Vietnam: History and the War
- Geet
- Jun 5, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 8
In the latest project, I needed to research the Vietnam-US war. Here are some facts about Vietnam that you might not know.
First, 10 things about its history, especially, related to the wars.
Vietnam fought China for over a thousand years before Western colonisation
For nearly a millennium (111 BCE–939 CE), large parts of Vietnam were under Chinese rule. Repeated uprisings during this period helped develop Vietnam’s deep resistance culture and its strong sense of political independence long before European powers arrived.
Vietnam defeated three Mongol invasions in the 13th century
Vietnam successfully resisted the Mongol Empire—which had conquered much of Asia and Europe—three times. Clever use of terrain, river warfare, and guerrilla tactics laid early foundations for strategies later used against France and the US.
The Vietnam War was one phase of a 30-year continuous conflict
What is commonly called the “Vietnam War” (1955–1975) was only one stage. Vietnam experienced almost uninterrupted warfare from World War II through French colonial rule and then the Cold War conflict.
The French Indochina War was more decisive than the US war
Vietnam’s defeat of France at Điện Biên Phủ in 1954 ended European colonial rule in Indochina. This victory directly led to Vietnam’s division and drew the United States into the region.
The Ho Chi Minh Trail ran through three countries
Despite the name, the Ho Chi Minh Trail was not a single road but a vast network running through Laos and Cambodia. Its existence turned those countries into secondary war zones, even though they were officially neutral.
Most bombing in the war fell outside South Vietnam
More bombs were dropped on Laos and Cambodia than on Vietnam itself. Laos remains the most heavily bombed country per capita in history, a fact often overlooked in mainstream war narratives.
Agent Orange effects continue generations later
Chemical defoliants used during the war caused long-term genetic damage. Birth defects and environmental contamination persist today, affecting people born decades after the fighting ended.
Women played large combat and leadership roles
Vietnamese women served not only as nurses or supporters but also as fighters, spies, logisticians, and commanders. Their participation challenged traditional gender roles within wartime Vietnamese society.
Vietnam fought another war immediately after 1975
Soon after reunification, Vietnam fought Cambodia (1978–1989) and a brief but intense border war with China in 1979. Peace in Vietnam did not mean regional stability.
The war deeply influenced Vietnam’s current foreign policy
Modern Vietnam follows a “no military alliances” approach. Historical experiences with foreign intervention shaped a cautious, balance-of-power strategy in diplomacy that continues today.
Here are 10 things about the country and its culture that I didn't know:
Vietnam is long and narrow, not compact
Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south but is very narrow in places. This creates sharp differences in climate, food, clothing, and even daily routines across regions.
There are three major cultural regions, not one uniform culture
Vietnamese people often identify strongly as northern, central, or southern. Each region has distinct accents, cuisines, social norms, and historical experiences.
Rice farming shapes both land and mindset
Large parts of Vietnam are built around river deltas like the Red River and Mekong. Rice cultivation influenced settlement patterns, festivals, family cooperation, and even ideas of patience and timing.
Vietnam has one of the world’s largest cave systems
Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng National Park contains some of the largest caves ever discovered, including Sơn Đoòng. Many were only explored in the last few decades due to dense jungle cover.
The sea plays a bigger role than many people realise
Vietnam has over 3,000 km of coastline. Fishing, salt-making, boat-building, and seafood-based diets are central to coastal life and culture.
Ancestor worship is more common than temple worship
Most Vietnamese homes have ancestor altars. Honouring family ancestors is a daily practice that cuts across religions and is seen as part of family duty, not formal worship.
Vietnamese language uses tones, but writing does not show stress
Vietnamese has six tones, meaning the same word can change meaning by pitch. However, unlike some tonal languages, stress and loudness are not used to add meaning.
Street food culture arose from history
Vietnam’s famous street food grew from necessity during war and scarcity. Small portions, fresh ingredients, and quick preparation were practical solutions that became cultural traditions.
Motorbikes shape city design and social life
Cities are planned around motorbike movement rather than cars. This affects shop sizes, pavements, delivery systems, and even how families travel together.
Silence and restraint are valued social skills
Vietnamese culture often values emotional control and indirect communication. Speaking softly, avoiding public confrontation, and showing respect through behaviour are widely taught from childhood.
Finally, here are some interesting videos I discovered.
