Vietnam

A country with nature, love and delicious food

Across the world, Vietnam is famous for a number of things: Pho, Egg Coffee, Halong Bay, having Robin Williams scream morning salutations and of course, the Vietnam War (known as the American War in Vietnam). But there is so much more to this dynamic country.

Here are some interesting facts you may not know about this country:

• Vietnam is one of the world's largest coffee producers

  Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world. Second to rice, coffee is Vietnam's largest exported commodity and accounts for over 18% of global coffee exports. Coffee was first introduced to Vietnam in 1857 by the French, influencing Vietnamese coffee to be made typically as a dark or French roast.

• Sitting at 3143 metres, Fansipan is Vietnam's tallest mountain

  Fansipan is located in Sapa, an area famous for its layered rice terraces and colourful indigenous groups.In 2016, a 6292-metre cable car was built to take tourists to the top of the mountain. Prior to this, the only way to reach the top was via a multi-day trek, which easily ranks as one of Southeast Asia's best treks!

• Vietnam is home to the world's largest cave: Hang Son Doong

  Stretching over three miles, Hang Son Doong is a natural marvel. It’s wide enough to fly a Boeing 747 through and many of the cave’s chambers are large enough to house an entire block of New York City skyscrapers! Trees, plants and wildlife fell into the hole and have made the cave their home. Today these trees reach over 30 metres high and create an ecosystem unique to Hang Son Doong.

• The Name Nguyen is the most common surname in Vietnam

  Reportedly 40% of Vietnamese folk have the surname Nguyen

• Banh Mi Sandwiches are King

  When it comes to Southeast Asian street food, you might be used to spicy noodle dishes, fried insects and questionable meat skewers but in Vietnam, the Banh Mi sandwich rules the roost. This baguette filled with meat, cheese, pickles and seasonal veg is a Vietnamese staple and one that has been filling the bellies of backpackers and locals for generations.

• Vietnam is home to one of the world's most impressive waterfalls

  Ban Gioc Waterfall is Vietnam’s widest waterfall and one of the least visited natural wonders in the country. It is fed by the Quay Son River which marks the border between Vietnam and China. The falls have several terraces and stand over thirty metres tall.

As a Vietnamese, I'm very proud of my country. Let me know where you are from and which country you want to visit the most 😊