Practical guides, stories, and travel advice for exploring Vietnam — from the mountains of the north to the cities, coastlines, and communities beyond.
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Burning Season in Vietnam: When, Where & What Travellers Should Know
If you’ve travelled around Southeast Asia, you’ll probably have heard of burning season. It’s particularly notorious in northern Thailand, where agricultural fires can blanket entire regions in smoke. But what about the burning season in Vietnam? It’s a question worth asking if you’re planning a trip through the northern mountains. Vietnam doesn’t experience the same widespread,…
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Where Did Vietnam’s Ethnic Minority Groups Come From?
Discover where Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups came from.
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How Much Does It Cost to Travel Vietnam in 2026? A Realistic Budget
Discover realistic daily costs for accommodation, food, transport, tours, and a three-week trip as part of my recommended Vietnam travel budget for 2026.
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The Rice Terraces of Northern Vietnam: How They Work, Who Farms Them & Where to See Them
Discover the rice terraces of Northern Vietnam, how they work, who farms them and the best places to see them, from Hoang Su Phi to Xa Phin.
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The Story of Ha Giang: The History Behind the Ha Giang Loop
Discover the story of Ha Giang, from its ethnic communities and Hmong history to the Happiness Road and the rise of the famous Ha Giang Loop.
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23 Things I Wish I Knew Before Travelling Vietnam
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Here are 20+ things I wish I knew before travelling Vietnam, from transport and food to money and culture.
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Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival: The Legends, Traditions & Meaning of Tết Trung Thu
Discover the story behind Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival, from lanterns and lion dances to mooncakes, legends, and Tết Trung Thu traditions.
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Why Does Hanoi Old Quarter Look the Way It Does?
Ever wondered why Hanoi’s Old Quarter looks the way it does? Discover the history behind its narrow streets, tube houses, trade streets, and layered architecture.
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Northern Vietnam Travel Guide: Where to Go & How to Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to Northern Vietnam in 2026? Discover where to go, when to visit, how to get around, and my recommended 14-day Northern Vietnam itineraries.