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.
All articles
Pho Bo: Vietnam\'s Beef Noodle Soup Explained
Pho bo, Vietnam\'s beef noodle soup: the history, north vs south styles, how to eat it, what to order and where to find the best bowl.
Banh Mi: Vietnam\'s Legendary Sandwich, Explained
Banh mi, Vietnam\'s famous sandwich: the French roots, the fillings, regional styles, where to find the best and how to order it.
Bun Cha: Hanoi\'s Grilled Pork Noodles (Obama\'s Lunch)
Bun cha, Hanoi\'s grilled-pork-and-noodle dish made famous by Obama and Bourdain: what\'s in it, how to eat it and where to try it.
Bun Bo Hue: Vietnam\'s Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
Bun bo Hue, the spicy lemongrass beef noodle soup from Hue: how it differs from pho, the spice level and where to try it.
Cao Lau: Hoi An\'s Signature Noodle Dish
Cao lau, the noodle dish unique to Hoi An: the Ba Le well water, the pork and greens, how it differs from pho and where to eat it.
Vietnamese Coffee: Robusta, Phin & What to Bring Home
Vietnamese coffee explained: robusta, ca phe sua da, the phin filter, egg and coconut coffee, the big chains and what to take home.
Egg Coffee: Hanoi Ca Phe Trung Guide 2026
Egg coffee (ca phe trung), the creamy Hanoi invention from Cafe Giang: what is in it, what it tastes like and where to try it.
Weasel Coffee in Vietnam: Real, Fake & the Ethics
Luwak / weasel coffee (ca phe chon) in Vietnam: what it is, the animal-welfare issues, how to spot fakes, the price and whether it\'s worth it.
Vietnamese Fruits: A Guide to Tropical Fruit & Seasons
A guide to Vietnam\'s tropical fruits: durian, mangosteen, rambutan, dragon fruit and more — seasons, how to eat them, prices and where to buy.
Vietnam Night Markets: The Best & What to Eat 2026
Vietnam\'s best night markets — Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Da Lat: street food, souvenirs, bargaining and opening hours.
Vietnam Markets & Haggling: How to Bargain Like a Local
Vietnam\'s markets and the art of the haggle: market types, bargaining technique, etiquette, what to buy, scams and cash vs card.