General Facts 

• Population: 95,142,535 people
• Capital: Hanoi; 7,600,000 people
• Area: 127,844 square miles
• Language: Vietnamese
• Religion: Buddhist
• Currency: Dong
• Life Expectancy: 76 years old
• GDP per Capita:U.S.  $1,9010 per year
• Literacy Percent: 90 percent

Other Fun Facts:

• Vietnam people focus on humanity (nhân nghia) and harmony (hòa), with family and the community valued highly.
• 16% of all the world's species live in Vietnam.
• Viet cuisine has 5 fundamental taste elements: spicy (metal), sour (wood), bitter (fire), salty (water) and sweet (earth).
• Viet food is a Chinese/Thai blend and is considered one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.
• The body of Ho Chi Minh (Uncle Ho) was embalmed and on display in Hanoi.  NO PICTURES!!!!
• Tet is the most important festival in Vietnam. It celebrates rebirth and is considered their New Year.
• Water puppetry a popular art form dates to around the 11th century.

Our Suggestions

• The cuisine of Vietnam is varied and delicious.  Don't be afraid of street food!
• Train from Hanoi to Saigon on the Reunification Express stopping along the way.
• Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island - UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Coffee, coffee, coffee... Some of the best we have had in the world!
• The New Hanoian Website.  This is a verifiable life saver if you plan to live in Hanoi.
• People watching from a sidewalk cafe in Saigon and Hanoi is incredible!
• Hoi An Is charming, beautiful and has great food.  Rent a bike and bike around it.
• Stay in Vietnam for Tet (Viet New Years)!  Fireworks, parades and fun!
• Hanoi Water Puppet Theater in the Old Quarter