21 Things you may not have known about Vietnam
1.
 Vietnam is the world’s largest exporter of cashews and black pepper, contributing significantly to the global spice market.
2.
 The country is shaped like the letter "S" and has a coastline that is over 3,260 kilometers (2,025 miles) long, featuring beautiful beaches and bustling port cities.
3.
 Vietnam's Halong Bay, known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.
4.
 The Vietnamese language uses the Latin alphabet, which was introduced by French missionaries in the 17th century. This writing system, called Qu c ng , was promoted in the early 20th century to encourage literacy.
5.
 Vietnam is one of the few remaining communist countries in the world. After years of war, North and South Vietnam were reunited in 1976 as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
6.
 The Mekong Delta, located in the south, is known as the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam, producing a significant amount of the country's rice crop.
7.
 Vietnamese cuisine is known for its balance of five taste elements: spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet. Pho, a popular Vietnamese noodle soup, has gained international fame.
8.
 The traditional Vietnamese dress, known as the "Ao Dai," is worn for special occasions such as weddings, Lunar New Year celebrations, or as uniforms in schools and offices.
9.
 The Cu Chi Tunnels, located near Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), are a network of tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. They are now a popular tourist attraction.
10.
 Vietnam celebrates its independence from France on September 2nd, marking the day in 1945 when Ho Chi Minh declared independence, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
11.
 The country's national flag consists of a golden star on a red background. The five points of the star represent farmers, workers, intellectuals, youth, and soldiers, reflecting the country's socialist principles.
12.
 Hoi An, an ancient port city, has preserved much of its 15th to 19th-century architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port.
13.
 The Son Doong Cave in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the largest cave in the world. It has its own localized weather system and could fit a 40-story skyscraper within its cavern.
14.
 Motorbikes dominate Vietnamese roads, with more motorbikes than cars. They are a primary mode of transport for millions of Vietnamese people.
15.
 Vietnam is one of the world's leading producers of coffee, second only to Brazil. Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) is a local favorite.
16.
 The "Ascending Dragon" is a symbol of Vietnam, originating from a legend in which the Vietnamese people are descended from a dragon and a fairy.
17.
 The Lunar New Year, known as Tet, is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture, marking the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar.
18.
 The One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi is one of Vietnam's most iconic temples. According to legend, the temple was built following a dream of Emperor Ly Thai Tong, resembling a lotus flower, a symbol of purity.
19.
 Water puppetry is a traditional art form originating from northern Vietnam, where puppeteers control puppets over a water stage, often accompanied by a live orchestra.
20.
 Vietnam has a "love market" tradition, most famously in the town of Sapa, where ethnic minority groups have long gathered to find a mate.
21.
 The Perfume River in Hue is so named because of the scent of flowers that falls into the water from orchards upriver, giving the water a pleasant aroma. Hue, the ancient capital, is home to the tombs of several emperors and the historic Imperial City.