In the worldview of the Black Thai people (Tay Dam), human beings are formed by “van/khoan” (soul/spirit) and exist in the connection between Muong Pha (Heavenly Realm) and Muong Din (Earthly Realm). This belief system forms the spiritual and religious foundation of the community, giving rise to a rich network of rituals and worship practices….
Author: Phuong Le
Why Vietnam is a paradise for cultural photography tour?
Vietnam isn’t just a destination – it’s a living, breathing story. With its rich cultural tapestry, timeless traditions, and vibrant daily life, Vietnam is a paradise for candid and cultural photographers. Whether you’re capturing the warm smile of a street vendor in Hanoi, the rhythmic movements of fishermen casting nets in the early morning light,…
10 iconic photos you’ll take on a Vietnam Photography Tour
If you’re planning a Vietnam photography tour, prepare to fill your memory card with striking, story-rich images. Vietnam is a land of contrasts—from mountain tribes to coastal fishing villages, ancient traditions to modern street scenes. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just looking to level up your travel shots, this guide covers 10 iconic photos…
Ly Mí Cường takes the sounds of Sáo H’Mông From Hà Giang to international stages
Born in 2005, Ly Mí Cường has brought sáo Mèo to international music competitions twice in his life — and he managed to take home the first prize both times. Cường’s anchor is always H’Mông culture, the wellspring that has nurtured his soul ever since he first took up the flute of his people, sáo…
This Trung Thu, learn how to make lion heads from Huế’s artisans
Often seen as the heart of Central Vietnam, Huế is the birthing ground for many traditional crafts. Artisan products from the ancient city often exude its inhabitants’ elegance and rustic quality. Among them, the handmade lion’s heads from Huế carry distinctive slivers of beauty within them. Continue reading the article on Saigoneer in English or…
Vietnam Photography Tour: what to pack and how to prepare
If you’re planning a Vietnam photography tour, preparation is key. Vietnam offers an incredible variety of landscapes, street scenes, and cultural moments—but the experience can be challenging without the right gear, mindset, and local knowledge. Whether you’re joining a private Hanoi photography tour or exploring remote mountain villages with a freelance Vietnam photographer, knowing what…
In suburban Hanoi, with summer comes the red-purple cascade of mulberries
In suburban Hanoi, this is the season when mulberry branches heavy with bright red fruits dangle in the summer wind. The sunshine of April arrived with blasts of sweltering heat, dispelling the waterlogged curtain of March’s humidity. It was officially summer in Hanoi, a time for countless types of fresh fruits to showcase their vivid…
The century-old salt-making craft in the sunlit and windy land of Ninh Thuan
Vietnam’s coastline, stretching over 3,000 kilometers, not only provides bountiful boats filled with fish and shrimp but also produces pristine, flavorful grains of white salt. Hundreds of years ago, coastal residents began utilizing seawater to produce salt. Along Vietnam’s S-shaped stretch, salt-making exists in 19 provinces across the three regions. Among them, Ninh Thuận, blessed…
The artisan who keeps the Thang Long’s art of dragon dancing alive
The dragon is a mythical creature that has long been sanctified and holds a special place in Vietnamese culture and spiritual life. As the leader of the Four Sacred Beasts (Dragon, Qilin, Turtle, and Phoenix), the dragon symbolizes power, strength, prosperity, and good fortune. Therefore, it is traditionally believed that the Year of the Dragon…
In Tây Hồ, an Artisan Community Holds Fast to Their Lotus Tea Traditions
Every sip of lotus tea encapsulates all the essences of the natural landscapes of Tây Hồ. The arrival of lotus season in Quảng An Ward, Tây Hồ every year ushers in a flurry of activities for local tea dryers. Venerated by many as “the best tea of the ancient eras,” Tây Hồ’s lotus tea is…
The best time of year forphotography in Vietnam
If you’re planning a Vietnam photography tour, one of the most important questions to ask is: When is the best time of year to take pictures in Vietnam? This beautiful Southeast Asian country offers an incredible diversity of landscapes—from misty mountain villages in the north to tropical rivers in the south. Each season brings its…
The fish-catching festival of the Dao Cham people in Quan Ba, Ha Giang
Every year, during the Thanh Minh festival (Day of the dead), the Dao Cham people in Nam Dam, Quan Ba, hold a fishing festival. The fish caught are evenly distributed among households in the village to prepare meals offered to ancestors and deities as a gesture of gratitude. This act also seeks blessings for a…
XUAN PHUONG 