I.
Overview
Tourism: Vietnam is a unique and amazing place for tourists. In 2019, 18 million international tourists
visited Vietnam. Tourism brought in about 720,000 billion VND, making up 9.2% of the country's GDP.
This shows the strong attraction of Vietnam to the world and the significant contribution of tourism to
the national economy.
Geographical Location: Vietnam is in Southeast Asia, on the Indochina Peninsula. It has a long coastline
along the Pacific Ocean, offering beautiful beaches and scenic views. Vietnam shares borders with China
to the north, Laos, and Cambodia to the west, and the East Sea to the east. This strategic location has
played a crucial role in the country's history, culture, and economic development.
Political System:
President: Lương Cường
General Secretary: Tô Lâm
Prime Minister: Phạm Minh Chính
National Assembly Chair: Trần Thanh Mẫn
Vietnam has a stable political system, which is essential for its development and international relations.
The leaders play significant roles in maintaining the country's stability and guiding its growth.
ASEAN Membership: On July 28, 1995, Vietnam became the seventh member of ASEAN. This
membership has enhanced Vietnam's regional integration and cooperation with other Southeast Asian
countries.
II. Culture
Dialect Diversity: Vietnam has three main regional dialects: Northern, Central, and Southern dialects.
Each dialect has its own unique characteristics and reflects the cultural and historical diversity of the
regions.
- The Northern dialect, centered around Hanoi, is often considered the standard form of Vietnamese. It
is used in official documents, education, and media. The pronunciation is clear and precise, with distinct
tones that are easy to distinguish.
- The Central dialect, spoken in regions such as Hue and Da Nang, is known for its distinct pronunciation
and intonation. This dialect has a musical quality, with a wide range of tonal variations. The Central
dialect preserves many archaic words and expressions, offering a glimpse into the historical and cultural
heritage of Vietnam.
- The Southern dialect, prevalent in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, has a more relaxed and
casual pronunciation. The tones are often flatter and less pronounced, making it sound softer and more
laid-back. The Southern dialect includes many colloquial expressions and slang terms.
Traditional Costumes: The "Áo dài" is the traditional dress for both men and women. It is a beautiful,
long dress that has been modernized from the five-paneled aristocratic gown. The Áo dài is often worn
on special occasions and symbolizes Vietnamese culture and identity. There are also unique costumes
worn by ethnic groups like the Thái, Tày, and Hoa people, each with distinct designs and cultural
significance.
Festivals: Vietnam is famous for its colorful festivals, such as the Chử Đồng Tử Festival, Gióng Festival,
Lim Festival, Chùa Hương Festival, Yên Tử Festival, and Bái Đính Pagoda Festival. The most important
festival is the Hùng Kings Temple Festival. It honors the nation's legendary founders and promotes
national unity. This festival has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry
of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam.
Religion and Belief: Vietnam has many religions, with Buddhism and Catholicism being the most
common. Buddhism is the largest religion, followed by 35% of the population. Important Buddhist
events include the Tết Nguyên tiêu (First Full Moon Festival) and Vu Lan Festival, which show gratitude
to ancestors and parents. These festivals are deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and reflect the values
of respect and filial piety.
Traditions: Ancestor worship is an important tradition in Vietnam. Every household has an ancestor
altar, regardless of wealth or social status. This practice shows respect and gratitude to ancestors. Tết
Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year) is the biggest festival, marking a new beginning filled with hopes and
dreams. Betel chewing is a common habit among older women, similar to smoking for men, reflecting
rural social customs.
Vietnamese Cuisine: Vietnamese food is famous for its balance of flavors and beautiful presentation.
Popular dishes include Phở bò, Bánh mì, Gỏi cuốn, Bún bò Huế, and Bún chả Hà Nội. Both Bánh mì and
Phở have been recognized by the Oxford Dictionary for their uniqueness. Vietnamese cuisine is not only
delicious but also represents the country's cultural diversity and culinary expertise.
III. Tourism
* Vietnam is a top destination for international tourists visiting Southeast Asia and Asia. In 2019,
Vietnam welcomed over 18 million foreign visitors. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted global tourism,
including Vietnam, in 2019, 2020, and 2021. However, Vietnam's rich culture and beautiful landscapes
helped the country recover quickly, attracting 12.6 million international visitors in 2023. This rapid
recovery demonstrates the resilience of Vietnam's tourism industry. Famous places include the Golden
Bridge (Da Nang), Turtle Tower – Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi), Hoi An Ancient Town, and Trang An Scenic
Landscape Complex (Ninh Binh). Each location leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
- Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh, recognized multiple times by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site,
features thousands of islands created by natural marvels. Its stunning scenery makes it a major
attraction for both domestic and international tourists. Ha Long Bay is unique, containing important
geological and historical evidence, and is home to ancient Vietnamese populations.
- Phong Nha - Kẻ Bàng National Park, located 45 km from Đồng Hới city, is another must-visit
destination. The park encompasses 200,000 hectares, featuring ancient limestone formations and a
diverse array of flora and fauna. UNESCO designated it as a World Natural Heritage site in 2003. The
park is renowned for its impressive cave systems, including the famous Sơn Đoòng Cave, the largest cave
in the world.
We hope this presentation has given you a glimpse into the captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage
of Vietnam.
