Regions of Vietnam: #1 Simple And Easy Guide

Vietnam is such a great country, and the regions of Vietnam will give you the desire to visit them all. It is no wonder that we talk about it so frequently. It is growing to be a popular tourist destination for people interested in the traditional food, landscape, and culture.

One way to split up Vietnam is into three distinct regions: Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam. Each of these regions has different cultures and dialects that make them unique. Vietnamese cuisine also varies from region to region. Let’s learn more about Vietnamese by checking out the defining features and differences between the regions of Vietnam.

 

What Are The Regions Of Vietnam?

Much of the country’s culture is shaped by its geography, which is very much defined by its long, thin shape. It stretches up north and reaches down south, resulting in differing climates and weather patterns. Vietnam is truly a country that has everything. While you’re interested in learning more about Vietnamese, let’s also talk about what makes the regions of Vietnam exciting.

Northern Region of Vietnam

Northern Vietnam encompasses some of the oldest cities in the country. Many popular tourist spots can also be found, including Hạ Long and areas in Sa Pa. Hanoi (Hà Nội), the capital city of Vietnam, is also located in the northern region. Because of this, the culture of the North tends to be a little less laid back than elsewhere, much more so in the capital.

For cuisine, the North favors more peppery, savory flavors. Perhaps the most famous meal synonymous with the North would be Bún Chả. Bánh cuốn and Phở are also from here. It is quite clear that Northern cuisine is heavily influenced by neighboring China. However, the flavorings make it unique to the country. Tea is popular in the North, though you can still find plenty of coffee.

For weather, the north of Vietnam enjoys 4 seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. There is generally a wet season that lasts from May to September. Downpours during this time can be substantial, so be careful if you are around. In the winter time, things can get quite cold especially when compared to elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Otherwise, it remains quite warm.

Central Region of Vietnam

Central Vietnam covers a large area in the center of the country. However, it is in the center that the country become quite thin. As such, Central Vietnam is home to the narrowest point of the country. At its thinnest, the country is just 50 km across. The landscape in this region is dominated primarily by the Annamite Mountain range (Dãy Trường Sơn), pushing all the major cities towards the flat coastal areas. Notable cities in this region include Đà Nẵng, the fifth largest city in Vietnam. Hoi An (Hội An) is another notable city that is popular with tourists. Without the large metropolises seen in the North and the South, the central area is more of an agricultural region and has a more traditional culture.

In one word, Central Vietnamese cuisine can be defined as spicy. The mountainous terrain is perfect for growing spices, leading to the strong-tasting flavors of the region. Bún bò Huế encapsulates the flavors of the region rather well. Named after the city Hue (Huế), The dish is a mixture of strong flavors, most notably saltiness, sourness, and spiciness.

Central Vietnam experiences rainy and dry seasons, though they begin in September time and end around March. Temperatures are highest in the middle of the year, with things cooling down near December. Of course, a lot of this depends on whether you are at a higher altitude or towards the sea. 

Southern Region of Vietnam

The southern region is home to the largest city in the country: Ho Chi Minh City (Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh), also known as Saigon (Sài Gòn). The warmer temperatures have also led to the development of resort cities such as Mui Ne (Mũi Né) in the region. The island of Phu Quoc (Phú Quốc) is also located in the South. Generally, the culture is more laid back than one can imagine.

Southern Cuisine is characterized by sweeter flavors. Dishes also tend to be lighter, likely due to the heat. Phở in the South is served differently compared to the North. Southern Phở has a much sweeter flavor with more herbs garnishing the soup and extra sauces to add as you like. Dishes in the South, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, are very international so you can find many fusion meals. Due to this, you will find many unique dishes in the city that are worth trying. Coffee is a favorite in the South – especially with ice. It is cheaper too.

Being closer to the equator, temperatures remain rather constant throughout the year. This means that it is both hot and humid year-round. Unlike the North, the South has just 2 distinct seasons: rainy season and dry season. Again, the rainy season last from around May to September time so bring your umbrella.

Words And Phrases To Use For Learning The Regions Of Vietnam

EnglishVietnamese
RegionVùng đất
LandmarksCác địa danh
CityThành phố
TravelDu lịch
TripChuyến đi
Let’s have a trip together.Chúng ta hãy cùng nhau có một chuyến đi nhé.
Where in Vietnam are you from?Bạn đến từ đâu ở Việt Nam?
What region do you like the most?Bạn thích vùng nào nhất?
Which region in Vietnam are you from?Bạn đến từ vùng nào ở Việt Nam?
Do you know how to go to this region?Bạn có biết đường đi đến khu vực này không?
What are the special landmarks in this place?Địa danh này có gì đặc biệt?
Where do you recommend going to?Bạn khuyên bạn nên đi đâu?
Do you want to travel to Vietnam with me?Bạn có muốn đi du lịch đến Việt Nam cùng tôi không?

Travel While Learning Vietnamese With The Ling App

Vietnam is a very unique country with a very unique shape. While aspects of its history have led to distinct differences in cultures throughout the country, geography has likely had the biggest impact. To get the full experience of the country, you will need to visit each region and try the different foods that are available. There is a popular route you can take from the North to the South if you know how to get around.

Wherever you decide to visit Vietnam, make sure to arm yourself with the language so that you can truly experience what the country has to offer. Use the Ling app to start learning Vietnamese today.

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