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Bamboo Dragonfly: Vietnam’s Traditional Toy, Perfect Souvenir, and Hands-On Experience
One of the most interesting Vietnamese traditional toys — and also one of the best Vietnam’s souvenirs to bring home — is the bamboo dragonfly (chuồn chuồn tre). Small, colorful, and surprisingly balanced, this toy carries much more than playful fun. It carries stories of village life, the spirit of handmade craftsmanship, and a window into Vietnamese childhood where nature, patience, and creativity meet. For families visiting Hanoi, it’s not just a toy — it’s a cultural expe

Dung (Emma)
3 min read


Best food tour in Hanoi - a local journey shared with love
Hanoi, August 31st, 2025 While searching for " the best food tour in Hanoi" , Vera and Charlie from the U.S. found us. What drew them in wasn’t just the food, but the fun moments, energetic guides, and honest local stories. Knowing that Beyond Vietnam is run by a team of young local women who truly love Hanoi and proudly support small local vendors, they chose our Taste of Hanoi food tour without hesitation. And finally, we welcomed them to Hanoi. From the very first steps,

Ngân (Hazel)
2 min read


When flavors meet culture: a fun Hanoi food tour with Chantal's family
Hanoi, August 31st, 2025 From the very first “Hello,” Chantal’s lovely family of four from Australia brought sunshine to Hanoi’s streets. Let’s join them on today’s food journey with us! Chihara - our companion guided everyone through Hanoi’s hidden gems, tasting local street food and uncovering the stories behind each dish. Among them all, “bánh cuốn” - steamed rolled rice pancakes and “bánh rán” - Vietnamese donuts became instant favorites. But today wasn’t just about food

Ngân (Hazel)
1 min read


☕ A Hanoi vintage Hidden cafe for cat lovers
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.
Media Beyond Vietnam
2 min read


Discover 9 must-try Vietnamese street foods loved by locals
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.

Dung (Emma)
4 min read


A snow globe, a winter morning & the first “Taste of Hanoi”
A touching story from a winter morning food tour in Hanoi, discovering local places, Hanoi food, hidden alleys, and unforgettable human connections with Alan & Greg from the US

Dung (Emma)
3 min read


☕ A calm escape, hidden cafe behind twisty staircases and old brick walls in Hanoi
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

Ngân (Hazel)
2 min read


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

Ngân (Hazel)
1 min read


5 Hidden cafes in Hanoi’s Old Quarter that you’ll love discovering!
Discover Hanoi’s best hidden cafés in the Old Quarter. Vintage vibes, egg coffee, lake views, and secret alley cafés with real local charm.

Dung (Emma)
3 min read


Have you ever tried waking up before dawn... just to watch Hanoi wake up?
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.

Dung (Emma)
1 min read


Vietnam Rat Meat: Unique Countryside Food Tradition
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!

Dung (Emma)
1 min read


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

Dung (Emma)
1 min read


Taste of Hanoi Food Tour: Hidden Dishes, Local Stories and Hands-On Fun
Join four friends on their first trip to Hanoi as they discover hidden dishes, meet local vendors and even try making bánh cuốn during our Taste of Hanoi food tour. From bún riêu crab noodle soup to cozy Old Quarter cafés, this experience captures the true flavors and warmth of the city.

Ngân (Hazel)
1 min read


Sweet bites & big smiles with Sebastien’s family in Hanoi 💛
Join Sébastien and his lovely French family on a joyful Hanoi food adventure. From bánh rán and bánh gối to making bánh cuốn and playing Ô ăn quan, this heartwarming journey shows how families truly experience local culture in Vietnam. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic Hanoi moments.

Ngân (Hazel)
2 min read


Hanoi’s Flower Vendors – The Gentle Charm of autumn
When autumn arrives, Hanoi turns poetic with white daisies (cúc họa mi) and flower vendors on every corner. A walk around West Lake or Phan Dinh Phung Street will show you the city’s most beautiful, heartwarming season.

Dung (Emma)
1 min read


Love in every bite - A Heartwarming Hanoi Food Tour with Emily & Reece
A heartwarming Hanoi food tour with Emily and Reece — filled with laughter, local bites, and little surprises that made every stop unforgettable.

Dung (Emma)
2 min read


Everything Loses to Hanoi’s Autumn
Hanoi’s autumn is pure magic — golden leaves, milk flowers, cozy coffee moments, and gentle breezes that make everyone fall in love with the city.

Dung (Emma)
1 min read


The First Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi 🌍
Experience the vibrant World Cultures Festival at Thang Long Imperial Citadel — a free Hanoi event celebrating food, art, and global connections. 🌍✨

Dung (Emma)
1 min read


Coffeeholic crew, brewing joy, brewing friendship!
Four best friends joined our Hanoi Coffee Workshop and learned to make egg coffee, salted coffee and coconut coffee. A morning filled with laughter, fun, and 20 years of friendship. Discover why coffee lovers always choose Beyond Vietnam for an authentic and joyful experience.

Ngân (Hazel)
2 min read


When Floods Turned into Fun – A Rainy Hanoi Food Tour with Brendan’s Family
Rain couldn’t stop Brendan’s family from enjoying our Hanoi food tour — laughter, puddles, and delicious local eats made it a day to remember!

Dung (Emma)
1 min read
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