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Many travelers have asked us what to bring home after their Vietnam trip, so we wrote this blog to share our honest suggestions. Not the usual touristy stuff, but something truly authentic - items that carry stories, souls, and culture. They’re light, easy to pack, and meaningful enough that when you give them to someone you love, they can feel the care and thought behind your choice. Almost like they’ve touched a small piece of Vietnam themselves. Vietnamese coffee & phin fi

Hanoi street food isn’t about fancy restaurants or long menus. It’s about timing, balance, and eating what locals eat at the right moment of the day. If you’re visiting the city for the first time, don’t try to eat everything. Eat smart. In this guide, we’re sharing the Hanoi street food dishes you shouldn’t miss, based on how locals actually eat — what we enjoy daily, and what we’d suggest you try if you want to understand the city through food. Pho Made with flat rice noodl

A Slow, Thoughtful Journey from North to South If this is your first time in Vietnam, it’s tempting to rush. Many travelers try to see everything in two or three weeks, moving quickly from one famous name to the next. At Beyond Vietnam, we believe Vietnam reveals itself best when you slow down just enough to listen, observe, and live alongside local people. This guide is written to give you a clear overview of the country—North, Central, and South—while helping you sense whic

February is one of the most beautiful — and most misunderstood — times to visit Vietnam. The weather is great, the country feels alive with color and emotion, and Tet in Vietnam (Lunar New Year) often takes place during this month. At the same time, traveling during Tet is very different from traveling at any other time of year. Things slow down, prices change, crowds appear in unexpected places, and routines disappear. In this guide, we share honest, local tips to help you u

When people search for things to do in Hanoi , they often expect a checklist of landmarks. And while Hanoi’s famous sights are an important starting point, they are only the surface of the city. Hanoi is not just about where you go, but how you move, who you meet, and how deeply you engage with daily life. This guide to the best things to do in Hanoi  begins with iconic attractions that most visitors see, then slowly leads you toward more local, hands-on, and lesser-known exp

Planning a trip to Vietnam but feeling overwhelmed? This local guide covers where to go, when to visit, what to eat, safety tips, scams, SIM cards, and everyday travel advice.

In Northern Vietnam, Lunar New Year (Tết) is not complete without a full table of traditional dishes. Food during Tet fest is about more than flavor - it represents luck, balance, respect for ancestors, and hopes for the coming year. While every family has its own variations, some dishes appear on almost every Northern Vietnamese table. Banh chung (square sticky rice cake) The most important dish is bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) . Made from sticky rice, mung beans, an

Just a few steps off Hanoi’s busy Old Quarter streets, there’s a little alley that leads to "The little plan" - a vintage hidden cafe in Hanoi that you'll enjoy, especially cat lovers.

Discover 9 must-try Vietnamese street foods loved by locals, from phở and bánh mì to bún chả and bánh xèo. A local guide to Vietnamese food culture.

No sign, no clue, just a quiet alley and your instincts will lead you to Kismet - a secret wonderland far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Nestled in a peaceful alley in Hanoi, Hidden Alley Cafe is a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. True to its name, remember to look out for signs directing you there as it can be easy to miss! Hidden indeed! You’ll need to slip through a narrow alley into a tiny courtyard, then climb a couple of twisty staircases before stepping into a cozy, dimly lit space that feels miles away from the hustle outside. The moment you enter, a wave of warmth and tranquility washe

Discover Hanoi’s hidden vintage cafés filled with art, quirky corners, leafy courtyards, and unique drinks. A perfect escape in the Old Quarter.

Discover Hidden Gem Café in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Colorful, eco-friendly, and full of creative charm, with recycled décor and rooftop views.

Discover Hanoi’s best hidden cafés in the Old Quarter. Vintage vibes, egg coffee, lake views, and secret alley cafés with real local charm.

Worried about food poisoning in Hanoi? Wondering if street food is safe? Here’s a friendly, experience-based guide to eating safely in Vietnam — from choosing the right restaurants to understanding ingredients, avoiding common mistakes, and knowing what to do if you get sick.

Experience Hanoi at 4 a.m., when the city is quiet, gentle and slowly coming to life. From morning exercises to market vendors and sleepy streets turning lively, this is the most peaceful and authentic way to watch Hanoi wake up.

Hanoi’s white daisies, or cúc họa mi – a symbols of purity, resilience, and winter’s arrival.

Discover Vietnam’s unique countryside tradition of hunting and cooking rat meat in Ha Nam and Ninh Binh. Learn how locals catch, cook, and enjoy this surprising dish!

Discover Vietnam’s most unique delicacies including balut, silkworm pupae, water bugs, rat meat, grasshoppers, and red jellyfish. Would you dare to try them?

From Ao Dai photoshoots to street food tours, explore 10 fun and unique things to do in Hanoi with your besties — food, laughter, and memories await!