'Trà đá vỉa hè' (sidewalk iced tea) is a culture all of itself, with these much-loved and usually modest set-ups existing not merely for their thirst-quenching qualities but as a social lubricant
It was only a few weeks ago that our screens were filled with images of utter devastation in the north of Việt Nam. We all remember the loss of life and the tragic scenes, like the bridge collapse and raging rivers. Well, these times are not forgotten, and both local and global businesses have come together to support children in Yên Bái.
Frantz Pedersen, began his start-up in 2015 and now teaches children and businesses the importance of sorting out plastic waste.
Stepping into a small room in Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội, on a weekend afternoon, you will be struck by the sight of people from various ages and backgrounds, all attentively engaged in a shared passion: learning Vietnamese.
Bánh Cuốn is a morning revelation, Bun Cha asserts its dominance before 10am, and the best Phở spots run dry by nine.
Nestled in the bustling heart of the capital, an Aikido club offers a sanctuary for those wishing to cultivate tranquility and joy through this martial art, often referred to as the 'Martial art for peace'
Fun, vivid and energetic are just a few ways of describing jazz theatre classes.
PLASTICPeople, a company run by an expat from Argentina, is helping resolve the issue of unrecycled plastic wastes by using them to produce boards and panels, which can be used to make practical and beautiful products.
Patriotism is not about saying my country is better than yours, it’s about saying “I love my country” and when your country is Vietnam, there’s a lot to love.
With a passion for the Vietnamese language and a humourous touch, Brandon Hurley, affectionately known as Phúc Mập, has carved out a unique space in Vietnam’s digital landscape.
Holding one long dustpan in one hand, one sack on another, Dimitri Gribok, a Russian living in Đà Nẵng clears rubbish near a beach in the city’s downtown.
Venturing beyond the city on my bike has deepened my connection with Việt Nam. From the winding mountain paths in the north and cool climates through the highlands to the sun-kissed southern coasts.
In a time of desperate need, customers at Puku Sports Bar answered the call, dug deep and provided much need financial support and supplies for people affected by Typhoon Yagi.
Many people get up every morning and during a miserable morning compute, sitting in traffic or on a train, dream of an adventure traveling through Asia.
In a vibrant area of Hà Nội, Oraiden Manuel Sabonete, a young Mozambican student is making waves with a rich tapestry of languages and a deep-seated passion for cultural immersion after nearly five years studying here.
“When the rain comes, we're all in it together and a helpful hand is never far away. The worst of the weather can bring out the best in the people. Every cloud, as they say. Over and out.”
With a unique perspective from an expat shaped by living many years here, Jesse brings a whimsical and fresh approach to writing about daily life in Việt Nam, filtered through his charming and humorous lens.
One thing I adore about living in Hà Nội is the rapid spread of information. The virality of content here surpasses anything I've experienced elsewhere. The grapevine is endless, the rumour mill perpetually churning.