General information about Vietnam: History, culture, cuisine, and more

Before traveling to Vietnam, it is necessary to be aware of its cultural, historical, and geographical aspects in order to understand this fascinating country better. From the mountainous north of Sapa to the southern beaches, passing through rice fields and historic cities like Hanoi and Hue, Vietnam offers an impressive diversity of landscapes. With a history shaped by Chinese influence, French colonization, and war, the country now blends modernity with tradition. This is an overview of what Vietnam has to offer, from practical information and helpful tips to recommendations for an authentic experience that will make your journey unforgettable.

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 06-12-2024

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1. The meaning of the name "Vietnam"

One of the first intriguing facts about Vietnam is the meaning of its name, "Vietnam." The name is composed of two words: Viet and Nam.

• Viet refers to the Viet ethnic groups.
• Nam means "South," signifying "the country to the south" (to distinguish it from China in the north). Thus, Vietnam means "the country of the Viets in the south of China."

According to researchers, the name Vietnam was recognized in the 15th century, over 500 years ago. It was first used by one of Vietnam's earliest scholars, Nguyen Binh Khiem. At that time, under Chinese occupation, Vietnam became an administrative district of China. To resist assimilation, Vietnamese intellectuals, including Nguyen Binh Khiem, referred to their homeland as Vietnam.

In 1802, Gia Long, the first king of the Nguyen dynasty (1802–1945), successfully unified the country with the support of the French and officially adopted Vietnam as the nation's name.

However, the name Vietnam was no longer used during French colonization, starting in 1887. Instead, the French divided the country into three regions within the Indochinese Union, each with a different name: Tonkin for the North, Annam for the Center, and Cochinchina for the South.

It wasn’t until 1945, following the success of the August Revolution and the rise to power of President Ho Chi Minh, that the country was renamed Vietnam. This name has been in use ever since.

2. History of Vietnam

Vietnam is renowned for its rich and moving history, which can be divided into four main periods:

1. Formation of the State (more than 200 BCE – 111 BCE)
   The mythical Hung Kings ruled the Van Lang kingdom, which later became Au Lac under the Thuc dynasty and Nam Viet under the Trieu dynasty. This era is marked by the Dong Son civilization, famous for its advanced bronze drum-making techniques. Nam Viet was invaded by the Han Chinese in 111 BCE.
    

   

   

2. Chinese Feudal Rule and Viet Resistance (111 BCE – 938 CE)
   In 938 CE, Ngo Quyen led a rebellion and achieved a decisive victory against Chinese forces in the Battle of Bach Dang. His ingenious strategy involved planting underwater stakes along the river, which trapped the Chinese fleet when the tide receded. This victory ended nearly 1,000 years of Chinese domination and established Vietnam as an independent state under the Ngo dynasty.
    

   

   Ngo Quyen used an ingenious strategy of placing underwater stakes along the Bach Dang River. When the tide went out, the Chinese fleet became stuck on these stakes.
   The Vietnamese then attacked the immobilized forces, annihilating the Chinese fleet. This victory ended Chinese rule and marked the beginning of Vietnamese independence.

3. The Ngo dynasty marked the beginning of Vietnam's national identity, strengthened by victories over China and internal struggles. After the Ngo dynasty, the country was divided into feudal fiefs until Dinh Bo Linh unified it in 968 and founded Dai Co Viet. The Ly, Tran, Ho, Le, Tay Son, and Nguyen dynasties followed, each contributing to Vietnam's development and independence.

   

4. National Dynasties (939 CE – 1858 CE)

   • The Ly (1012–1225) and Tran (1226–1400) dynasties saw military victories over the Song and Yuan dynasties and the flourishing of Buddhism, solidifying Vietnam's identity.
   • The Le dynasty (1428–1773) began after a successful resistance against the Ming. However, internal divisions arose between the Nguyen (South) and Trinh (North) lords, along with peasant uprisings.
   • The Tay Son brothers, led by Nguyen Hue, reunified the country (1773–1802) and repelled the Qing forces. Emperor Gia Long later defeated the Tay Son and established the Nguyen dynasty (1802–1945).

5. Western Colonization and Liberation Wars (1858–1975)

   • French Colonization:

     • 1858: French forces landed in Danang.
     • 1867: Cochinchina (South Vietnam) became a French colony.
     • 1883: Annam (Central Vietnam) and Tonkin (North Vietnam) came under French protectorate.

   • The Road to Independence:

     • 1945: On September 2, Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s independence in Hanoi.
     • 1946: The First Indochina War began as the French attempted to regain control.
     • 1954: The French were defeated at Dien Bien Phu, leading to the Geneva Accords. These recognized Vietnam's sovereignty, with a temporary division at the 17th parallel. Scheduled elections in 1956 to reunify the country were canceled due to U.S. intervention, sparking a 20-year conflict.

   • The Vietnam War:
     Supported by the North, the South waged a liberation struggle against U.S.-backed forces. The conflict culminated in the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, unifying the country as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with Hanoi as its capital. Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the revolutionary leader.

Ho Chi Minh: A Hero of Freedom and Independence

Ho Chi Minh's legacy inspires courage and determination in generations, embodying Vietnam’s relentless pursuit of independence and its deep-rooted nationalism.

Throughout its history, Vietnam has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sovereignty and national pride, a spirit that continues to define the nation today.

3. Vietnam today

Vietnam today is a dynamic and rapidly growing country where modernity blends seamlessly with a rich cultural heritage. With a booming economy driven by industry, tourism, and exports, Vietnam stands out as one of the most promising economies in Southeast Asia. The country offers a unique immersion in a vibrant culture, where traditions, festivals, and gastronomy harmonize with increasing modernity. Vietnam thus captivates those seeking to explore a nation that is both authentic and evolving.

• Ho Chi Minh City symbolizes economic development with its skyscrapers and bustling energy.
• Hanoi, the capital, retains its old-world charm, offering a glimpse into the country’s historical and cultural roots.

4. Additional general information about Vietnam

Capital

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is a thousand-year-old city serving as the nation's cultural and political hub, with a population of approximately 8.5 million. In contrast, Ho Chi Minh City, located in the south, is Vietnam's largest and most dynamic city, often referred to as the "economic capital. 

▶️ The two largest cities in Vietnam are very distinct:

• Hanoi, an ancient symbol of Vietnamese roots and the heart of the North.
• Ho Chi Minh City, vibrant and dynamic, representing the South.

>>> ✨ Engage with Northern Culture with Our Vietnam Northern Tours 🇻🇳

Area and Geographic Location

• Area: 330,991 km²

• Length: 1,650 km

• Width: 600 km at its widest point and 50 km at its narrowest point.

• Geographic Location:
  Located on the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia, Vietnam shares land borders with Cambodia and Laos to the west, China to the north, and the South China Sea to the east. The country stretches over 2,500 km, with approximately 66% of its territory consisting of rugged terrain and dense forests, including the Truong Son Range, which extends from north to south.

The majority of the population and wealth of the country are concentrated in areas located along the two major fertile basins of Vietnam: the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong Delta in the south. The highest peak in Vietnam, located in the far north of the country, is Fansipan, which rises to 3,143 meters. 22% of the land is arable, and 40% is forested.

✈️🗺️🌎 To learn more about the must-visit destinations in Vietnam, check out this article: Vietnam Tourist Map.

Population

Vietnam has a population of 98.86 million, with an average density of 248 inhabitants/km², reaching up to 1,000 inhabitants/km² in the Red River Delta region in the north. The population is composed of 88% Vietnamese, 2% Chinese, and 1.5% Khmer, with various ethnic minorities making up the remainder. These include the Muong, Nung, Dao, Thai, Cham, Hmong, and other ethnic groups living in the mountainous regions.

▶️ The lives of Vietnam’s ethnic communities are incredibly rich and offer much to explore, particularly in the northeastern and northwestern regions, such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Bac Ha, and Cao Bang. These areas are home to the most beautiful terraced rice fields in the country, vibrant weekly markets, unique cultures, rituals, and more.

If you want to experience the most authentic aspects of these regions, check out our tour: "Discover Northeast Vietnam: Forgotten Paradise, 10 Days."

Religions

According to the "Press Release of the Results of the 2019 Population and Housing Census" published by the Vietnam Statistics Office on December 19, 2019, it was stated: "As of the time of the 2019 census, 16 religions were authorized to operate on Vietnamese territory. The total number of people practicing a religion amounts to 13.2 million, representing 13.7% of the country's total population.

Among them, the number of Catholics is the highest, with 5.9 million people, accounting for 44.6% of all religious practitioners and 6.1% of the country's total population. They are followed by Buddhists, numbering 4.6 million, which represents 35.0% of religious practitioners and 4.8% of the total population. Other religions account for a smaller proportion.

Local Time

Vietnam is at +7 hours from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). It shares the same time zone as Thailand.

Language

Vietnamese is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in major cities, and is increasingly common among younger Vietnamese in urban areas. Some older individuals still speak French, while middle-aged people may speak German or Russian. However, hiring a guide is highly recommended, as the language can be a challenge for those with no knowledge of Vietnamese, especially outside the cities.

>>> Learn more about: How to Say “Hello” in Vietnamese Like a Local?

Climate

Due to its long shape along the South China Sea, Vietnam experiences a highly varied climate, allowing tourists to visit year-round without significant weather-related disadvantages.

• In the North:
  There are four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. From November to March, temperatures are cool, and it can even feel cold due to high humidity levels. From April to October, temperatures hover around 30°C.

• In the South:
  There is a clear distinction between two seasons: the dry season from November to May and the rainy season from June to October. During the rainy season, showers typically occur in the evening or early morning. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year.

▶️ For more details, check out this article: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Festivals and Public Holidays

Here are the official holidays, alongside numerous religious festivals specific to each province:

• January 1st: New Year
• Late January or early February (1st to 7th day of the 1st lunar month): Tet Holiday (Vietnamese New Year)
• April 30th: Reunification Day (Liberation of Saigon)
• May 1st: Labor Day
• September 2nd: National Day (Proclamation of the Republic in 1945)
• Moon Festival (Trung Thu Festival): Typically celebrated in September, it is dedicated to children, featuring colorful lanterns and traditional delicacies.

Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam

1. Pho – A traditional soup made with rice noodles, usually served with beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga), and garnished with fresh herbs.
2. Banh Mi – A Vietnamese sandwich filled with meat, marinated vegetables, herbs, and a savory sauce, all encased in a crusty baguette.
3. Bun Cha – A dish of rice vermicelli noodles paired with grilled pork (often ground pork or ribs) and a tangy, light broth.
4. Com Tam – Broken rice served with grilled pork ribs, fried eggs, and often accompanied by pickled vegetables.
5. Banh Xeo – Crispy Vietnamese crepes stuffed with meat, shrimp, and vegetables, typically eaten wrapped in lettuce leaves and dipped in sauce.
6. Hu Tieu – A flavorful noodle soup made with meat or seafood broth, served with vegetables and fresh herbs.
7. Bun Bo Hue – A spicy rice noodle soup from Hue, made with beef, pork, vegetables, and a broth infused with lemongrass and spices.
8. Cao Lau – A specialty from Hoi An, featuring thick rice noodles served with grilled pork, fresh herbs, a rich broth, and crispy croutons.

>>> Read more about: Top 5 Interesting Facts About Vietnamese Cuisine

Our last words,

Vietnam captivates with its rich history, cultural diversity and exceptional landscapes. From vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the rice terraces of the North and living traditions like Tet, the country offers a unique experience at every step. Knowing the practicalities – climate, transportation, customs – allows you to fully experience this adventure. Vietnam is a true crossroads of cultures and discoveries, offering each visitor unforgettable surprises.

>>> Also read:

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• Vietnam Visa: Latest Procedures and News
• Vietnam Visa Exemption 2024: All you need to know
• Tips for a Successful Trip to Vietnam