How do you get to know a country without trying to fit the whole thing into a fortnight? For Vietnam writer Joshua Zukas, the answer starts with a liberating assumption: you can come back.

The author of Bradt’s Vietnam guide joins Daniel Edward to explore a country he has spent years travelling, studying and writing about. From Hanoi’s museums to Saigon’s shifting neighbourhoods, regional noodle dishes to contemporary design, this is an invitation to look closely—and leave room for the unexpected.

A country that keeps moving

Vietnam’s energy announces itself in the traffic. Joshua describes a flow of motorbikes that rarely seems to stop, an everyday expression of a country constantly in motion. But there is much more beyond the cities: northern highlands, central mountains and coast, and the waterways of the Mekong Delta.

That variety changes the way to plan. A first visit does not have to include every famous stop. Joshua makes the case for choosing one or two regions, allowing time between destinations and deciding what interests you before choosing the airport.

Hanoi, Saigon and the stories between them

For travellers with time to cross the country, Joshua suggests starting in Hanoi. Its museums offer different ways into Vietnam’s history, giving context to the landscapes, buildings and conversations that follow.

In Saigon—also known as Ho Chi Minh City—he encourages us to look beyond a single city-centre checklist. Colonial buildings, tropical modernism and the Chinese-Vietnamese heritage of Chợ Lớn reveal different layers of the city. The most rewarding discovery may be how much changes between neighbourhoods.

Follow the food north to south

A bowl of noodles becomes a way to read a place. We discuss Hanoi’s grilled pork and noodles, Huế’s beef noodle soup, mì Quảng around Đà Nẵng, Hội An’s cao lầu and Saigon’s hủ tiếu Nam Vang. Joshua explains how regional ingredients, migration and trading connections can be tasted at the table.

Even phở changes character between Hanoi and Saigon. Joshua has a clear personal favourite, but the pleasure for a visitor is making the comparison. His restaurant rule is equally memorable: find somewhere that knows what it does well, rather than somewhere attempting every cuisine at once.

Travel at a pace that lets you notice

Joshua researched his Bradt guide without taking domestic flights. In the conversation, he explains what overland travel helped him see: changing vegetation, food, accents and weather, and the gradual transitions that disappear when the journey becomes an airport transfer.

We also cover speaking Vietnamese, etiquette, keeping cash handy and why the country’s creative shops deserve a place in your souvenir search. His suggestions lead towards artists, designers and independent fashion, with the same curiosity he brings to food and architecture.

Find your next starting point

Plan a first Vietnam trip without rushing · Follow Vietnam’s regional food · Explore Saigon through its neighbourhoods · Find souvenirs through local design

Read Joshua Zukas’s biography and supplied links, then visit the Vietnam destination hub to explore the complete collection.

In this conversation

06:16 — Planning as though you will return
10:47 — Hanoi’s museums and historical perspectives
22:53 — Why Joshua travels overland
24:59 — Saigon’s neighbourhoods and architecture
28:32 — Regional dishes to seek out
36:38 — Etiquette and everyday interactions
42:21 — Joshua’s favourite travel months
46:50 — Contemporary design and souvenirs

Joshua’s book: Bradt’s Vietnam. His reading suggestion: The Quiet American by Graham Greene.

Photographs accompanying this page were supplied by Joshua Zukas. The discussion reflects his experience at the time of recording.