Vietnam is known for being a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches, it’s culture, amazing food (like pho), and friendly people. Vietnam is also famous for the Vietnam War, motorbikes (86% of households have one), Vietnamese coffee, floating markets and rice terraces.
Most travellers choose to journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, or vice versa, traversing the destinations along the coast on the way. This type of travel allows visitors to explore a different side of Vietnam, learning all about what it is famous 밤문화 for as they go.
Whether you want to know more about Vietnam before adding it to your bucket list or just want to find out some fun facts for your quizzing trivia, this article will tell you all you need to know. Read on to discover what Vietnam is known for and why you should visit.
1. The Vietnam War
Vietnam is probably most famous for the Vietnam War, a long military conflict between North Vietnam and its communist allies, China and the Soviet Union, and South Vietnam and its anticommunist allies, the United States.
Because the Vietnam War took place between 1955 and 1975, it is still fresh in people’s minds and, therefore, a sensitive topic.
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, the War Remnants Museum, the Con Dao prisons, the Son My Memorial, and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to learn more about the Vietnam War.
2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
In Hanoi, the grand President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum stands in the center of Ba Dinh Square. It is a resting place for the Vietnamese Revolutionary leader. As a tribute to Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow, the building features granite columns inscribed with the name of the President and “Long Live The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.”
Visitors can see President Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body in a glass case each morning.
3. Halong Bay
Additionally, Vietnam is known for its breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes, the most famous of which is Halong Bay in the north.
There are towering karst limestone peaks protruding from Halong Bay, an inlet of water off the coast of northern Vietnam. Its magical cliffs make this UNESCO World Heritage site a must-see for travellers visiting Vietnam, and visitors can take a boat ride through the bay to appreciate this natural wonder.
Visitors can kayak through natural caves and grottos and relax on island beaches on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to this bucket list destination.
4. Sapa
This remote destination offers a variety of walking trails, homestays, and local delicacies that make it one of Vietnam’s most stunning destinations. Visitors can experience Sapa’s vast valleys and rural villages by taking a tour, choosing between a five-star hotel or an authentic homestay with the H’mong people.
Located 350km north-west of Hanoi, Sapa is 1600m above sea level. Sapa’s climate is quite different from the rest of Vietnam, with temperatures ranging from -1C to 29C.
Fan Si Pan, at 3143 meters high, is the highest peak in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Therefore, this hike is challenging for walking enthusiasts and offers spectacular views of the region (if the clouds part!).
5. Motorbikes – Try Crossing the Road
Vietnam is known for having millions of motorbikes that rule the roads if you’ve ever been to Hanoi or HCMC. Nearly all adults own a motorbike in the city, where most people ride bikes. It’s no surprise that Ho Chi Minh City is thought to have more motorbikes than people when you add that to the number of tourists riding mopeds!
The coastal route of Vietnam is also a favourite for motorbike riders, who come here to navigate the winding sections of road with incredible panoramic views. These routes take in mountain roads, beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and much more, so will undoubtedly make for the bike trip of a lifetime.