Vietnam

There are many things to see in Vietnam. From Sapa all the way to the North to the delta of the mighty Mekong river down South, with two competing metropolises and several other beautiful cities, embedded in the limestone highlands and distributed along the coastline, Vietnam is one of the world's top travel destinations.

Vietnam still features the charm of a traditional, Southeast Asian country that preserves much of its ancient heritage. The imperial city of Hue is a good example for traditional architecture, while not far away Da Nang is a well-developed modern city - and probably the cleanest city in Vietnam.

While Hanoi is Vietnam's capital city and the center of government, northern culture and bureaucracy, Saigon down south is the biggest and liveliest city of the country. But that is not the only difference between the two major cities. While Hanoi has four seasons, Saigon has only two - the rainy season and the dry season.

Since we are located in the South, prepare to hear more about the marvels of Saigon than Hanoi.

Attractions in Vietnam

All over Vietnam, rice paddies, fish sauce manufacturers, tofu workshops and salt fields are tended by hand in traditional ways. The fast growing urban regions spawn skyscrapers like... well, rather slow growing mushrooms. Developing areas like Phan Rang or Phu Quoc Island feature a vast selection of offers for tourists from all over the world. Shopping malls with international brands are conquering market shares in the cities and entertainment and night life opportunities are there aplenty.

The knowledge about Vietnamese food is passed down from generation to generation. It is a healthy and delicious blend of many Asian influences, topped up by the French occupation that brought beef broth, paté and baguette into the already great local cuisines.

Coffee Culture

Coffee has become an integral part of Vietnamese culture. The country is famous for its unique coffee culture, with traditional coffee shops, known as "ca phe," serving as hubs for social gatherings, discussions, and relaxation. One of the most popular coffee beverages in Vietnam is the "ca phe sua da," a strong and sweet iced coffee made with condensed milk.
More about the history and significance of coffee in Vietnam.

Temples and pagodas that have seen a thousand years are open to visitors who know how to behave at religious sites. Tourists can watch and participate in impressive ceremonies at beautifully decorated oratories.

Vietnam is my second home. I used to live there for many years and half of my family is Vietnamese. So the rich traditions of this colorful culture hold a very special place in my heart.

Welcome to Vietnam, I hope you enjoy your stay as much as we do!

Vietnam: A Hidden Gem in the World of Tea

Quite like ol' Fergus MacAlastair, I am a tea merchant. Maybe not as wealthy as him, but equally curious. Here a few sentences about Vietnam as a tea producing country:

Vietnam, a country known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture, is also a significant player in the global tea industry. With a history of tea cultivation dating back over a thousand years, Vietnam produces a diverse range of teas, from mostly delicate green teas to robust black teas and unique oolongs.

The country’s tea-growing regions stretch from the misty highlands of the north to the rolling hills of the central provinces. The northern provinces, such as Thái Nguyên and Hà Giang, are famous for their high-quality green teas, often characterized by their fresh, vegetal notes and smooth finish. Meanwhile, regions like Lâm Đồng in the Central Highlands are home to oolong and black tea production, benefiting from the high-altitude climate that enhances flavor complexity.

One of Vietnam’s most prized teas is Shan Tuyet tea, a rare variety grown on ancient tea trees in the northern mountains. These trees, some over a hundred years old, produce large, downy leaves that result in a rich and aromatic brew.

Vietnam’s tea industry has been gaining international recognition, with farmers adopting modern techniques while preserving traditional processing methods. The rise of specialty teas and organic cultivation has further boosted the country’s reputation among tea enthusiasts worldwide.

• Our fragrant Che Non Green Tea from Thai Nguyen is one of our Vietnamese delights!

Whether enjoyed in a traditional tea house or as part of everyday life, Vietnamese tea reflects the country’s deep-rooted connection to nature and heritage. As demand for high-quality and artisanal teas grows, Vietnam is emerging as an exciting destination for tea lovers around the globe.

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