Xin chào Việt Nam!

🏮 Vietnam at a Glance

Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia known for its bustling cities, beaches, rivers, and Buddhist pagodas.

🗺️ Geography & Climate

Location: Southeast Asia, bordering China, Laos, and Cambodia

Area: 331,210 km² (127,881 sq mi)

Population: Approximately 98 million people

Climate: Tropical in south, monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season

🏛️ Major Cities & Destinations

• Hanoi - The capital city, rich in history and culture
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - The largest city and economic hub
• Ha Long Bay - UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning limestone islands
• Hoi An - Ancient town famous for its well-preserved architecture
• Sapa - Mountain town known for terraced rice fields
• Hue - Former imperial capital with historic citadel

🍜 Culture & Cuisine

Language: Vietnamese (official)

Currency: Vietnamese đồng (VND)

Famous Dishes:

• Phở - Traditional noodle soup
• Bánh mì - Vietnamese baguette sandwich
• Spring rolls (Gỏi cuốn & Chả giò)
• Bánh xèo - Vietnamese crepe
• Cà phê sữa đá - Vietnamese iced coffee

🎯 Best Time to Visit

North Vietnam: October to April (cooler, drier weather)

Central Vietnam: February to August (avoid typhoon season)

South Vietnam: December to April (dry season)

Vietnam can be visited year-round, timing depends on your preferred region and activities.

✈️ Travel Tips

• Visa requirements vary by nationality - so check before traveling
• Bargaining is common in markets and with street vendors
• Motorbikes are the primary mode of transportation
• Try some street food - it's delicious and authentic
• Learn basic Vietnamese phrases for better experiences

🌟 Why Choose Vietnam?

Vietnam's diverse landscapes—from mountains to beaches—its rich history spanning thousands of years, and the warmth of its people make it a destination like no other. Add to that an outstanding food culture and experiences that offer remarkable value, and you'll find a place that delivers adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion all in one journey.

🏯 Vietnam's Festivals at a Glance

Vietnamese culture is a rich tapestry shaped by thousands of years of history and diverse regional traditions. From colorful festivals to time-honored customs, Vietnam's cultural heritage is expressed through vibrant celebrations, art forms, and traditions that vary across regions and communities.

🎊 Tết Nguyên Đán (Vietnamese New Year)

The most important festival in Vietnamese culture, Tết marks the arrival of spring and the lunar new year. Families often reunite, homes are decorated with peach blossoms and kumquat trees, and traditional foods like bánh chưng are prepared. It is a time for honoring ancestors, giving lucky money in red envelopes, and beginning anew.

🌕 Tết Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival)

Known as the Children's Festival, this autumn celebration honors the full moon and is dedicated to children and families. Streets come alive with colorful lantern parades, dragon dances, and moon cake sharing. Children carry star-shaped lanterns and perform traditional songs while families gather to admire the brightest full moon of the year.

🌸 Lim Festival

This spring festival celebrates the traditional quan họ folk singing of the Kinh Bắc region — a call-and-response vocal art form that was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

🛕 Hùng Kings Festival

A national holiday in spring honoring the legendary Hùng Kings, considered founders of Vietnam. Many people travel to the Hùng Kings' Temple at Việt Trì to pay respects; the main commemoration falls on the 10th day of the third lunar month and is observed nationwide with traditional ceremonies, folk performances, and cultural exhibitions.

🏮 Hoi An Lantern Festival

On each full moon night the ancient town of Hoi An transforms into a gentle wonderland: many shops switch off electric lights so thousands of lanterns create a soft glow as people release small lanterns on the Thu Bồn River and make wishes.

📜 Visitor Etiquette — Do's & Don'ts

• Respect religious sites: Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas
• Ask before photographing: Always ask permission before photographing people
• Observe, don't interrupt: Watch respectfully during rituals
• Follow local guidance: Customs can differ by region and event
• Be mindful of the environment: Use biodegradable lanterns if participating