If you are wondering, "What is Vietnam known for?" the answer is its rich history, vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals. Discover this article to delve into the diverse experiences awaiting you in Vietnam, from the ancient wonders of Hanoi to the picturesque beauty of Ha Long Bay. Undoubtedly, Vietnam travel promises an unforgettable journey for every traveler.
1. What is Vietnam known for? – Wonderful nature
For tourists pondering, “What is Vietnam well known for?” the most frequently mentioned answer is its wonderful nature, endowed with many natural wonders, seas, forests, mountains, and overwhelming terraced fields that astonish visitors.
1.1. Natural wonders recognized by UNESCO
Despite its small size, Vietnam boasts numerous natural wonders recognized by UNESCO. When visiting Vietnam, you should not miss Ha Long and Cat Ba Island, with their incredible limestone formations and lush landscapes. Another worthy destination for nature lovers is Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, known for its geological values. Lastly, don’t miss out on Trang An, a world cultural and natural heritage site that comprises three conservation areas: the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An - Tam Coc - Bich Dong Scenic Landscape, and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest, all of which promise a diverse range of experiences to immerse in nature.
1.2. Stunning beaches and islands
Vietnam, with its 3,400-kilometer coastline, offers experiences like seaside relaxation, quiet beach retreats, vibrant beach activities, coral reef diving, and more. Must-visit beautiful Vietnam beaches and Vietnam islands for sea lovers include Phu Quoc with its clear blue waters and the gentle beaches of Nha Trang, like Doc Let Beach. You can also visit An Bang Beach in Hoi An with a relaxing vibe, My Khe Beach in Da Nang, one of the world's most beautiful beaches, and the unspoiled beaches of Mui Ne.
1.3. Wonderful terraced rice fields
Beyond the sea and islands, traveling to the northern mountainous region of Vietnam reveals unique and stunning terraced fields that undulate along the mountain slopes. You can visit rice terraces in Vietnam at any time of the year to witness their astonishing color changes, from the verdant green of new plantings to the golden hues covering the mountainsides during harvest season. The most beautiful and majestic places to view terraced fields in Vietnam are Mu Cang Chai rice terraces, Sapa rice fields, Y Ty, Pu Luong, Hoang Su Phi, etc., which offer enriching cultural interactions with local farmers besides the breathtaking views.
1.4. Breathtaking mountains
Throughout the length of Vietnam, there are endless, undulating mountains. Vietnam's mountains vary in height, but all promise unforgettable experiences like trekking to mountain peaks to enjoy beautiful panoramas, exploring nature, and learning about the interesting lives of the mountain inhabitants. Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak known as the "Roof of Indochina," is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts. Hoang Lien Son Mountain, Marble Mountains, Ba Den Mountain, Bai Tho Mountain, and Lang Biang Mountain are some renowned names among the many remarkable peaks of Vietnam.
2. Long and rich history
Another prominent answer to “What is Vietnam known for?” or “What is Vietnam famous for?” is its long, rich, and heroic history, reflected through historical relics and unique museum systems.
2.1. Historical sites
For those interested in Vietnamese history, don't miss places like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao Island, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. If the ancient capital Hue holds historical stories of Vietnamese feudal dynasties, Con Dao Island with its notorious prison preserves Vietnam's painful yet proud history, and Hoi An and Da Nang have many architectural structures bearing historical imprints. You can explore UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage sites like Ho Citadel (Thanh Hoa), the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (Hanoi), Hoi An Ancient Town, Hue Imperial City, and My Son Sanctuary (Quang Nam).
2.2. Museums about history
Another way to explore the long and glorious history of Vietnam is by visiting various historical museums. These museums offer visitors the chance to witness historical artifacts that are hundreds to thousands of years old and listen to captivating historical stories narrated by historical figures. History buffs, take note and add these fascinating museums to your Vietnam travel itinerary: Saigon War Remnants Museum, Vietnam Military History Museum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Cham Museum, B52 Victory Museum, Vietnam National Museum of History, Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities…
3. Architectural marvels from the North to the South
What is Vietnam known for? Vietnam is a country that attracts many international tourists with its beautiful and diverse architectural structures.
3.1. Remarkable landmarks
When thinking of Vietnam, one immediately recalls architectural structures with a strong French colonial influence. These structures showcase intricate architectural styles reminiscent of Renaissance architecture, adorned with the characteristic vibrant yellow color. Favorites among tourists for check-in moments are the Hanoi Opera House, Saigon Central Post Office, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and the National History Museum. Additionally, Vietnam also impresses with modern architectural landmarks, symbolizing the country's development, such as the Landmark 81 Vietnam skyscrapers.
3.2. Impressive bridges
Vietnam boasts numerous beautiful bridges, each with an impressive architectural design and carrying historical and cultural stories, making them attractive destinations. While the Long Bien Bridge, built in the late 19th century, exudes an ancient charm and serves as a significant historical witness in Hanoi, the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, Nhat Tan Bridge in Hanoi, and Phu My Bridge in Ho Chi Minh City captivate with their modern aesthetics. The Han River Bridge in Da Nang, a unique rotating and suspension bridge, offers a distinctive experience of witnessing a rotating bridge at night.
3.3. Amazing underground tunnels
Beyond towering architectural structures, Vietnam also features underground architectural marvels, each holding intriguing historical significance. The tunnels in Vietnam leave a lasting impression with narrow underground passages sprawling like a spider's web for hundreds of kilometers and interconnected structures like combat tunnels, bunkers, sleeping quarters, and food storage. Notable tunnel systems in Vietnam include the Cu Chi Tunnels, along with others like the Ben Dinh War Tunnels, Vinh Moc Tunnels, Khe Trai Tunnels, and Vinh Linh Tunnels.
4. What is special about Vietnam? – Unique cuisine
Vietnam's allure is not limited to impressive architecture and grand landscapes; its rich and diverse culinary scene is a major draw.
4.1. Plenty of tasty foods
Vietnamese cuisine stands out for its balance in both ingredients and preparation methods. Vietnamese food also features unique spice combinations, fresh herbs, and a variety of dipping sauces that elevate the overall taste. Notable Vietnamese dishes include Pho Hanoi, a national soulful dish; Vietnamese bread, a world-famous street food; Vietnamese broken rice, a signature dish in Ho Chi Minh City; Quang noodles from central Vietnam; various Vietnamese beef noodles; Vietnamese fish cake; and many delightful snacks like Vietnamese summer rolls.
4.2. Coffee culture
What is Vietnam well known for? Walking the streets of Vietnam, one can feel the vibrant coffee culture through the crowded sidewalk stalls to well-established coffee shops featuring a diverse range of Vietnamese coffee options like Vietnam drip coffee, Vietnamese weasel coffee, Vietnamese iced coffee, egg coffee, etc. Savoring coffee in Vietnam is not just about appreciating the aroma of premium Vietnamese coffee beans, one of Vietnam's most famous products, but also about the experience. Simply sipping a cup of coffee provides an unforgettable opportunity to enjoy daily life like a true local.
5. Budget-friendly tourism and activities in Vietnam
Another compelling answer to the question "What is Vietnam known for?" lies in the diversity of experiences and activities, catering to a wide range of travelers, from budget-friendly to luxury.
5.1. Abundant types of accommodation
Alongside the growth of tourism, the tourism accommodation system in Vietnam is continually invested in and modernized to meet the increasing demands of travelers. There is a diverse range of lodging options, from budget to luxury, including hostels, Vietnam hotels, and Vietnam resorts, providing travelers with abundant choices. Among the luxury accommodation options, Vietnam stands out with its most serene beach resorts, offering a harmonious blend of natural landscapes and private resort experiences.
Particularly, hotels and resorts by Vinpearl, concentrated in prominent coastal cities and islands like Nha Trang, Hoi An, Ha Long, and Phu Quoc, are a prominent option. Vinpearl's accommodations are favored by both local and international tourists, boasting top-notch amenities such as dining options, swimming pools, spas, golf courses, shopping centers, and impressive architecture that seamlessly integrates with lush greenery.
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5.2. Countless tourism activities
Apart from the highlights mentioned above, what is Vietnam known for? Your journey to explore Vietnam will never be dull, as the country offers countless tourism activities, from food tours exploring local cuisine to museum discovery tours and, most notably, outdoor adventures in beautiful natural landscapes. Outdoor activities in Vietnam include trekking in Vietnam, hiking in Vietnam, camping in Vietnam, walking in Vietnam, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and rock climbing, providing exciting sensations and the chance to discover the spectacular views of Vietnam.
When in Vietnam, don't forget to add the exploration of VinWonders entertainment paradises to your bucket list. These internationally acclaimed entertainment complexes offer various thrilling games, water activities, and day and night festivals, promising a vacation filled with joy and surprises.
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6. Culture, tradition, and art of Vietnam
Beyond landscapes and architectural wonders, elements of culture, tradition, and art also significantly contribute to the allure of Vietnam.
6.1. Ao dai and non la
The cultural symbols of Vietnam, the ao dai and non la, cannot be overlooked. Vietnamese traditional dress, or ao dai, is admired for its graceful silk fabric, embracing soft curves and exuding the elegance and charm of Vietnamese women. Meanwhile, the simple and rustic non la, used for sun and rain protection, symbolizes the hard work and endurance of Vietnamese women. Non la and ao dai not only celebrate and showcase the beauty of Vietnamese women globally but also highlight the skill and talent of Vietnamese craftsmen in creating enduring pieces of art.
6.2. Various cultural festivals
Vietnam culture is intertwined with lively Vietnam festivals that take place throughout the year. Two major festivals in Vietnam are the Tet Holiday and the Mid-Autumn Festival. While Tet marks the beginning of the new year with family reunions, traditional rituals, joyous gift-giving, and delicious dishes, the Mid-Autumn Festival signifies family unity, symbolizing completeness and wishing for a fruitful harvest. Apart from these two major festivals, tourists can participate in various other festivals, such as the Hung Temple Festival, Huong Pagoda Festival, Lim Festival, Elephant Race Festival, and Nghinh Ong Festival, to explore the unique culture, history, and traditions of Vietnam.
6.3. Traditional villages
What is Vietnam famous for producing? The hardworking and skilled people of Vietnam have built traditional craft villages over thousands of years, producing high-quality and unique handmade products. Some Vietnamese villages worth visiting include Bat Trang Pottery Village, Van Phuc Silk Village, Hue Incense Village, Dong Ho Folk Painting Village, Quat Dong Embroidery Village, and Chuong Conical Hat Village, where travelers can experience hands-on crafting and hear stories of traditional crafts. These unique gifts are also the answer to the question, "What is famous in Vietnam to buy?"
6.4. Water puppetry performances
Water puppetry, a unique and unparalleled art form found exclusively in Vietnam for thousands of years, combines a peculiar water stage with puppets manipulated by skilled artisans. Water puppetry serves as a vivid "living history" of the Vietnamese people. When in Hanoi, do not miss the chance to watch a Hanoi water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater or the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater. You will undoubtedly be impressed by the lively music, sophistication in design details, and captivating cultural and historical stories of Vietnam.
6.5. Folk music and instruments
Vietnamese folk music is the crystallization of priceless artistic creations and a vibrant testament to a diverse and rich ethnic culture with a long history. Various traditional music genres in Vietnam have been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, including cheo, quan ho, ca tru, nha nhac cung dinh Hue (Hue royal court music)... Vietnamese instruments, namely dan bau, dan nguyet, dan nhi, sao truc, dan da, dan tranh, trong com, cong chieng, and more, play a vital role in the creation of Vietnam’s distinctive melodies. Listening to Vietnamese folk songs allows travelers to immerse themselves in stories of the past and gain wisdom from previous generations.
6.6. Sacred temples and pagodas
Vietnam is renowned for its ancient Buddhist traditions and numerous temples with unique architectural styles and cultural features. Visiting these sacred temples allows you to pray for happiness and health and appreciate the impressive architecture of Buddhism. Some famous Vietnamese pagodas and temples, such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Tam Chuc Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, Linh Ung Pagoda, Huong Pagoda, Yen Tu Pagoda, Ho Quoc Temple, Ngoc Son Temple, Tran Temple, Thai Vi Temple, Tay Ninh Holy See, and more.
6.7. Time-honored markets
What is famous in Vietnam to buy? When in Vietnam, travelers should explore Vietnam markets. They are not only places to buy local souvenirs and savor local cuisine but also opportunities to gain insights into the daily lives of the local people. Some of the iconic markets are Ben Thanh Market, a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City; Dong Xuan Market, a bustling ancient market in Hanoi; Han Market Da Nang with various Vietnam famous products; Dong Ba Market, a longstanding market in Hue; and Cai Rang Floating Market, a distinctive cultural feature of the Mekong Delta region.
7. People and lifestyle
What is Vietnam well known for? The lifestyle in Vietnam carries unique and distinctive traits, making it an attractive destination for global travelers to explore.
7.1. Patriotism and national pride
What is Vietnam known for? The spirit of patriotism and national pride is a fundamental value in the traditional values of the Vietnamese people. For the Vietnamese, it is not just a natural sentiment; it is also forged from the painful yet heroic history of thousands of years of struggle for independence. Today, when visiting Vietnam, travelers can learn about this patriotic spirit through museums and historical sites, as well as witness it in everyday life, where every Vietnamese strives to fulfill their duties and respects cultural diversity and ethnic languages.
7.2. Friendly and hospitable locals
Another factor that attracts tourists to Vietnam is the hospitality and friendliness of the Vietnamese people. When touring Vietnam, visitors feel a sense of safety and reassurance, even when traveling alone. Besides the assurance of security with no wars or violence, the Vietnamese people are always friendly, attentive, and ready to assist tourists with any issues. To have a great experience in Vietnam, you can also learn some simple phrases in the Vietnamese language, such as "xin chao" (hello), "tam biet” (goodbye), "cam on” (thank you), etc.
7.3. Vibrant nightlife in big cities
What is Vietnam known for? This country not only offers stunning landscapes for daytime exploration but also a vibrant atmosphere in Vietnamese cities at night. The nightlife in Vietnam extends beyond bars and clubs; it includes nighttime shopping, entertainment, and festivities. Notable nighttime attractions include Saigon beer streets, Ben Thanh Night Market, Hanoi Night Market, Hanoi Beer Street (Ta Hien), Quang Ba Flower Market, Saigon River dinner cruise, Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, Ha Long cruise by night, boat rides on the Perfume River in Hue, and the lantern-lit ancient town of Hoi An.
>>> Check out: Save 19 essential travel to Vietnam tips for first-time travelers
The answer to "What is Vietnam known for?" lies in this wonderful country’s tapestry of vibrant traditions, historical richness, cultural diversity, breathtaking natural beauty, mouthwatering cuisine, and warm hospitality. From the shimmering bridges of Da Nang to the breathtaking landscapes of Sapa, each destination presents a unique facet of Vietnam's identity, leaving every traveler with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
