countries in Southeast Asia, such as Cambodia and Laos.

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2. Vietnam's 30 National Parks offer stunning nature experiences

Vietnam is home to an impressive thirty national parks, with Yok Don in the Dak lac province being the largest. Spanning an impressive 1,200 sq km, Yok Don is a must-see for any nature lover visiting the country. With its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes, it's no wonder why it's the largest of Vietnam's national parks.

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3. Vietnam Becomes World's Largest Exporter of Cashew Nuts and Pepper

Vietnam has become a major player in the global nut and spice market in recent years, overtaking India to become the world's largest exporter of cashew nuts and pepper in 2013. It is also the second largest exporter of rice in the world, and in 2012 it was the number one exporter of coffee. This impressive feat has been achieved through the hard work and dedication of the Vietnamese people, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that their country is a leader in the global market.

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4. Vietnam's Snake Wine is a Unique Tonic

Vietnam is renowned for its unique specialty, Ruou Ran (snake wine). This rice wine is made by pickling a snake in the liquid, and is believed to have a range of medicinal benefits, from curing night blindness to improving impotence. It is widely consumed as a tonic, and is a popular souvenir for visitors to the country.

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5. Six Tones in Vietnamese Make Learning the Language a Challenge

Learning the Vietnamese language is no easy feat, as it requires mastery of six distinct tones. A single change in tone can completely alter the meaning of a word, making it a challenge to master the language. This is why it is so difficult to learn Vietnamese, as it requires a deep understanding of the nuances of the language and its tones.

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6. A Different Latin Alphabet

Vietnam stands out among East Asian countries for its use of the Latin alphabet, while other countries in the region, such as Japan, Korea, and China, all use their own unique alphabets. This makes Vietnam the only East Asian nation to use the Latin alphabet, which is the same alphabet used in English and many other languages around the world.

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7. Vietnam, Korea, and Germany: Divided by History

Vietnam, Korea and Germany are three of the few countries in the world that have experienced division in their history. Vietnam was divided into North and South in 1954, with the North being controlled by the Communist Party and the South by the Republic of Vietnam. Korea was divided into North and South in 1945, with the North being controlled by the Soviet Union and the South by the United States. Germany was divided into East and West in 1949, with the East being controlled by the Soviet Union and the West by the United States and its allies. All three countries have since been reunited, but the legacy of their division remains.

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8. Khau Vai Love Market: A Passionate Vietnam Hotspot

The Khau Vai love market in Vietnam is renowned around the world for its unique and passionate atmosphere. Every year, adults and young people from all over the country come together to spend a night of no-strings-attached passion or to find their soulmate. This tradition has been practiced by the Khau Vai tribe for over a hundred years, with couples swapping partners and engaging in wife and husband swapping. It's a truly remarkable event that has become a symbol of the country's culture and heritage.

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9. Vietnamese Children Love the Sound of Bells Ringing in the Morning

In Vietnam, the sound of bells ringing in the morning signals the start of the school day. Rather than the traditional gong, which is used in many other countries, Vietnamese schools use bells to call children to class. The sound of the bells is a familiar part of the morning routine for many Vietnamese children, and is a reminder of the importance of education in the country.

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10. Enjoy a refreshing and free iced tea with your meal in Vietnam

In Vietnam, you can enjoy a refreshing and free iced tea with your meal at most restaurants. Some establishments even offer complimentary hot tea as an alternative. So, if you're looking for a way to cool off in the hot and humid climate of Vietnam, you can do so without spending a dime!