Tag

Vietnam

Browsing

Vietnam hits that rare sweet spot—affordable, diverse, and unforgettable—making it one of Southeast Asia’s best-value destinations for first-time and repeat travelers alike. From the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay and the winding motorbike routes of Ha Giang to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the beaches of Phu Quoc, this updated Vietnam travel guide covers everything you need to plan with confidence, including the best places to visit in Vietnam, ideal itineraries, travel costs, when to go, visa requirements, and top things to do, so you can maximize your time and experience the country smarter.

If you’re comparing the cost of living in Bangkok vs Da Nang, both cities offer incredible value but very different lifestyles. After traveling across Southeast Asia, these are two places I keep coming back to. Bangkok offers the convenience of a modern city with trains, taxis, luxury condos, gyms, and endless things to do, while Da Nang delivers a relaxed beach lifestyle with cheap coffee, great local food, and affordable beer. In this guide, I’ll compare real everyday prices—from accommodation and coffee to transportation, food, and daily essentials—to show what it actually costs to live in both cities.

Rising from the emerald waters of northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is one of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. This UNESCO-protected seascape is famous for its thousands of dramatic limestone islands, hidden caves, floating fishing villages, and calm jade-colored waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. For most travelers, the best way to experience Ha Long Bay is with a 2 day 1 night cruise, which allows enough time to sail through the karst formations, kayak into secluded lagoons, explore massive caverns, and enjoy sunrise and sunset on the water. In this complete Ha Long Bay cruise review, we’ll share exactly what to expect, the pros and cons of the experience, and practical travel tips to help you decide if an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise is worth it for your Vietnam itinerary.

Vietnam’s craft beer scene has exploded in the last few years, but here’s the insider secret most tourists and even expats miss: you don’t need to visit a fancy taproom to find great craft beer. Some of the best Vietnam craft beers are now sold in convenience stores, from Circle K to WinMart and 7-Eleven. That means you can grab a cold IPA, pale ale, or tropical lager for 29k–73k VND ($1.20–$3 USD) without paying bar prices. After personally testing the top breweries—including East West, Heart of Darkness, 7 Bridges, Rooster, and 5 Elements—this guide breaks down the best craft beer in Vietnam you can buy at convenience stores, ranked by taste, value, and drinkability in Vietnam’s hot climate.

Planning a trip to the “Land of the Blue Dragon” but feeling unsure about tipping in Vietnam? While the country doesn’t have a traditional tipping culture, the rapid growth of tourism in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An has made gratuities a common way to show appreciation for excellent service. Whether you’re wondering how much to tip a tour guide, navigating the tipping etiquette at luxury spas, or trying to decode the “service charge” on a restaurant bill, this Vietnam tipping guide 2026 has you covered.

Planning a trip to Vietnam’s island paradise? There’s no shortage of incredible things to do in Phu Quoc. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on its world-class beaches, exploring vibrant night markets, or finding free ways to enjoy the local culture, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive into the top attractions and hidden gems that make Phu Quoc a must-visit destination.

Vietnamese food is one of the world’s great culinary adventures—fresh, vibrant, and bursting with the sweet–savory–herbal balance that defines Southeast Asian cuisine. From iconic noodle soups to sizzling street-side snacks, every dish reflects regional traditions, family recipes, and a deep love for bold yet elegant flavors. Whether you’re exploring Hanoi’s bustling alleys or the laid-back cafés of Saigon, this guide highlights the top Vietnamese foods you absolutely must try, helping you navigate the country’s most delicious dishes with confidence.

Vietnam’s coastline delivers everything from calm turquoise bays to long golden stretches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and quick seaside getaways. With 3,260 km of coast and nearly 2,000 islands, the country offers some of the best beaches in Vietnam just one to two hours from major cities like Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you’re here for historic streets, modern skylines, or a full Vietnam beach vacation, this 2025 guide highlights the top spots to relax, explore, and enjoy the water without overspending.

Moving abroad or settling in a new country as an expat is exciting—but staying healthy overseas requires more than travel insurance. As people age or start families, they need robust, global health insurance that covers routine care, hospitalization, mental health, and more. In this updated guide, we review the best expat health insurance providers for 2025—based on Trustpilot ratings, coverage options, price, and customer experience. Whether you’re retiring overseas or raising kids abroad, this post helps you find a plan built for long-term living, not just a short trip.

Hoi An, Vietnam’s lantern-lit UNESCO World Heritage town, is a destination where history and charm meet affordability. Once a bustling trading port, this ancient riverside city is now famous for its preserved architecture, colorful markets, and peaceful countryside. The best part? You can soak up Hoi An’s rich culture, taste incredible local food, and explore its timeless streets — all on a budget.