Language
Vietnamese
Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnamese uses a Latin-based alphabet developed in the 17th century with many accent marks to show its six tones.
Say hello: Xin chào · Script: Latin with tone marks
Vietnam: leaders, famous people, culture and history
2 places on the atlas covering language and culture. Highlights include Vietnamese and Phở.
See Vietnam on the map Etiquette guide
What is on the atlas
Who leads Vietnam?
| General Secretary and President | To Lam |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister | Le Minh Hung |
Office-holders as of July 2026. Governments change, so check Vietnam’s official government website for the latest. Full list of heads of state and government.
Famous people from Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh revolutionary leader
- Vo Nguyen Giap general
- Nguyen Du author of The Tale of Kieu
- Trung Sisters first-century rebels
- Ly Thai To founder of the Ly dynasty
- Thich Nhat Hanh Zen teacher and writer
A short, well-known selection rather than a ranking. People pinned on the map appear in the cards below.
Etiquette tips for Vietnam
- Greeting A slight nod and handshake are usual. Use a title and the given name; names are written family name first.
- Dining Wait to be seated and for the host to begin. Do not leave chopsticks standing in a bowl.
- Home Remove shoes when entering a home and many temples.
All etiquette tips for Vietnam
Language in Vietnam
Culture in Vietnam
Culture
Phở
Hanoi, Vietnam
A fragrant noodle soup that began in northern Vietnam and is traditionally eaten at breakfast from street stalls.
Tradition: Noodle soup with herbs
How to use this page
This page brings together the people who lead Vietnam today, a short selection of well-known people from Vietnam, and the 2 places pinned for Vietnam on the atlas. Use the buttons at the top to see Vietnam on the map, where you can filter by theme, read a short summary of each pin and follow the link to Wikipedia for the full article. To browse the same themes across the whole world, see the language page and culture page.
Questions about Vietnam
Who is the leader of Vietnam?
As of July 2026: General Secretary and President: To Lam; Prime Minister: Le Minh Hung. Office-holders change, so check the official government site for the latest.
Who are some famous people from Vietnam?
Well-known people connected with Vietnam include Ho Chi Minh (revolutionary leader), Vo Nguyen Giap (general), Nguyen Du (author of The Tale of Kieu), Trung Sisters (first-century rebels) and Ly Thai To (founder of the Ly dynasty).
What languages and scripts is Vietnam known for?
Language entries for Vietnam on the atlas include Vietnamese. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
What food and customs is Vietnam known for?
Food and customs from Vietnam on the atlas include Phở. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
How can I explore Vietnam on the map?
Choose See Vietnam on the map above, or search for Vietnam on the atlas. You can filter by theme, drag the Time travel slider to see who was alive and what was standing in different centuries, and open any pin for a short summary and a link to the full Wikipedia article.
What etiquette should visitors know in Vietnam?
Greeting: A slight nod and handshake are usual. Use a title and the given name; names are written family name first. Dining: Wait to be seated and for the host to begin. Do not leave chopsticks standing in a bowl. These are general customs, not legal advice.