Our in-house graphic designer took a trip to Vietnam to visit our newest artisan workshop and adventure in a land of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural diversity. Here are a few of her must-do- and-see travel tips to make you feel like a local during your visit.
---
Eat: Everywhere! There are vendors on every street corner selling the most mouthwatering specialty dishes, and you’ll find that most of the recipes have been passed down for generations. The Vietnamese have mastered the art of balancing flavors - the freshness of mint, the heartiness of a slow-cooked broth, mixed with a touch of tangy lime and spicy chili. These are a few of our favorites: Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette), Phở (noodle soup), Bún chả (grilled pork with noodles), and Bánh xèo (crispy crepe with pork and shrimp). But there’s so much more to try, so prop yourself at one of the tiny tables on the sidewalk and prepare yourself for a mouthwatering treat.
Drink: The French first introduced coffee to Vietnam in the mid-19th century and since then it has taken a form of it’s own with the Vietnamese famously adding ingredients like yoghurt, condensed milk and fruit to their brews. Try a variation for yourself at Cộng Cà Phê in Da Nang, a kitsch and quirky coffee shop styled with communist memorabilia that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Explore: The north of Vietnam is staggeringly beautiful, with almost-vertical rice terraces that blanket the mountainous backdrop. Far removed from the chaos of Vietnam’s metropolitan cities, the northern loop is best explored by motorbike. Let the windy roads take you on a journey through remote tribal villages, and postcard worthy panoramas.
Stay: While you’re in the north spend a few nights at Tho Homestay, and enjoy a truly authentic and unique cultural experience. Located in Na Rang Village, 70km from Ha Giang, this area is home to the Tay ethnic minority group. Sleep in a house built on pillars and made of bamboo, share delicious organic food straight from the garden, spend time with a delightfully kind Tay family, and hike to remote waterfalls while basking in the incredible natural surroundings.
Honor: Support local artisans by donning a handmade bracelet from our Vietnam Collection. Made from upcycled buffalo horns and hand-engraved brass, these bracelet are shaped and polished using handicraft traditions passed down through generations.
