Joshua Zukas is a Hanoi-based writer, author, and speaker specializing in the country he has called home for almost two decades. Prioritizing depth over breadth, he focuses exclusively on Vietnam, exploring the country’s culture, architecture, food, environment, and travel through books, long-form journalism, and podcast appearances.

He is particularly drawn to stories that challenge conventional narratives about a country too often reduced to stereotypes. His reporting has taken him deep into the countryside, where sustainable tourism projects protect fragile landscapes while creating lasting economic opportunities, and to the rapidly changing cities to cover the evolving architectural scene. He has also examined the opportunities and challenges digital nomadism presents for Vietnam’s communities, uncovered the unexpected histories behind everyday dishes, and championed the value of slow travel as a way to foster meaningful connections between people and place

His work has appeared in many of the world’s leading publications, including The Economist, Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Wallpaper*, Interior Design Magazine, the MICHELIN Guide, National Geographic Traveller, the BBC, Mongabay, The New York Times, The Telegraph, Travel + Leisure, AFAR, CNN, Adventure.com, and Asia’s leading in-flight magazines.

Joshua is also the sole author of the Bradt Guide to Vietnam, the most comprehensive guidebook to the country available, and publishes immersive audio walking tours with VoiceMap. Across both his guidebook and his audio tours, he highlights the enduring legacy of Champa, helping to uncover what he feels is one of modern Vietnam’s most overlooked historical and cultural influences.