Blog

Everything worth knowing about Vietnam

Honest, practical articles from people who actually live here — written the way we’d brief a friend before a trip.

By city

Hanoi attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, the Mausoleum, West Lake and water puppets — tickets and routes.

Hanoi neighbourhoods: the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Tay Ho (the expat area), Ba Dinh and Cau Giay — where tourists and expats stay, plus renting.

Hanoi transport guide: Noi Bai airport, the metro, Grab, buses and motorbikes, and how to reach Ha Long, Sapa and Ninh Binh.

The best places to visit in Vietnam: Ha Long, Hoi An, Sapa, Phong Nha, My Son and the Mekong Delta — with a route-planning guide for first-timers.

The best beaches in Vietnam: Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Con Dao and Mui Ne — where the white sand is, when to go and which suits you.

A guide to Vietnamese food: pho, banh mi, banh xeo, bun cha, coffee and more — what to order, what it costs and which dishes are spicy.

A guide to Vietnamese street food: the top dishes, where to find them, what they cost, how to order and whether street food is safe.

Saigon transport guide: from Tan Son Nhat airport, the metro, Grab, buses, motorbikes and how to reach Mui Ne, Vung Tau and the Mekong Delta.

Saigon tours guide: the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mekong Delta, city and food tours, Can Gio and Vung Tau — how to book and 2026 prices.

Saigon spa and massage guide: types of treatment, the best spas by budget, Korean saunas, hotel spas and what a massage costs in 2026.

Saigon shopping guide: Ben Thanh Market, malls, what to buy, tailoring, how to bargain and the VAT refund for tourists.