Temple etiquette, the local way
Cover shoulders and knees, take off your hat, and step over — never on — the raised threshold. Point your feet away from the altar when you sit, and ask before photographing people at prayer.
Your local friend in Vietnam
See Vietnam the way locals do.
Places, food and customs — explained by people who grew up here, in your language.
“Walk the loop at 5:30–6:30am to watch Hanoi wake up.”
Local tip · Hoàn Kiếm Lake01
Where to go
Start with one of these — each city has its own pace, weather and flavour.
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Read the guide Eat like a local
What to order, how to eat it, and how to say it.
Bún chả
Charcoal-grilled pork with rice noodles, fresh herbs and a…
Cao lầu
Hội An's chewy noodles served with char siu pork, fresh herbs and…
Cơm tấm
Broken rice with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, egg meatloaf…
Cà phê trứng
Egg coffee
Mì Quảng
Wide noodles in a little rich broth with shrimp, pork, toasted rice…
Phở bò
Rice noodles in a beef-bone broth simmered for hours, usually eaten…
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Culture you should know
The small things locals wish every visitor knew.
Tết – Lunar New Year, decoded
Cities empty out as people go home to their families. Many shops close for three to five days, while temples and flower markets are packed. Red lì xì envelopes hold lucky money for children.
How to cross the street
Walk slowly and keep a steady pace — never run or stop suddenly. Motorbikes read your movement and flow around you. Raise a hand if it helps you feel seen.
HiiVietnam app
Take your local friend offline
Offline maps, a phrasebook recorded by locals, and a menu scanner that explains dishes in your language.
- Offline city maps
- Phrasebook recorded by locals
- Menu scanner in your language
iOS · Coming soonAndroid · Coming soon
The mobile app is on its way — coming soon to the App Store and Google Play.