Vietnam Travel Blog

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.

Vegetarian food in Vietnam isn’t just for Buddhist monks - it’s a healthy, flavorful way of eating that many people enjoy. Vietnamese vegetarian dishes are light, fresh, and packed with taste, making them easy to enjoy even if you don’t usually eat plant-based. In this article, we’ll introduce some of the best vegetarian restaurants in Vietnam, where you can discover a variety of delicious and popular dishes.

Sapa, a town in Vietnam's northwestern highlands, captivates travelers with its lush terraced rice fields and rich ethnic cultures. Among its attractions, Cat Cat Village stands out as the most accessible destination, where majestic waterfalls and H'Mông artisan workshops draw thousands of visitors. Yet, this popular spot is also highly controversial. While many are captivated by its scenic beauty, others argue it has become overly commercialized and is little more than a "tourist trap". So, does Cat Cat offer an authentic cultural experience, or is it just a staged attraction? This guide will break down the beauty versus the reality, helping you decide whether the village is a must-see for your itinerary or if you should skip it in favor of Sapa's more remote frontiers.

By bike, between the old town of Hoi An and An Bàng beach, we cross a peaceful countryside before seeing the first plots of Trà Quế. This village is known for its vegetable and herb crops, grown using traditional methods. Here, the inhabitants work mainly by hand, barefoot in the earth, using well water and natural algae-based fertilizers. The atmosphere is simple, authentic, and you can stop there to observe the daily work of the market gardeners, or take part in practical workshops organised for visitors.

Alright, so if you find yourself exploring Vietnam's "Ha Long Bay on Land," one thing you absolutely have to do is visit the Bich Dong Pagoda. Honestly, the journey to get there is half the adventure. Just rent a bike in Tam Coc and cruise through the countryside. You'll pedal past these incredible green rice fields and through tiny villages, getting a real peek into the quiet, everyday life of the locals. The whole vibe is just so peaceful and authentic. Trust me, between its fascinating history and magical setting, the pagoda itself will completely take your breath away.

Home to majestic mountains and sprawling rice paddies, Vietnam is a treasure trove for eco-tourism in Asia. This wealth of natural beauty has sparked a rise in ecolodges: unique, eco-friendly stays that blend seamlessly with nature. Come explore Vietnam's best ecolodges with us and discover what makes them so special.