Vietnam

Vietnam might surprise you as the second-largest coffee exporter in the world. Here, they’ve taken the humble coffee bean and turned it into a national treasure, especially with their signature drink: a strong, sweet iced coffee with condensed milk, a legacy of French colonial times.

Vietnam’s water puppetry is an enchanting spectacle where puppets dance on water, controlled by puppeteers behind a screen. This art form, which has roots going back over a thousand years, provides a creative way to tell Vietnamese legends and countryside life.

In the Mekong Delta, commerce literally floats. Traders in boats laden with fruits, vegetables, and other goods come together at dawn, creating a vibrant, floating bazaar where transactions are made with a unique system using long bamboo poles.

In Da Nang, the Dragon Bridge not only serves as a functional crossing but also “breathes” fire and water, representing the strength and spirit of the Vietnamese. It’s a modern architectural marvel that lights up at night, adding to the city’s skyline.

The iconic nón lá, or cone-shaped hat, isn’t just for sun protection. Each hat is carefully woven from palm leaves, and the process can take days. It’s a symbol of Vietnamese rural life and craftsmanship, embodying both utility and cultural identity.