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Vietnam

✨ The land of the dragon

Vietnam is a country in mainland Southeast Asia, stretching along the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula. It covers about 331,000 square kilometres and shares borders with China to the north, Laos to the west and Cambodia to the southwest. Its long coastline faces the South China Sea, known in Vietnam as the East Sea, and includes numerous bays, islands and coastal plains. The country has a long, narrow shape, while mountains and highlands occupy much of the interior.

The Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong Delta in the south are among its most fertile and densely populated regions. Hanoi, in the north, is the capital, while Ho Chi Minh City is the largest urban centre and an important economic hub. Vietnam's geography has also influenced its history, as river valleys, mountain passes and coastal routes have connected different regions and populations for centuries.

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, although temperatures and rainfall vary considerably from north to south and between lowlands and mountains. The north experiences more distinct seasonal changes, while the south generally has a pronounced wet season and dry season. Rainfall is abundant, and tropical storms can affect coastal and northern areas. Rivers and fertile deltas support intensive agriculture, particularly rice cultivation. Coffee, rubber, tea, pepper, fruit and seafood are also important products.

Vietnam contains diverse ecosystems, including tropical forests, mangroves, wetlands, limestone landscapes and coral reefs. These habitats support many species, including primates, elephants, reptiles and a wide variety of birds and marine life. Vietnamese is the official language. Since the Đổi Mới economic reforms began in 1986, Vietnam has undergone major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, trade and urban development. Today, it is an important economic centre in Southeast Asia, with strong links to regional and global markets.

💡 Did you know?

Did you know that in Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is surrounded by legends? It is said that long ago, a giant dragon descended to the sea to protect the country. By thrashing its tail, it allegedly carved up the mountain and created thousands of limestone islands of all shapes. In fact, 'Ha Long' means 'where the dragon descends into the sea.' It is a magical sight to see these giant rocks that seem to float on the water like dragon's teeth!

Vietnam has the largest cave in the world, called Son Doong. It is so immense that an airliner could fly inside it without touching the walls! It even has its own indoor jungle, its own climate, and its own underground river at the very bottom. It was only discovered very recently, in 1991, by a local resident looking for firewood. It is a lost world hidden beneath the earth!

If you visit Vietnam, you will often see people wearing the 'Non La,' a conical straw hat. It's not just pretty; it's mostly very practical! Shaped like a cone, it allows rainwater to slide off without getting the face wet, and it also protects very well from the burning sun. Peasants sometimes even use it as a basket to carry fruit or as a fan to cool off. It is the essential accessory for working in the rice fields!