Most first-time visitors to Vietnam are struck by the optimism, energy and industriousness of the people they encounter throughout the country. The East Meets West Foundation's in-country staff brings these same qualities to the work they do, and their spirit, commitment and talent has been the driving force behind the organization's record of implementing successful development programs for twenty-plus years.
EMW's Vietnam staff are experts in a diverse number of fields: clean water delivery, pediatric health, and dental treatment are just a few. Most are native Vietnamese, a few are expats, and all are locals who live, work and play in or around one of our office sites.
Here, they share favorite restaurants, hotels and attractions, with recommendations grouped around Vietnam's three main urban centers:
Halfway around the globe, most members of our small team of support staff in Oakland, California have visited Vietnam at least once, and some many times. They've contributed a list of their top travel websites, as welll as recommendations on hotels, restaurants and activities that are sprinkled throughout our three city sections.
Finally, Oakland-based Executive Director John Anner, unflagging traveler and resident of Hanoi for two years, provides a reading list--a selection of books offering a range of perspectives on Vietnam.
Browse travel articles on Vietnam and Southeast Asia!
"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou
