Tara Romoff is an avid rambler and world explorer. She was born in England, lived in Portugal as a young child, and then moved to Toronto, Canada where she lived during her school years. After marrying her high-school sweetheart, she relocated to Chicago, USA and raised her two kids.
Vietnam is a country of rich history, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering food, where tradition seamlessly blends with modern life. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene landscapes of the countryside, there’s always something exciting to discover. Whether it’s crossing a chaotic intersection, savoring a bowl of phở, or trying on the iconic áo dài, Vietnam offers experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the most fascinating aspects of Vietnamese life. These tips and insights will give you a deeper understanding of street culture, delicious food, and unique traditions of Vietnam’s charm and character.
Crossing the Street in Hanoi
Crossing the street in Hanoi can feel like an adventure of its own, and many say it’s a learned skill! The chaotic traffic, with its constant stream of motorbikes, cars, and buses, can be intimidating. Pedestrians don’t have the right of way in the traditional sense, but there’s a method to the madness. Here’s how to do it safely:
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Walk Slowly and Steadily – Keep a steady pace so motorbikes can weave around you. Sudden stops or erratic movements may confuse drivers.
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Don’t Wait for a Clear Path – Traffic rarely stops completely. Instead, begin walking slowly while observing the flow.
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Make Eye Contact – Look at oncoming drivers, especially motorcyclists, so they see you and can adjust their speed.
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Raise a Hand (Optional) – Some locals raise a hand slightly to signal their intention to cross, helping drivers notice them.
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Follow Locals – If you’re unsure, observe how locals do it and walk alongside them—they often have your back.
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Ignore Traffic Lights (Sometimes) – Many motorbikes and cars don't follow signals strictly, so proceed cautiously, even at pedestrian crossings.
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Be Extra Careful with Buses and Cars – Unlike motorbikes, cars and buses have less maneuverability and may not stop easily.
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Avoid Sudden Stops or Running – Keep a steady pace so traffic can adjust to you. Running could disrupt drivers’ timing.
It may feel overwhelming at first, but once you get used to the rhythm, it becomes second nature!
Phở
Pronounced "fuh" (rhymes with "duh")—not “foe.” Phở is Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, made with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, herbs, and typically beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà). It’s their national dish!
There are two main styles of phở: Northern (Hanoi-style) and Southern (Saigon-style), differing in noodles, broth, meats, toppings, and sauces. Saigon-style has thinner noodles and a more robust broth. In the North, meat is used sparingly.
Key Components of Phở:
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Broth – Simmered for hours with beef or chicken bones, spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, creating a rich, aromatic flavor.
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Rice Noodles (Bánh Phở) – Flat, soft rice noodles that soak up the broth.
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Meat – Thinly sliced beef (raw or cooked) or chicken, with optional meatballs or tendon.
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Herbs & Garnishes – Fresh basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, lime, and chili to enhance flavor.
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Condiments – Hoisin sauce, fish sauce, and sriracha for extra depth and spice.
Phở is typically eaten for breakfast in Vietnam, though it’s enjoyed all day. There’s even a dry version called Phở Kho Chay, where the broth is served separately.
Nón Lá (The Vietnamese Hat)
The nón lá (literally "leaf hat") is a traditional, conical-shaped hat made from palm leaves, bamboo, or straw. It’s commonly worn for sun and rain protection, especially by farmers and street vendors. The wide brim shields the face while keeping the head cool in hot weather. Some nón lá feature poetry or paintings inside, known as nón bài thơ (poem hats). Tourists often wear painted versions outside.
Keep an eye out for these hats, especially when flying home, as passengers sometimes wear them or carry them as hand luggage.
Bánh Mì
Bánh mì is a delightful Vietnamese sandwich that blends French and Vietnamese influences. Served in a light, crispy baguette, it's filled with savory ingredients like meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and condiments. It’s much lighter than a traditional French baguette.
Common Fillings:
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Grilled pork (bánh mì thịt nướng)
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Cold cuts & pâté (bánh mì đặc biệt)
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Shredded chicken (bánh mì gà)
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Egg (bánh mì ốp la)
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Tofu (bánh mì chay) for vegetarians
Add carrots, daikon, cilantro, cucumber, and chili for freshness, and mayonnaise, soy sauce, and chili sauce for bold flavor. Bánh mì is a popular street food, often eaten as a quick breakfast or lunch.
Áo Dài
The áo dài is Vietnam’s traditional dress—an elegant, form-fitting tunic worn over silk or cotton trousers. Women wear it on special occasions, such as weddings and holidays like Tết (Lunar New Year), and sometimes as a school uniform. Some men wear it, too, though in more subdued colors.
My daughter has several áo dài, which she wears for her teaching job. Each department at her school has its own color, and she has a fancier one for special occasions. Here's a picture of her in her official school áo dài.
Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)
Egg coffee is a unique, creamy Vietnamese drink made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk until frothy and pouring them over hot coffee. It’s served in a small cup placed in a shallow bowl of warm water to keep it hot. The drink has a rich, custard-like texture, similar to tiramisu.
Egg coffee was invented in the 1940s in Hanoi due to a milk shortage. Bartender Giang substituted eggs for milk and went on to open Café Giang in 1946. Fun fact: Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter after Brazil!
Motorbike Transport
In Vietnam, it’s common to see multiple people—sometimes four or five—on a single motorbike, especially in rural areas or among families. Parents often transport all their kids to school this way, backpacks and all. Motorbikes are also used to carry everything from eggs to refrigerators. Though technically against traffic laws, they’re practical since cars are expensive, harder to park, and impractical in Vietnam’s busy traffic.
Interestingly, sidewalks are often used as motorbike parking and for street vendors rather than pedestrian walkways!
Low Stool Seating
Small plastic stools are an iconic part of Vietnamese street life. You’ll find them at food stalls and local coffee shops, where they create a cozy, elbow-to-elbow atmosphere on busy sidewalks. They’re inexpensive and easy to stack, especially when the police come by looking for licenses. We once saw a lady running through a restaurant with a huge stack of stools—always ready for action!
Vietnam is a land of contrasts and surprises, where every street corner holds a story, every meal offers a new flavor, and every tradition carries a deep cultural significance. From navigating Hanoi's lively streets to experiencing its rural life's simplicity and beauty, Vietnam invites you to explore its soul in the most unexpected ways.
Whether you're sampling egg coffee, slipping into an áo dài, or riding alongside locals on motorbikes, you'll quickly find that Vietnam’s charm lies not only in its sights but also in its daily rhythms and vibrant energy.
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