Travel Tips

2025-12-02

If chicken eggs are the "king" of Western breakfasts, the Vietnamese duck egg is the undisputed emperor of Vietnamese cuisine. From cozy family dinners and traditional Lunar New Year feasts to the buzzing night markets of Saigon, duck eggs are ubiquitous.

Why do locals love them so much? And how do you conquer the famous fetal duck egg (Balut)-a dish that fascinates and terrifies travelers in equal measure-without looking like a confused tourist? Let’s dive deep into this unique culinary phenomenon.

2025-12-08

You want something that tells a story. You want a piece of Vietnam to take home. You are likely asking: "Where to buy souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh that are high quality, authentic, and fairly priced?"

As a local insider living in this city, I have curated a list of the top 16 places to find unique souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh. This is not just a list; it is a deep dive into the best local brands. Whether you are looking for luxury lacquerware, sustainable fashion, or delicious snacks, this guide has it all.

I have also updated this guide with the Nearest Metro Station (Line 1), making your shopping trip easier than ever.

2026-01-26

Vietnam is a country that never stops eating. Beyond the world-famous Pho and Banh Mi lies a vibrant, chaotic, and incredibly delicious world of "Ăn Vặt" (snacking). For us locals, snacking is not just about curing hunger-it’s a social ritual, a way to bond with friends, and a daily adventure for the taste buds.

Forget the generic potato chips. Here is your curated guide to the 21 most popular Vietnamese snacks, categorized by the sensations they evoke: The Savory Umami, The Nostalgic Sweets, and The Trendy Street Eats.

2025-11-25

Our hearts are heavy. Central Vietnam - the place we call home, the region that welcomes millions of international friends every year-is hurting deeply. The rain hasn't stopped falling, the water hasn't stopped rising, and houses are slowly disappearing beneath the floodwaters. But amidst the cold rain, the flame of Vietnamese human kindness is burning brighter than ever.

If you are seeing the news headlines and wondering what is really happening behind the travel postcards, this is the honest story about the flood in Central Vietnam directly from the ground.

2025-11-25

Discover the real District 4 Saigon — a compact, high-energy neighborhood where alley life, legendary street food, canal views, and old “mafia town” stories collide. This guide takes you deep into D4’s past and present, from its bustling seafood streets to hidden hẻms, local markets, and immersive walking routes. If you want the Saigon locals actually live in, start here.

2025-11-24

The cyclo remains one of Vietnam’s most recognizable cultural icons. Even as cities modernize with high-rise skylines, metro lines, and millions of motorbikes, the cyclo continues to glide through historic districts, offering travelers a direct window into daily street life.
This guide explains everything you need to know about cyclo Vietnam today - meaning, history, pricing, safety, scams, where to find them, how to hire one, and a concise review of the best cyclo tours in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

2025-12-05

Thảo Điền is a mood. A rhythm. A Sunday that never quite ends.
Nestled in District 2, this green neighborhood blends international energy with Vietnamese soul - boutique villas next to family-run phở stalls, and coffee shops that smell like roasted dreams.

People here don’t rush; they sip slowly. Every café tells a story: a young couple’s startup dream, an architect’s weekend experiment, or simply someone’s desire to build a quiet corner of joy.

So here’s your insider map - 20 of the best coffee shops in Thảo Điền, each with its own charm, smell, and heartbeat.

2025-11-27

At dawn in Saigon, when the city hums awake, the smell of grilling pork cuts through motorbike smoke. Workers grab helmets, students tie their hair, vendors lift metal lids-and beneath the rising steam lies the dish that wakes the city: Cơm Tấm.

2026-01-26

The moment you step out of the aircraft and feel the warm, slightly humid Saigon air rushing toward you, you realize you’ve arrived somewhere alive. The gentle roar of motorbikes hums even from outside the glass walls, mingling with the smell of strong Vietnamese coffee drifting from the terminal cafés. Tan Son Nhat International Airport may not be the most massive in Asia, but it’s one of the most spirited, a gateway that perfectly mirrors the energy of the city waiting beyond its gates.

2025-11-07

As of November 7, 2025, Vietnam continues to battle one of its most widespread flood events in recent memory. Although Typhoon Kalmaegi (Bao so 13) has officially weakened over Laos, its residual moisture system keeps pumping torrential rain across the country’s midsection, creating a multi-front crisis that has stretched from the Central Coast to the Mekong Delta.