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
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’s Famous Ca Phe Trung
Egg coffee (ca phe trung), Hanoi’s creamy invention from Cafe Giang: what’s 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.
Vietnam in January: Weather & Where to Go 2026
Vietnam in January: the weather by region, where to go, sea temperatures, what to pack, Tet build-up, prices and crowds.
Vietnam in February: Weather, Tet & Where to Go
Vietnam in February: the weather by region, where to go, the Tet holiday (closures, prices, crowds), sea temperatures and what to pack.