Culture Insights

Vietnamese food has a way of making simple ingredients feel exciting. A sheet of rice paper, a handful of herbs, a spoonful of chilli sauce, or a splash of coconut milk can become something crisp, fresh, smoky, sweet, or deeply savoury. Phở and bánh mì often get the spotlight, and rightly so. They are iconic for a reason. But Vietnam’s snack culture is where you see another side of the food: quick, affordable, playful, and packed with contrast. I’m ranking some of the most po

This one is AI generated If you're coming to Vietnam, I already know one thing you're probably excited about: FOOOOOOOD And as a Vietnamese person and Vietnamese teacher, I get asked this question all the time: “Is it safe to eat street food in Vietnam?” My answer? Yes! But don't just eat anywhere. I've eaten Vietnamese street food my whole life, and honestly, some of the best food in Vietnam comes from a tiny street stall with a few plastic chairs, not a fancy restaurant.

So you think you know Vietnam? You’ve watched a few travel vlogs, learned how to say phở properly (it’s not “fo”), and maybe even...

If you’ve ever sat down at a Vietnamese family meal, you’ll notice something beautiful. No one touches their chopsticks right away....

Learning Vietnamese can feel like stepping into a whole new world. The tones, the script, the rhythm - it’s a language that dances on your tongue and challenges your brain. But guess what? It’s also incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, aiming to impress your business partners, or wanting to chat with your Vietnamese relatives, mastering this language opens doors you didn’t even know existed. And the best way to do that? Through effective Vietnamese

MỘT HAI BA DZÔ = ONE 2 THREE CHEERS! If you’ve spent any time in Vietnam, chances are you’ve heard a crowd enthusiastically shouting “Một, hai, ba, dzô!” from somewhere nearby. Maybe it was a wedding. Maybe it was a birthday. Maybe it was just a group of friends who successfully made it to Tuesday. Either way, you’ve witnessed Vietnam’s favorite drinking ritual. It’s the local version of “cheers,” but with a lot more volume, excitement, and group participation. Around here, r