Think of the visa as your key to Vietnam (apart from an actual flight ticket): once it’s sorted, you’re free to dive into Vietnam’s beauties: slurping bowls of phở in Hanoi, motorbiking through the Hai Van Pass, or wandering the buzzing streets of Saigon.
If Saigon were a story, District 1 would be the opening chapter, setting the stage for the city’s colorful story.
Began as a small settlement along the Saigon River, District 1 grew into a bustling trading hub under the Nguyen Lords. During the French colonial era (mid-19th to mid-20th century), the district was transformed with wide boulevards, grand colonial buildings, and European-style architecture, many of which still stand today. In the Vietnam War era, District 1 became the political and military center of South Vietnam, home to the Independence Palace, U.S. Embassy, and countless wartime operations. Today, it remains the cultural, financial, and tourist heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
If you're in Vietnam around early September, you'll feel a real change in the air. The big cities start to feel super lively and exciting. You’ll see streets getting all decorated, and maybe even soldiers practicing for a big parade in the parks. There's this awesome, important energy all around.
If you find yourself in Vietnam as September approaches, you'll feel a unique energy building for the nation's biggest autumn celebration: Vietnam's National Day (or 2-9). The streets of major cities begin to transform, adorned with vibrant flags and flowers. You might catch glimpses of soldiers in crisp uniforms practicing in perfect unison, their determined faces reflecting a deep sense of purpose. Don't be surprised - this is all part of the grand preparation for the anniversary of the birth of the "Democratic Republic of Vietnam." This major event, often searched for by its date 2-9 in Vietnam, marks one of the two most spectacular public holidays on the Vietnamese calendar, alongside Reunification Day on April 30th.
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations, offering diverse landscapes, rich culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. For small group travel, it’s a dream come true: easy to navigate, affordable, and full of opportunities to connect with locals.
Whether you’re into nature, history, or food, Vietnam’s warmth and vibrancy make it the ideal setting for an unforgettable shared experience. This itinerary is designed for small groups of friends, families, or small teams who want the best mix of highlights and hidden gems in just 10 days.
I’m not talking about the latest V-Pop hits you'll hear in the coffee shops. I'm talking about the OG soundtrack of Vietnam - melodies so foundational, so packed with history and soul, that they've been officially crowned by UNESCO as World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Yeah, it's a big deal. Think of it as the nation's secret playlist, and I'm about to give you the inside scoop.
This isn't just a list; it's a musical road trip from the ancient villages of the North to the soulful riverbanks of the South. I'll be your friendly local guide, showing you not just what to hear, but how to feel it.
If you’ve ever traveled through Vietnam, chances are you’ve been handed a tiny cup of tea before you even got a chance to sit down. Maybe it was at a homestay in the north, a sidewalk café in Saigon, or a shop where you were just browsing. One thing’s for sure: in Vietnam, tea isn’t just a drink. It’s a gesture - a warm, simple way of saying “welcome.”
When you ask about the Vietnam War, we Vietnamese don't just talk about history (if you want to read the real history, you can read our article). We tell stories, memories passed down from our grandparents and parents, like "the elders used to say..." Those are tales from a time our country was divided, about the important battles that shaped our lives today. This isn't a dry textbook, but an invitation, a journey for you to understand Vietnam through local eyes and to experience the lingering legacies for yourself.
Vietnamese cuisine is globally celebrated for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and street food culture. However, for many travelers, especially first-time visitors, it's natural to have concerns about food safety, dietary restrictions, and special needs like halal, gluten-free, or vegan options. In this guide, we answer some common questions for Vietnamese food to help you enjoy this culinary paradise safely and deliciously.
To truly understand Vietnam, look past the towering skyscrapers and bustling avenues. Find a quiet moment and look at what lies at the spiritual heart of every family: the home altar. This isn't just decoration; it's a living symbol of an invisible family tree, with roots deep in the past and branches reaching toward the future. This is the world of Vietnamese Ancestor Worship, a tradition of the heart that shows you a deeper, warmer Vietnam.