Thien Mu Pagoda: The Sassy Grandmother of Vietnamese Temples

Tucked peacefully by the Perfume River in Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda (aka “Heavenly Lady Pagoda”) isn’t just one of the oldest and most iconic temples in Vietnam—it’s kind of like that elegant-but-sassy Vietnamese grandmother who’s seen it all, says it like it is, and still turns heads with timeless beauty. If you’re in Hue and […]

Ha Long Bay: Vietnam’s Real-Life Fantasy Land (Sorry, Avatar)

If Mother Nature had a Pinterest board, Ha Long Bay would be her top pin. With nearly 2,000 limestone islands jutting out of emerald waters like something straight out of a CGI fantasy movie, this UNESCO World Heritage site isn’t just beautiful—it’s ridiculously beautiful. Like, “am-I-still-on-Earth” kind of beautiful. So, if you’re looking for a […]

Cold Food Festival in Vietnam: No Fire, No Problem!

Imagine a festival where you’re not allowed to cook with fire for an entire day. Sounds like a challenge, right? Well, welcome to Vietnam’s Cold Food Festival (Tết Hàn Thực)—a unique tradition where families put their stoves on timeout and indulge in some seriously delicious no-cook treats. If you’re into quirky traditions, tasty sweets, and […]

Women’s Day in Viet Nam: A Celebration of Laughter and Love

Every March 8th—or as some of us joke, “The day when men suddenly remember we have a PhD in procrastination”—Viet Nam transforms into a festival of flowers, smiles, and unforgettable moments. Over my 15 years of writing (and countless Women’s Days later), I’ve learned that celebrating the incredible women in our lives here is as […]

Lantern Festival in Vietnam: A Night of Lights, Wishes, and a Little Bit of Magic

Picture this: thousands of glowing lanterns floating in the sky or gently drifting down a river, illuminating the night like tiny fireflies carrying people’s hopes and dreams. No, this isn’t a scene from a Disney movie—this is the Lantern Festival in Vietnam, and it’s every bit as magical as it sounds. Whether you’re a hopeless […]

Laugh Your Way Through Tet: Vietnam’s Most Festive (and Fun) Holiday

Ah, Tet holiday in Vietnam – where the streets are a whirlwind of colors, food, and traditions that’ll leave your heart (and stomach) fuller than you ever thought possible. Think of it as New Year’s Eve, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and a family reunion all rolled into one—on steroids. It’s the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, and it’s […]