Hoi An Old Town is a living, breathing relic from the past. The entire village is, itself, a museum. You can walk down cobbled streets lit up by softly glowing lanterns, explore houses and shops that have stood for centuries, and get a glimpse into history at this UNESCO World Heritage site. In the ancient […]
Halong Bay for Culture Vultures
Halong Bay is intricately linked to the long and fascinating history of Vietnam. But its importance stretches back even further, before the country of Vietnam existed as we know it today. One of few places in the whole world where evidence of the earliest human existence has been found, Halong Bay is known as one […]
Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake
In the heart of Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake, and in the heart of the lake is Ngoc Son Temple. Surrounded by hanging trees and green waters, Ngoc Son Temple, also called the Temple of the Jade Mountain, combines artful beauty with ancient history and legend. It is the most popular temple in all of […]
The Food Regions of Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its blend of flavors, fresh seafood, and generous use of herbs and vegetables. The food has drawn from Chinese, Thai, and French influences while maintaining its own unique cultural flavor the result is a style that is district, memorable, and absolutely delicious. The geography and culture of Vietnam has given […]
The Western Guide To Vietnamese Culture
In Western Society, we’re pretty used to what we do on a daily basis. There isn’t much of an air of ‘culture’ that we really pay attention to – more what our parents and families have instilled in us. What we consider to be right and wrong, and the dos and don’ts of the world. […]
The Art of Quan Ho – A UNESCO Recognized Cultural Heritage
Vietnamese folk singing is a time-honored tradition, but there is one very unique style of folk-singing that is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Quan Ho singing is marked by the fact that it reinforces ties between villages; two women sing a challenge to two men from another village, and the men must […]
Best Things to Do in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
The Hanoi Old Quarter is a shock to your senses. The streets are filled with the thrum of engines as scooters, taxis, and cars all push their way through a mass of traffic. Vendors set up on the sidewalks, calling out their wares. The smells of spicy pork, sweet onions, and sharp chili drift on […]
The Floating Villages of Halong Bay
Nestled in the quiet coves of Halong Bay you will discover the floating villages, where the local people have lived for generations drifting on the sea. Anchored together they weather through rising tides, crashing storms, and an ever-changing world. Discover the peaceful life in the floating village of Halong Bay The people here are fishermen, […]