Geography of Vietnam: Discover 8 interesting facts

Contents

1. Fun facts about the geographic location of Vietnam

1.1. Vietnam is an S-shaped country located in Southeast Asia

The location of Vietnam is on the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It shares a border with China to the north, with Laos and Cambodia to the west, and faces the East Sea to the east. The geography of Vietnam is shaped like an “S,” stretching 1,650 kilometers from north to south, with its widest point around 500 kilometers and the narrowest just 50 kilometers.

Vietnam’s geography covers 331,698 square kilometers, including 327,480 square kilometers of land and over 4,500 square kilometers of water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and seas. The country has more than 2,800 islands and reefs, including the Spratly and Paracel Islands.

The geographical map of Vietnam (Source: Collected)

1.2. Three quarters of Vietnam’s territory is formed by mountains and hills

Vietnam’s geography is dominated by mountains, which cover three-quarters of the country. Most of these mountains are low, with 85% under 1,000 meters high and just 1% over 2,000 meters high. 

The four main mountainous regions in Vietnam are: 

• Northeast region (Dong Bac): This region stretches from the Red River Valley to the Gulf of Tonkin. Notable attractions include Pac Po Cave, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Ba Be Lake, Yen Tu Mountain, and Ha Long Bay.
• Northwest region (Tay Bac): Extending from the northern border to the western part of Thanh Hoa, this region boasts the famous town of Sapa. Sapa is home to many ethnic groups and Fansipan Mountain – the roof of Indochina.
• Northern Truong Son mountains: This region spans from western Thanh Hoa to the mountains of Quang Nam – Da Nang. Notable attractions include Phong Nha Cave, the iconic Hai Van Pass, and the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail.
• Southern Truong Son mountains: Located west of the South Central Coast, this region features the vast Central Highlands known for wildlife and ethnic cultures. Da Lat is the most popular tourist city in this region.

1.3. One quarter of Vietnam’s territory is occupied by deltas

Deltas cover one-fourth of Vietnam’s geography and are divided into various regions by mountains. At both ends of the country lie two vast, fertile deltas: the Northern Delta (Red River Delta) spanning 16,700 square kilometers and the Southern Delta (Mekong Delta) covering 40,000 square kilometers. Between these two large deltas is a narrow chain of smaller plains that runs along the central coast, which stretch from Thanh Hoa to Phan Thiet with a total area of 15,000 square kilometers.

Vietnam’s geography offers diverse landscapes (Source: Collected)

1.4. Vietnam boasts a 3,260-kilometer coastline

Vietnam’s geography features a coastline that stretches 3,260 kilometers along its eastern, southern, and southwestern borders, from Mong Cai in the north to Ha Tien in the southwest. The East Sea includes Vietnam’s continental shelf and archipelagos. The Gulf of Tonkin is home to nearly 3,000 islands, including those in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long, as well as Cat Ba and Bach Long Vi. Farther out are the Paracel and Spratly Islands. The southwest and southern coasts feature the islands of Con Son, Phu Quoc, and Tho Chu.

The geography of Vietnam has 28 coastal provinces and 125 coastal districts, stretching from Quang Ninh to Kien Giang. Key seaside destinations include Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, home to beautiful beaches recognized widely. At these stunning coastal areas, visitors can experience all sorts of thrilling games at the entertainment complexes of VinWonders. After a day of adventure, you can unwind at the luxurious hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, which are known for their elegant accommodations and world-class amenities. 

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1.5. Vietnam has over 2,000 rivers

As highlighted in various Vietnam’s geography facts, Vietnam has an extensive network of rivers. Along the coastline, a river mouth appears roughly every 20 kilometers, which facilitates convenient water transportation. Two major river systems in Vietnam are the Red River in the north and the Mekong River in the south. The country boasts 2,372 rivers, each over 10 kilometers long.

For tourists, Vietnam offers unique river-based experiences. In Ha Giang, the Nho Que River is famous for its stunning gorges and is ideal for scenic boat rides. In Hue, the Perfume River offers serene river tours that showcase the region’s heritage. The Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City also provides lively boat rides that offer visitors a chance to admire the city’s vibrant skyline. These river tours offer a distinctive way to explore Vietnam’s natural beauty.

2. Facts about the climate in Vietnam

The climate in Vietnam is divided into two main zones. The North, from Hai Van Pass outward, has a tropical monsoon climate with four seasons – spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Influenced by the northeast and southeast monsoons, this region experiences high humidity. The South, from Hai Van Pass inward, enjoys a more consistent tropical climate. It remains hot year-round with two distinct seasons: dry and rainy.

The varied topography in the geography of Vietnam also results in unique microclimates. Areas like Sapa and Da Lat enjoy temperate climates, making them popular for tourism. The average temperatures in Vietnam range from 21°C to 27°C, increasing from north to south. In summer, the temperature averages around 25°C. In winter, temperatures in northern mountainous areas such as Sapa can drop to 0°C, occasionally bringing snowfall.

Familiarize yourself with the geography and climate of Vietnam before your trip (Source: Collected)

3. Facts about Vietnam’s population

In 2023, Vietnam’s population reached an average of 100.3 million, with a nearly equal gender distribution – 49.9% male and 50.1% female. The urban population was around 38.2 million, making up 38.1%, while 62.1 million people lived in rural areas, accounting for 61.9%. Vietnam ranks as the 3rd most populous country in Southeast Asia (after Indonesia and the Philippines) and 15th globally.

4. Facts about the flora and fauna in Vietnam

Vietnam is home to approximately 14,600 plant species, with tropical rainforests dominating the landscapes. These forests are characterized by light-loving trees that thrive in warm, humid conditions. The country’s animal population is equally diverse, featuring many species listed in the Red List. Vietnam has 275 mammals, 800 birds, 180 reptiles, 80 amphibians, 2,400 fish, and 5,000 insects. 

Vietnam preserves several biodiversity-rich national parks, including Hoang Lien Son National Park (Lao Cai), Cat Ba National Park (Quang Ninh), Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh), Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh), Bach Ma National Park (Thua Thien Hue), Con Dao National Park (Ba Ria-Vung Tau), and Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai). These parks not only serve as research sites for biologists but are also attractive ecotourism areas.

UNESCO has designated nine biosphere reserves in Vietnam as World Biosphere Reserves, including Can Gio Mangrove Forest Reserve, Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve, Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, Ca Mau Cape Biosphere Reserve, Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve, and Langbiang Biosphere Reserve.

The geographical features of Vietnam are perfect for nature lovers (Source: Collected)

The geography of Vietnam presents countless breathtaking locations for travelers to discover. From the towering mountains in the north to the meandering rivers in the south, Vietnam caters to every adventurer. With endless wonders to explore in this enchanting country, pack your bags for an unforgettable journey!