The conical hat or "nón lá" in Vietnamese, is really one of the emblems of Vietnam. An essential accessory for Vietnamese peasants to protect themselves from the sun and rain while working in the rice paddies, the conical hat is as old as Vietnamese civilization itself. Discover all the secrets of this iconic conical hat, an inseparable element of Vietnamese culture that has experienced a resurgence in recent years.

I've been lucky enough to travel through almost all of Southeast Asia, and the more I go alone, the more I get a taste for it. Traveling solo does not mean being alone, but moving at your own pace, opening up more easily to encounters and experiencing each place more intensely. In recent years, I've come across more and more women who travel alone, often for the same reason: not to wait any longer. They take their bags and leave.  Out of all the destinations I've visited, Vietnam remains one of the best choices for a solo trip. It is a safe, welcoming, approachable, and deeply endearing country. Here's everything you need to know to prepare for solo travel in Vietnam.

Among the most sought-after souvenirs, jewelry in Vietnam truly stands out for visitors. You'll find a captivating selection of precious pieces, including refined jade creations, pure gold designs, and unique handcrafted accessories imbued with vibrant ethnic culture. What makes Vietnamese jewelry even more appealing are the prices, which are often far more attractive than those in Europe and the Americas.

Avoid flying drones in major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as in military zones. Register for a flight permit before arriving in Vietnam or ask your tour agency to handle it. Top legal drone spots include Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc Island.

Vietnam is a melting pot of cultures, home to 54 unique ethnic groups. But hidden deep within the northern mountains is a community that truly stands out: the Black Lolo. Though small in number, their culture is absolutely captivating. Join us as we explore the incredible traditions of this remarkable group, offering you a glimpse into the kind of authentic cultural immersion that awaits you in Vietnam.

Welcome to Cat Ba, the jewel island of the Gulf of Tonkin! To reach this destination from Hanoi, you will combine several means of transport. Common choices include a bus, a limousine van, or even a train to the nearby city of Hai Phong, followed by a speedboat or a ferry to get to the island. Here are the 4 main options on "How to Get from Hanoi to Cat Ba", explained simply so you can visualize each step and choose the one that suits you best.