Hanoi food guide

If you’re headed to Vietnam’s northern city of Hanoi, we’d recommend you pack a pair of elastic-banded pants. The city is a wonderland of cheap eats and drinks, offering an endless variety of soups, noodles, buns, rolls and sandwiches paired with plenty of fresh herbs — and fresh beer, too.

You could spend a week eating your way through the hectic, motorbike-clogged streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and never eat the same meal twice. I know I didn’t on my recent trip. Here are 20 dishes and drinks from Hanoi that haunt my hungry dreams.
Hanoi, Vietnam, just like most of the cities in Vietnam, offers a wide variety of food to those who visit it. North Vietnam tours packages

Much of what I discussed in my Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide applies to Hanoi. You can read my thoughts on why you should eat street food and be adventurous in my Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide. Similarly to that guide, I’ll be providing a mixture of actual establishments and dishes that I recommend you try.

Overall, the food in Hanoi was sweeter than that in Ho Chi Minh city, and it also tended to be more fragrant as opposed to the more herbaceous flavours of the south. It was a trend that my wife and I noticed as we moved further north through Vietnam.

In Hanoi the food is plentiful, it’s everywhere that you look and is an integral part of the livelihoods of many locals.  More often than not, the street is the stage where much of what is food related in Hanoi takes place.

Street food can be found on the main streets of Hanoi, and down many of the side streets and alleways. Most areas aren’t dedicated to food, and you’ll find places to eat sandwiched in between residences and all kinds of businesses. Several times my wife and I would walk down an alleway that looked interesting only to find ourselves in the courtyard of a residence. The looks we received on these occasions ranged from puzzled to nonchalance. Dragon Pearl Junk

Hanoi food guide

I’m not sure whether there is any regulation as to where people can sell food. Most of the time the wandering vendors seem to simply set up shop where they want, and then move on to another spot depending on how busy things are.

I loved buying fruit from these vendors. It was generally cheap and fresh. One thing you need to be wary of is vendors trying to rip you off in the touristy parts of town. A tactic I used was to gauge what a reasonable price was by asking how much something cost from a few vendors in a few areas. Once I had an idea of what the usual price was, I could determine how much I’d be willing to spend on something. The same as shopping around for anything really.

One of the ways that vendors transport their food and other goods is by balancing two containers on either side of a long pole. I tried lifting one and they are quite heavy.

It’s not just young people who carry things food around the city this way, but also people who appear to be quite old. I suppose if it’s something that you’ve done for most of your life you just get on with it.

The big container on the back of a bike is a less strenuous way of getting things around Hanoi and is also very common.

Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a dish of grilled pork and noodle. It’s served with grilled pork patties (cha) and white vermicelli noodles (bun). Usually it’s served with some banh goi (a pork, onion and mushroom spring roll type item) and herbs, chilli, garlic and dipping sauce.

Bun Cha is quite common in Hanoi. Some of the places that we saw didn’t look like they were selling the best Bun Cha, so my wife had a walk around until we found the place below. You could see the food being prepared and cooked right there, and there were locals coming in and out the whole time getting food so we knew it was the one to eat at.


Bun Cha Nem Cua Be can be found at 29 Cau Go.

Another place that served great Bun Cha Nem Cua was Bun Cha Nem Cua Be Dac Kim, which can be found at 67 Duong Thanh.

As you can see in the photo below, it was a little bit different than the one we’d eaten above. That is one of the joys of street food – every vendor has their own way of doing the same dishes – just like home cooking.

Hanoi beer is one of the local “go to” beers in Hanoi. Interestingly, I didn’t really see Hanoi beer in Ho Chi Minh City, but Bia Saigon was very popular in Hanoi.

Cha Ca
Dill is uncommon in Vietnam, but in the north of the country, it is one of the key components of the dish Cha Ca.  Cha Ca is small fish fillets marinated in turmeric and galangal, and sauteed with a very generous helping of dill. The best Cha Ca restaurants in Hanoi will only serve this one dish and on many occasions you’ll actually find the dish referred to by the name of the restaurant that invented it, Cha Ca La Vong.

The dish is served with the usual condiments, and the not so common addition of peanuts. You mix a bit of everything in your bowl and eat it together.

It was unlike anything I’d ever tasted before and I can highly recommend it. A truly iconic northern Vietnamese dish.

My wife and I had Cha Ca at Cha Cha Thanh Long, which can be found at 31 Duong Thanh.

Mien Xao Luon
This dish consists of glass noodles stir fried with crispy little eels, bean sprouts and egg. It’s topped with cucumber, purple perilla and fried shallots. All of the different soft and crispy textures really combine to produce a dish that’s both tasty and texturally great.

My wife and I couldn’t figure out what the purpose of the plate of light soup with mushrooms was for – we used it as a pallet cleanser after the main dish.

White tiles, metal tables and plastic chairs – common aspects in many of the places you’ll find street food at in Hanoi.

The bags that you see that are tied at the top in the photo below are full of the little dried eels mentioned earlier. A lot of people seemed to be dropping past just to pick up a bag of these.

Nha Hang Mien Luon had a few other interesting looking dishes too, and can be found at 87 Hang Dieu.

Walking back to the hotel one night, my wife and I spotted this fruit and vegetable “store” in what appeared to be a garage at the front of someone’s apartment down a lane way. As I mentioned earlier, food can be found in the least likely of places in Hanoi.

Coffee
Most of what I said about coffee in my Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide applies here, and the Vietnamese coffee is plentiful and cheap. Highlands Coffee is the common chain in Hanoi – my wife and I only saw one Trung Nguyen in the city.

One place that I wanted to mention on here was Reng Reng Cafe. It’s run by Duy Biểu Nguyễn, who started with nothing more than a bicycle and coffee beans from his family’s coffee plantation in Lam Dong. Nowadays he has a stall in the most unassuming of locations next to what looked like a bike/car parking station.

His equipment isn’t fancy as funds are limited. It’s a Baby Gaggia and old Gaggia grinder. I had an espresso  and the coffee was pretty decent. Duy was very passionate about coffee, sustainability and the like and it was a pleasure to talk to him (his English was broken but pretty good). I love what Duy is doing and I hope that when I visit Vietnam in years to come that he’s been able to get some better equipment and achieve his dream of having a chain of take away stations that sell sustainable, locally produced take away coffee to the people.

Dessert
Desserts, especially cold ones. are very popular in Hanoi. A great place to try a variety of local desserts is Thu Nga. The menu isn’t in English, so pointing at the tables of those around you is basically what you’ll be doing. If that’s not something you feel comfortable doing, here are the things that I ate that I can recommend for you. How did we find out that these things were good? Well apart from the first which was a recommendation we, you guessed it, pointed at things that looked interesting on other tables.

Kem Xoi is an easy one to recommend to someone who is just starting their food adventure in a foreign land and isn’t yet ready to take the full plunge into the deep end. It’s sweet sticky rice topped with vanilla ice-cream and roasted coconut. This is the dish that we originally came to Thu Nga for, and it was delicious.

Literally (and I used that word in its true sense) had this on their table at some stage during the night so ordering it had to be done. Nem ngot ran is what it was called, and basically it was crumbed and fried sausage with ketchup dipping sauce. It turned out that not only was dessert served, but also a variety of savoury snacks too. These were tasty and in a way you could say they are a Western/Vietnamese fusion.

Finally we tried Che thap cam. It was a glass full of ice, taro, red beans, coconut milk and some other stuff (not the best description I know). I later discovered that Che thap cam is actually a generic term for this sort of dessert, the exact composition of which can vary depending on where you get it from. There were about four on the menu.

Something that I noticed in Ho Chi Minh City that was also prevalent in Hanoi was the number of Western-style cafes in the city. They aren’t what you’d call common (especially compared to the type of street food that you see everywhere) but there are certainly enough of them about for it to be noticeable. Vietnam is getting wealthier, and the new generation of teenagers and young people want to go to places that, in their eyes, are “cool”.

Chillout Cafe was one of these types of cafes and they did really tasty smoothies. The vibe was eclectic and, well, chilled out. A piano and guitar were lying about for customers to play, and you had to take your shoes off before going inside to the cafe area proper upstairs. It was a nice change and just what we needed at this point of our holiday.

Chillout Cafe can be found at 89A Ly Nam De.

Dining In Style
Flowing on from my comment above about “a nice change” are two recommendations that are anything but street food. The colonial French influence in Hanoi is clear to see in various parts of the city, much more so than in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Hotel Metropole Hanoi (owned by Sofitel) was built in 1901 and oozes French luxury. Walking through the various parts of the hotel that are open to the public feels like stepping back into the early 1900s during colonial times.

Alas, my wife and I were not staying in this luxurious hotel, which is located in Hanoi’s beautiful French Quarter. What we did come here for was to eat at the Chocolate Buffet.

Between 3:00pm and 6:00pm every day of the week the Le Club bar offers a Chocolate Buffet. Almost every kind of French patisserie imaginable is available, as well as a selection of fruit and savoury sandwiches. At around USD$35 it’s not cheap by Hanoi standards, but I cannot think of too many places in the world where you can enjoy this sort of decadence in such opulent surroundings for this price.

The Hotel Metropole is at 15 Ngo Quyen Street.

Green Tangerine was a restaurant that a friend of mine had recommended to my wife and I if we felt like having an “expensive meal”, the use of quotes being to indicate that, as above, expensive is all relative in a city like Hanoi.

After eating lots of street food during out time in Vietnam, my wife and I decided that we’d go for a different sort of meal and Green Tangerine hit the spot with its fusion of Vietnamese influenced French cuisine. The wine selection is excellent too.

The salmon fillet was probably the least exciting of the dishes that we ate on the night. The salmon was cooked perfectly, but I’m more of a fan of simpler salmon dishes. There were too many flavours going on here.

Green Tangerine can be found at 48 Hang Be Street.

For a final slice of Hanoi indulgence, my wife and I had a cocktail each at the rooftop bar “The Rooftop“. It’s a modern bar with all of the trappings you’d expect from such a place. An extensive drinks selection and food is available. We weren’t interested in any of this and headed straight for the balcony to take in the stunning view.

Overall, prices for food in Hanoi are in the same range as that of Ho Chi Minh City. The average price we paid for a meal for 2, with drinks was about USD$5. I was glad that the majority of what I ate in Hanoi was street food, but also have no regrets about the few times we decided to go for a bit of French inspired luxury. The bottom line is that food wise, Hanoi really does have something for everyone.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Vietnam

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Vietnam

Immerse yourself in the Vietnamese culture when you visit and you’ll be amply rewarded with a very warm welcome. Learn a little bit of the history and language and brush up on the local laws and etiquette tips, with our handy guide;

Tips on etiquette when visiting Vietnam

In Vietnam, hierarchy structures are very strict and always adhered to. The hierarchy is ranked on their age and status and can be seen in circumstances where a large group or family is welcomed in order of age and importance. The oldest one is always greeted first, having a door opened for them first and served their meal first. The oldest and head of the family is one that has to approve any marriage proposals and decisions that are to be made. Travel to Vietnam
Etiquette plays a very important role in society in Vietnam. If you are out in public areas, public displays of affection with a partner are best avoided, including kissing, holding and touching hands. And when you give something to another person, always use both hands. You should not point with your finger, nor put your hands on their hips or cross your chest with your arms.
Shorts and beachwear (including skimpy bikinis and swimsuits) are best kept for the beach, as this kind of dress is really frowned upon in the towns and cities. Just think ‘modest dress’ at all times and you’ll be on the right track. PANDAW CRUISE
If you are invited to someone’s home for a meal, you should take gift such as fruit, flowers, or perfumed incense. Flowers that are bad luck and should not be given are chrysanthemums.
You are not allowed to give handkerchiefs as a gift in someone’s home.
Meals in Vietnam are family oriented. The eldest person is always the first to be seated at the table and the dishes are to be passed around using both hands at all times. It is expected that you finish eating all the food that was put on your plate and when the meal is complete, they put the chopsticks on the rice bowl in front of them. Bai Tho Cruise Halong
For more tips, advice and details, we have produced a useful resource for all travel in Vietnam.
Vietnam culture and history tips

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Vietnam

In Hanoi there is an intriguing museum called the Ho Chi Minh Museum which features many informative displays about the Vietnam War, the great leader himself and America’s involvement. This is a great place to learn about the conflict and there is even an exhibit of a cave that Ho Chi Minh himself hid in during the war.

One of the most gorgeous beaches in Vietnam is Da Nang beach with miles of stunning soft sand and crystal clear waters. During the Vietnam War, this was the rest and relaxation location for the Americans servicemen. Soldiers stayed at Danang beach to recuperate and sought the peace and solace that the area still offers today.

Explore the Vinh Moc tunnels in Quang Tri in northern Vietnam near Hue, the former imperial capital city, and listen to the stories told by the local guides, which are a real revelation. The sheer ingenuity of the Viet Cong during the war illustrate why the Americans lost the war. This tunnel is situated on the old north and south Vietnam border and is one of the most ingenious tunnels that was so well planned out and intricately dug out by hand. Around 60 Vietnamese families lived here duing the conflict to keep their community safe from the war going on all around them. Visiting the site is a sobering and insightful experience.

Take a trip to the small town of Quang Ngai on the south central coast, which features a museum that recreates the My Lai Massacre of March 1968. It was a massacre led by American soldiers and the museum showcases the period in intricate detail. All the homes are left as they were then, burned down, but one has been remodelled to show you what the home were like back when it happened.

Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City offer a rich selection, ranging from bargain basement affairs and street side stalls to haute cuisine. The Ho Chi Minh City restaurants below have been hand-picked by our guide author and are grouped into three different pricing categories: South Vietnam tours Packages

Expensive (over US$35)
Moderate (US$20 to US$35)
Cheap (under US$20)

These Ho Chi Minh City restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one, including half a bottle of house wine or equivalent, tax and service. A tip of 10% is customary. MANGO CRUISE

Mandarine

Price: Expensive
Cuisine: Vietnamese

A delightful oasis of calm, close to the Saigon River, this elegant, award-winning restaurant serves some of the best Vietnamese food in the city. All come exquisitely presented, as does the interior, which is tastefully decorated in a Vietnamese style. Only the freshest of ingredients are used for the dishes which include spicy sautéed beef served in a bamboo tube. Reservations are recommended. Calypso Cruise

Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

Address: 11a Ngo Van Nam, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 3822 9783.
Website: www.orientalsaigon.com.vn/mandarine
La Villa

Price: Expensive
Cuisine: French

Staff are very attentive at this award-winning restaurant, where you can dine in the sumptuous interior of the delightful villa or eat outside by the pool. The chef uses fresh produce from the local market to create fine, French cuisine for a menu that changes daily. Treat yourself to the lightly-seared tuna cubes with marjoram oil or go all out and have the tasting menu. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. There’s even a very impressive cigar list to round things off.

Address: 14 Ngo Quang Huy, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 3898 2082.
Website: www.lavilla-restaurant.com.vn
Au Manoir de Khai

Price: Expensive
Cuisine: French

This very stylish French colonial villa, built in the early 1900s, now houses an exquisite restaurant serving arguably the finest French cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City. The intriguing black and white décor is very French and chic, while the service is impeccable. Enjoy a glass of champagne at the sumptuous bar, or sample a bottle of plonk from the extensive wine list, before splurging on the excellent pan-fried lobster, pawns and scallops, which all comes beautifully presented. Au Manoir de Khai is worth every cent.

Address: 251 Dien Bien Phu, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 3930 3394.
Website: www.khaisilkcorp.com/restaurants/aumanoirdekhai
The Deck

Price: Moderate
Cuisine: Asian, International

Arrive in style by boat at this riverside restaurant, which offers a pure escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, just 15 minutes away. This stylish, modern restaurant, where you can dine indoors or on the deck, serves contemporary Asian and international fusion cuisine such as herb crusted tuna with curried papaya. The Deck is perfect for a leisurely breakfast, a long lazy lunch or a relaxed evening meal with friends.

Address: 38 Nguyen U Di, Thao Dien, An Phu, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 3744 6632.
Website: www.thedecksaigon.com
Hoa Tuc

Price: Moderate
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Set in a former opium factory, Hoa Tuc makes the most of this delightful colonial-era building by serving up delicious Vietnamese meals with a contemporary twist. The lovely outdoor space, which includes wrought iron furniture surrounded by greenery, is a bit of a hideaway and a great place to meet up with friends. Try something a little different here, such as soft shell crabs in green rice batter with a passion fruit sauce. Dinner reservations are essential.

Address: 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 3825 1676.
Website: www.hoatuc.com
Au Lac do Brazil

Price: Moderate
Cuisine: Brazilian

Serious carnivores with a hearty appetite need to check out Au Lac do Brazil at least once during their trip. This all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue forks out different cuts of meat (including beef, pork, chicken, sausage and shrimp) directly at your table. Keep going until you indicate you can't eat any more by turning your coaster over to red to indicate you are full. If you still have space, try their signature passion fruit mousse.

Address: 238 Pasteur, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 3820 7157.
Website: www.aulacdobrazil.com
Quan Ngon

Price: Cheap
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Designed to reflect an authentic Vietnamese village, there’s a slew of food stalls serving up a range of traditional Vietnamese dishes at very reasonable prices. Wander around and look at what is being cooked before making your selection. Located in a lovely colonial villa, this place buzzes with activity and is popular with both locals and visitors. Dine indoors or al fresco and let the friendly, helpful staff help you choose what to eat.

Address: 160 Pasteur, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 3827 7131.
Pho 24

Price: Cheap
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Pho 24 serves hearty, delicious traditional beef noodle soup (pho) in a smart, clean location. This is just one of a chain that dishes up the Vietnamese equivalent of fast food across the city and country. It is very popular for visitors who want to try the traditional Vietnamese dish but are reluctant to eat at one of the street stalls. It’s also excellent value for money and popular with the locals. If you really love their grub, they sell instant noodle pot gifts as well.

Address: 82 Nguyen Du, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 3827 4950.
Website: www.pho24.com.vn
Al Fresco's

Price: Cheap
Cuisine: American

Serving good, old-fashioned American fare (think: burgers, sizzling steaks, Tex-Mex food, pizza, pasta, ice creams, freshly baked cakes and tropical fruits), in relaxed Aussie-style surroundings, Al Fresco’s is best known for its fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs . A family favourite with a casual vibe, this eatery (one of seven branches across the city) is great for those wanting western food that doesn’t break the bank. It is open for hearty breakfasts as well, making it the perfect start to the day.

Address: 27 Dong Du, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (08) 3823 8424
Website: www.alfrescos.com.vn/hochiminh

10 Things To Do in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet

10 Things To Do in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet
Oh what do we tell you about Mui Ne and Phan Theit?! These tiny fishing villages are nestled between turquoise beaches that line the Eastern coast of Vietnam. The area is just 4-hour train ride away from the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City but seems like a different world altogether. There are endless reasons for visiting Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. We found it tough to choose between gorgeous sunsets, glistening beaches, surreal scenery, and picture-perfect villages but we managed to restrict ourselves to listing just 10 Things To Do in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet

1)     Rent a bike
You are in Asia. This is a no-brainer. If you want to explore the area, there is no better way to do it than by renting a bike. Bike rentals in Mui Ne cost anywhere between $8-12 per day. Traffic can get crazy in this part of the world, so be careful. Bus drivers seem to be on a mission to demolish anything comes in their way. Another piece of advice – always have your helmet on or you’ll definitely be stopped by a cop which will result in a lot of discussion and eventually, bribery. South Vietnam tours Packages

Renting a bike will give you the flexibility of exploring offbeat places in the area, discovering hidden beaches, and exploring local markets.

2)     Go Quad biking at the White Sand Dunes
We’ve already introduced you to this geographical wonder in our write-up on the White Sand Dunes Of Mui Ne. If you’ve rented a bike, getting to the White Sand Dunes is a joy ride in itself. It will take you through unpaved roads and gorgeous stretches of Vietnamese countryside. Once you are there, enjoy the dunes on a quad bike – everything from gentle bumps to stomach churning bends are on offer. Mekong river tours Vietnam

The white sand dunes of Mui Ne are approximately 25 km. away from the centre of Mui Ne – once you have had your share of fun at the dunes, just walk over to the lotus pond and spend the afternoon watching the sun go down. Halong bay cruise


3)     Visit the early morning fish market of Mui Ne
Mui Ne’s chaotic early morning market provides a fascinating peek into the lives of local Vietnamese fishermen. Every morning they get their catch to the shore. Their wives and family members sort out the catch and sell it to the local traders, restaurant owners, and street food vendors on the spot. It’s like a trading floor right out of a Wall Street institution.  Expect to find fishing nets full of seafood, buckets overflowing with fish, shells strewn everywhere, raucous conversation, and plenty of photo-opps (It was tough to tear Vid away from the market 😉 )

10 Things To Do in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet

4)     Sunrise and Sunset at Mui Ne
Early morning isn’t the only time you should visit Mui Ne. This little village is absolutely magical at sunrise and sunset. Dozens of brightly coloured boats adorn turquoise waters. Everything is bathed in a luminescent light – highly recommended!! In fact, this might be our favourite thing to do in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet.

5)     Visit the Red Sand Dunes of Mui Ne
Another great place to catch a gorgeous sunset are the Red Sand Dunes of Mui Ne. If you don’t have the time to venture out to the White Sand Dunes, the Red ones are just a couple of kilometres from the centre and can be reached on foot as well.We still can’t get over the wonders of nature in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet – sand dunes that make you feel like you are in a desert right next to the beach?!
Read our post on the Red Sand Dunes of Mui Ne for detailed information and photographs (opens in new tab)


6)     The Fairy Stream
When we first heard about it, we were apprehensive about this being a tourist trap. But we were wrong!! This aptly named stream is another wonder of nature. Tucked between beaches and fishing villages, this gurgling stream is surrounded by amazing limestone formations. You can deposit your shoes at the entrance or carry them along with you to explore this muddy stream. Make your way through colourful limestone formations, warm water, and bright green trees to reach a waterfall.

7)     Treat your nostrils at fish vats 😉
Mui Ne and Phan Thiet are famous for being the home of fish sauce. This popular condiment might add a great dash of flavour to Asian food, but it doesn’t smell particularly pleasant. In fact, the word vile comes to mind – fermented fish in huge vats – doesn’t exactly remind you of perfume, does it 😉 There are a number of factories in Phan Thiet, but if you are in Mui Ne, you can witness the action close to The Fairy Stream.

8)     Find a secluded beach
There is no shortage of things to do in Mui Ne but it is easy to spend languid days at your hotel’s beach. But we suggest taking your rented scooter out for a spin and exploring the area. There are a number of isolated beaches perfect for an impromptu picnic or skinny dipping, if you enjoy that sort of thing :-) Our favourite secluded beach is the Hon Rom beach which can be reached by driving past the Red Sand Dunes towards the White Sand Dunes.

9)     Learn Kite Surfing
Mui Ne and Phan Thiet boast of a number of windy beaches that are perfect for kite surfing.  In fact, the area is one of Asia’s most popular sites for kitesurfing. There are a number of Kite Surfing schools in the area that offer courses for amateurs and beginners at extremely competitive prices. Moreover, there is no shortage of wide, sandy beaches to practice the sport

10)  Binge on The Food
Aah, the best for the last 😉 Mui Ne offers scrumptious seafood for dirt cheap prices. Grilled Red Snappers for £3 and clams and mussels for £2 often crop up on menus. If you’re adventurous, there’s snakes, crocodiles, and turtles on the menu. Freshly BBQ’d scallops with spring onions and peanuts drizzled with a lemon, sugar, and salt dip were my favourites. Mmmm, I want to go back for some more.

Then there are the fruits – everything from litchis and mangoes to mangosteens and papayas are on offer. Mui Ne’s morning fruit market is the equivalent of a candy factory for fruit lovers. The pick of the lot? Fuchsia-coloured Dragon Fruit. You’ll see entire orchards of Dragon Fruit on the way from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne. No wonder it tastes better here than in any other part of Asia. Our friend Jodi talks about some great eating options in her Crash Course on Mui Ne :-)

 How To Get To Mui Ne And Phan Thiet
It’s fairly easy to  get to Mui Ne / Phan Thiet from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). On our way to Mui Ne, we took the train from Saigon that departed at 06:50 a.m. (eek!) and brought us to Phan Thiet in 4 hours. We could have taken the bus, but our hotel staff  suggested that the train would be more comfortable. Right they were :-) From the train station, we were ferried to our resort in Mui Ne by the pre-arranged pick-up driver from our resort. In total, it took us 4.5 hours to get to Mui Ne. Train tickets, including reserved seating, cost $16 . More details can be found here.
On our way back from Mui Ne to Saigon, we decided to take the bus. Our hotel arranged the bus tickets with a company called Hanh Cafe, which we later found out did not have good reviews 😉 It was too late to change our booking but thankfully our experience was not bad at all. We were picked up from our resort hotel and after picking up a gazillion other tourists from different hotels in Mui Ne, we were driven to Saigon through the choked roads and highways in a little over 5 hours. We preferred the train, but the buses offer more flexibility in terms of schedule.

Floating markets - the uniqueness of Mekong delta

Mekong Delta area is the largest rice growing region in Vietnam which always covered with green rice paddies, orchads coconuts, mangos, pineapples, bananas and oranges. It is also the only region in Vietnam where riverboats and sampans are the main means of transportation due to low-lying, soft soil condition and dense system of rivers and canals. Also because of dense rivers and canals system, the uniqueness of Mekong Delta – floating markets are created to supply the demands of trading of local people. Gradually, it becomes attractive places for tourists when they travel to Mekong Delta area.

The Cai Rang floating market, the most facsinating and largest wholesale floating market in the Mekong Delta, starts around 5:00 am and runs until mid-day, however, it could be more interesting if you visit it before 9:00 am. Some historians say that it has been operating since early 1900s during the Nguyen dynasty. It means that this market has become a must in the life of local people for a long time. If you don’t want to discover this market by yourself, don’t worry because a day tour to Cai Rang floating market is the most popular Mekong tour from Ho Chi Minh city. Talking about the distance of 6km from Can Tho or about 30-minute boat ride, you will have a glimpse about life along shores. You’ll see vibrantly painted boats anchored along the shore, merchant vessels carrying loads down the river or houses built on stilts over waterface. Once you reach the market, it’s an impressive site. A strech of boats selling all variety of goods lines the river. It’s not only the place of selling souvernirs, but also people come here to buy large quantities of goods, mostly foodstuffs. You’ll learn that boats identify what they are selling by hanging a sample off the top of a long pole, if you want mango, simply scan for a hanging mango. And if you want, you’ll have an opportunity to interact with some of floating merchants to get more understands about their work. Au Co Cruise

Floating markets - the uniqueness of Mekong delta

Not far away from Ho Chi Minh city, approximately 2 hours by car, Cai Be floating market is an ideal place for those have limited time travel in Mekong Delta. Cai Be is a charming small town with lots of colorful fruits and vegetable gardens, traditional crafts, a French church from 1935 and an impressive traditional house which can be visited. Cai Be, one of well-known floating markets in western region of southern Vietnam, lies in Tien river, adjacent to three province Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre. This market is always busy from 3:00 am in buying and selling goods. Rafts and boats that full of fruits, vegetables and other products are anchored along two sides of river for kilometres. As same as in Cai Rang floating market, the merchandise sold in each boat is hung on a pole in front of the boat to attract customers. From floating markets, goods are shifted for selling at inland markets or small boats take them for delivery along canals in the Plain of Reeds. South Vietnam tours Packages

Floating markets in Mekong Delta is an unique cultural characteristic, creating such a beautiful river painting. Apart from Cai Rang, Cai Be, you also can visit Phung Hiep floating market in Hau Giang province or Nga Nam in Soc Trang province. It can be denied that visiting floating markets is among can-not-miss experience in Southern Vietnam which will leave you the most impressive, meaningful and memorable moments in Mekong Delta travelling.

Moreover, it also is a necessary part in any Mekong day tour, so if you want to explore, you only need to join in our tour at Mekong Delta Tours

The most charming street in Da Nang city – Bach Dang Street

The glamorous city of Da Nang has variety of stunning attractions, from beautiful beaches and natural destinations to amazing Ba Na Hill and outstanding architectures. Especially, on the left side of poetic Han River, there is a very alluring and fantastic street called Bach Dang Street. It is considered as the most charming street in Da Nang city with perfect position and perfect view. Travel Centre Vietnam tours
 Da Nang city – Bach Dang Street
Bach Dang is not only an ideal place to see the whole wonderful view of Da Nang city, but also has a lot of historical relics, cultural beauty and notable architectures such as bridges, buildings, etc.
Splendid embankment
Bach Dang Street runs along Han River. Some people compared Bach Dang Street as a bulwark embracing the city or as the image of a sweet mother hugging her child. The street brings distinctive creation of architecture as a highlight of the city. It is also featured by a lot of stunning natural sceneries. Jasmine Cruise Halong bay
The most charming street in Da Nang city – Bach Dang Street
Walking along the street, you can see and feel the vibrant city of Da Nang with high-rise buildings, extremely impressive bridges including Han Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Thuan An Bridge as well as the poetic beauty of Han River. You can stand on the street or on bridges to see other destinations of Da Nang such as Son Tra peninsula or Ngu Hanh Son. Mekong eyes cruise

The witness of history

Bach Dang Street has existed for a very long time, since the city has name of Tourance. In the past, it is an important street in Da Nang’s transportation with many key buildings, cultural centers put on it. A part of the street was a crucial trade port, where was very crowded with foreign ships. Han Market, a very big market of Da Nang was held on the street. There was also a train station built in French Colonial time. Other remarkable buildings were French Cutural Center (today is Da Nang Library), Cham Museum,…

The most charming street in Da Nang city – Bach Dang Street

Best place in holiday
In New Year Holiday, Bach Dang Street is covered with colorful flowers, making an outstanding version of flower street of Nguyen Hue (Ho Chi Minh City). The street along Han River is more beautiful and charming because of many different species of blooming flowers.

In other holidays or festivals, Bach Dang Street with a lot of advantages in aesthetics, position and space is always used to celebrate.
Visiting Da Nang city, one of the first thing you have to do is hiring a bike or just walking by your foot to make a tour on Bach Dang Street.

Vung Ro Bay

Calm, clear waters, rocky escarpments, coves, hidden beaches and forested hills are what characterize Vung Ro Bay, 100km north of Nha Trang. Ever since I first glimpsed this gorgeous natural harbour – from the seat of my bicycle, high above the bay, on the precarious, meandering switchbacks of the Ca Pass – I’ve always thought of it as one of the loveliest stretches of coast in Vietnam. Over the years, I’ve visited many times; exploring the floating fishing village, climbing the steps to the historic French-built lighthouse, driving the deserted coast road, and swimming at Bai Mon, one of my Top 5 Beaches in Vietnam. Despite its natural beauty and ease of access, travellers rarely make it here, and there’s no tourist development whatsoever. But, that’s about to change, in dramatic fashion, with the announcement of two multi-billion dollar projects for the area. If you want to see Vung Ro Bay, 2014 is probably the last chance you’ll get. Vietnam tours private

Vũng Rô Bay seen from the Cả PassVung Ro Bay is formed by a tongue of land that spreads southwest and shelters the main shoreline from the winds and weather coming off the East (South China) Sea. The large main bay is dotted with hundreds of floating homes, fish farms and wooden fishing boats. A dramatic backdrop is created by rugged, forested mountains that culminate in a free-standing slab of stone on the highest peak, known as Núi Đá Bia, which means ‘Tombstone Mount’. North of the main bay there’s a perfect V-shaped inlet, filled with golden sand, called Bai Mon Beach, which is great for swimming. From the beach there’s a long, steep staircase up to a lighthouse, originally built by the colonial French in 1890. Climb to the top of this lighthouse on rickety spiral stairs for superb panoramic views of the entire bay. Halong Alova Gold Cruise

Although there’s no accommodation at Vung Ro Bay for now, it’s only a short drive (by taxi, motorbike taxi or rented motorbike) from Đại Lãnh Beach to the south, or Tuy Hòa City to the north. The latter has regular train, plane and bus connections to all major Vietnamese cities, and the former can be easily reached by bus or rented motorbike from Nha Trang (read this for more about Đại Lãnh Beach and how to get there from Nha Trang). Indeed, part of the fun of visiting Vung Ro Bay is the drive there: approaching from the north or south on Highway 1, via the spectacular Ca Pass. One of the most dramatic, scenic stretches of Vietnam’s major national highway, the Ca Pass cuts along a mountainside, offering tremendous views down over Vung Ro Bay. If coming from Tuy Hòa, the road to the bay is clearly signposted to the left at the top of the Ca Pass, but if coming from Đại Lãnh it’s not: just look out for a right turning once you reach the summit of the pass. There’s also a scenic and quiet back road to Vung Ro Bay from Tuy Hòa, the last few kilometres of which run alongside the ocean with beautiful views over Bai Mon Beach. MEKONG EYES

Vung Ro Bay

Bãi Môn Beach seen from the coast road

Until recently, Vung Ro Bay was famous for a military incident rather than its natural beauty. In February 1965, a North Vietnamese vessel was found to be smuggling war supplies into Vung Ro Bay in order to aid the North’s campaign to ‘liberate’ the American-backed South Vietnam. On discovering this, the latter sent in ships, planes and a submarine to sink the North Vietnamese boat and capture the smuggled goods, which included thousands of arms and a million rounds of ammunition. The North Vietnamese lost that battle but they eventually won the war, and today there’s a large monument near the water’s edge, erected to commemorate the Vietnamese soldiers who fought and died defending the supply ship and the bay.

Fishing boats & fish farms in Vũng Rô BayIt seems somewhat ironic then that, 50 years after the ‘Vung Ro Bay Incident’, as it came to be known, the bay is soon to be developed by one of the most powerful family empires in America, the Rockefellers. Earlier this year it was announced that a $2.5 billion resort, marina, tourism and residential project, funded by Rose Rock Group, a Rockefeller-backed investment firm, would be built on Vung Ro Bay. Oil is where it all started for the Rockefeller Family back in the 19th century, so it’s perhaps no surprise that the gigantic development in Vung Ro Bay is closely linked to a huge $4 billion oil refinery that’s also to be constructed here, taking advantage of the bay’s natural deep water harbour. Take a look at the promotional video below to see what’s in store for this area, or find out more about the development on their website: www.visitvungrobay.com

2014: last chance to see it like this!All this means that Vung Ro Bay will be a construction site for the next few years, and after the projects are completed they’ll be minimal public access to the beaches and bays in this area. Work was supposed to have started by the end of 2013, but when I last visited, in January 2014, there was no sign of it. However, if you want to see Vung Ro Bay before these massive projects take over, 2014 may well be your last chance. The cheap guesthouses on Đại Lãnh Beach make a good base for exploring Vung Ro Bay, or for more style and comfort try the CenDeluxe Hotel (www.cendeluxehotel.com) in Tuy Hòa City, which has a swimming pool and a ‘sky bar’ with panoramic views over rice fields and the foothills of the Annamite Mountains. Cheaper accommodation in Tuy Hòa can be found on Hùng Vương Street.

Top 5 Foods in Hue

Top 5 Foods in Hue
1. Bún bò 
30,000VND @5 Nguyễn Du, Huế

Now what is the first thing one should eat in Hue? Can’t really go wrong with the most famous dish of this city: Bun Bo Hue. Following the recommendation of a local friend who is also an expert in Hue eateries, we arrived at the small bun bo stand in a tiny street; typical Hue style. The place was packed with people just exactly what we had expected and we even had to wait a bit to get a table.

When we thought about eating bun bo in Hue, we expect it to be really spicy and hot. To our surprise, the steamy bowl of bun bo we tasted was not spicy at all but rather, very mild and naturally sweet. It was so good but at the same time quite different from what we usually have in Danang. This is why we should eat a dish at its birth place: your previous concept of a dish and the real dish itself might be two very different versions. Halong bay tours Vietnam

Top 5 Foods in Hue

2. Bánh khoái 
20,000VND (each) @6 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Huế

The restaurant we went to have bánh khoái is very famous locally, it’s been running for decades. Basically bánh khoái is a smaller version of bánh xèo, served with a moderately similar sauce and is eaten without the Danang’s “wrap and roll” style. It is crispier than bánh xèo and instead of pork toppings, it has toppings made from chả along with shrimp and bean sprouts. An interesting savory snack, but for 20kVND each – it was quite expensive. Mekong river tours Vietnam

3. Hue’s ‘bánh’ medley (bánh bèo, bánh nậm, bánh bột lọc…)
~80,000VND (whole tray) @Hàng Me -12 Võ Thị Sáu, Huế
Then it was time to visit another popular dish in Danang but also has Hue origins: the famous combo of different kinds of bánh (cakes). One major difference of the Hue version, or the version of the place we went to, was that the bánh nậm and bánh bột lọc here are wrapped in lá dong (phrynium leaves), instead of banana leaves like Da Nang’s versions. As a result, the cakes inside have a very unique scent. Another thing that caught my attention was that the dried shrimp toppings here are exceptionally well done and are not something one could easily find in Da Nang. Centre Vietnam tours

4. Bún hến, Cơm hến
8000VND @Nhỏ – 28 Phạm Hồng Thái, Huế (morning)
Bún hến (tiny clams vermicelli salad) is another authentic Hue dish that is very hard to find elsewhere. It is the Hue equivalent of Danang’s bún mắm with tiny clams (hến) instead of pork, fried pork skin, lots of greens, herbs and shrimp paste is used instead of anchovy fish sauce. And just like bún mắm, the dish is very cheap (only 8,000VND) but tasted insanely good.

Cơm hến (tiny clams with rice and soup) is quite similar to bún hến but with a bit of soup. Bún hến is better in my opinion.

5. Bánh ướt thịt quay
100,000VND (2 persons) @Bà Sửu – National Route, 25km from Hue (if you travel from Da Nang to Hue, the restaurant is on your right, after you’ve passed Truồi bridge)

We had this dish at a very famous stall on the national route between Hue and Danang. Basically it was just rice rolls (bánh cuốn, or bánh ướt like how we call it in the central region) but the real shining star here is the accompanied roasted pork. It was so crispy and soft and juicy and had a really really nice smell. This eatery is favourited by many long distance travelers along the national route.

Top things to do in Quy Nhon

Relatively unknown and free of mass tourism, the coastal city of Quy Nhon (the capital of Binh Dinh province in central Vietnam) will seduce those who love to travel off the beaten tracks.

Called ‘Pulo Cambi’ by Portuguese Jesuits who settled there in the 1620s, its origins date back to 11th century Champa culture.

Quy Nhon is also known as the birthplace of the eighteenth Vietnamese Emperor, Nguyen Hue. The city experienced a major U.S. military presence and its hinterland was the scene of heavy fighting during the Vietnam War. However, only a half-buried U.S. tank (on the beach, south of the Lan Anh Hotel) reflects this dark parenthesis of history. Centre Vietnam tours

Quy Nhon made up the main port for all military forces in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region. Almost all the supplies for the area were unloaded from ships moored in the port before being transported by aircraft.

A large number of U.S. Army support units were also based in the city and its suburbs, including a field hospital and a large supply center. MANGO CRUISE

Quy Nhon In 1975 the South Vietnam Navy evacuated its soldiers and some civilians before abandoning the strategic city of Nha Trang in May 1975, leaving North Vietnamese tanks and infantry to occupy nearly half of the territory of the Republic of South Vietnam.

Top things to do in Quy Nhon

Today, things have changed.

Quy Nhon has just begun to capitalize on its huge potential for tourism. At 42 km long, the coast is indeed ​​remarkable with its white sand beaches. Abundant seafood is served in local restaurants at a price that defies competition.

And if historical remnants aren’t Quy Nhon’s greatest strength, we must admit the city and its outskirts still contain some interesting sites worth visiting.

Quy NhonThe picturesque Queen’s Beach, in particular, deserves a visit.

Named in memory of last Vietnamese Emperor Bao Dai’s wife, Queen’s Beach is accessible via An Duong Vuong Street, with your back to the peninsula. Paradise Cruise Halong bay

On the way, a paved road leads to a ledge where you can see the tomb of famous Vietnamese writer Han Mac Tu, one of the great figures of Vietnamese literature. Further on, you’ll come to the famous beach where you can stop for refreshments.

Although not a good place for swimming, Queen’s Beach is interesting because of its many blue, egg-shaped, smooth stones superimposed on the small beach pummeled by waves. That is why Queen’s Beach is also called ‘Egg Stone Beach’.

Continuing on the road along the headland, you arrive at Qui Hoa Beach, very quiet and ideal for swimming. A hospital Leproserythat specialises in treating leprosy has been built nearby. In its charming garden, you can admire statues of famous French and Vietnamese doctors. Visitors are welcome.

Arguably the best spot for swimming is probably Bai Dai Beach, a beautiful stretch of white, fine sand.

Located on 13.5 hectares, Bai Dai Beach is frequented by few tourists. With a beautiful view of Cu Lao Xanh Island, Bai Dai remains quite wild. Activities available from the beach include kayak trips to neighboring islands.

The Cham towers of Banh It (20 km north of Quy Nhon, at the top of a hill that boasts panoramic views of the countryside) and those nearest to Thap Doi are remarkable for their sculptures. Despite their years, both sites are in good condition and worth visiting.

If you have time, you can also have a look at Long Khanh Pagoda, Quy Nhon’s main pagoda, built in the 18th century and famous for its 17-meter-high Buddha.

Practical Information:

- Binh Dinh Province is 1065 km from Hanoi and 680 km from Ho Chi Minh City. You can get to Binh Dinh by car, train or plane. Note that the train stops at Dieu Tri Train Station, about 10 km west of Quy Nhon.

- There is a VND 5000 admission fee to Queen Beach (plus an extra 2000 if you’re riding a motorcycle).

- You can go to the hospital that treats leprosy by turning left at the end of An Duong Vuong Street. The hospital entrance is well marked, a few hundred meters further down the road.

Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam

Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam
Vietnam Visa Requirements

For any traveler a trip planning should start not from booking a flight ticket or arranging a hotel, but from checking the visa policy of the country he would like to visit. Some nationalities can enter the territory of Vietnam without visa. But for majority of the countries it is required. The visitors can obtain a visa from one of the Vietnamese diplomatic missions or via agency on arrival. Also a passport valid for at least 6 months is necessary. Check the policy before you start travelling to avoid problems on the Vietnamese border. Southern Vietnam with extension to Cambodia 10 days

Visa Exemption
Currently 17 nationalities can visit Vietnam without visa for different time periods. In 2014 it was proposed to allow citizens of European Union, the United States of America, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan to enter the country without visa as well. But in September 2014 this proposal was rejected. Vietnamese government extended the list of the visa exemption countries only for Australia, France, Germany, India and the UK. SONG XANH CRUISE

List of the countries that do not require a visa to Vietnam (with a duration of staying): Image Cruise
Brunei (14 days)
Cambodia (30 days)
Denmark (15 days)
Finland (15 days)
Indonesia (30 days)
Japan (15 days)
Kyrgyzstan (30 days)
Laos (30 days)
Malaysia (30 days)
Myanmar (14 days)
Norway (15 days)
Philippines (21 days)
Russia (15 days)
Singapore (30 days)
South Korea (15 days)
Sweden (15 days)
Thailand (30 days)

Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam

Visit to Phú Quốc Island
Phu Quoc is designated as a Special Economic Zone and the Vietnamese government are allowing tourists to stay on the island for up to 30 days without requiring a Vietnam Visa. To be able to enter Phu Quoc without visa you should arrive to the island from any other foreign country and land at Phu Quoc International Airport. If you are transiting from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, then you must board your flight to Phu Quoc from the international terminal in order to receive your exemption. Also it is possible to come to the island by a cruise ship sailing from the other international ports. However, if you are planning to continue your trip around the country, then visa obtaining is required.

Visa on-arrival
In order to get your visa on arrival, first of all, you should receive an approval letter. First of all, you  have to fill in the Online Application Form and pay the service fee. Normally, within 2-3 working days you will get your Visa approval letter issued and stamped by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. The same document will be sent to Vietnam Immigration checkpoints at the international airports, wo when you arrive, the documents will be prepared for you. With the approval letter you can obtain a visa at airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang for a maximum stay up to 3 months.

Types and cost
The fee depends on a type of visa you would like to obtain and your duration of staying. There are two types of visas in Vietnam: single entry and multiple entry. The service fee for applying starts at USD 17. Stamping fee depends on your type of visa:
Single-entry visas – USD 45
Multiple-entry visas
Valid for less than 01 month – USD 65
Valid for less than 06 months – USD 95
Valid for 6 months or more – USD 135
Transfer of validity of visas or temporary residence from expired passports to new passports – USD 15
(PLEASE NOTE – THESE ARE THE PRICES AT TIME OF WRITING)


Visa extension
Due to recent changes in Visa laws starting 01/01/2015, Visa renewals have become difficult, expensive and sometimes impossible. The rules relating to Visa renewals seem to be unclear at time of writing, with some tourists paying up to $380US to extend their Visa an extra 3 Months. After making phone calls to Immigration, no one can give a clear answer on the renewal process and price.


IMPORTANT
Always ask for information at the Vietnamese diplomatic missions in your countries to check the current visa policy and other relevant and reliable updates.

Cu Chi Tunnels Chi district – Ho Chi Minh City

Cu Chi Tunnels is a 200 km colossal network of connecting underground tunnels in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City. During the Vietnam War it was a location for several military campaigns. Also it was a base of Viet Cong, the army resisting the United States and South Vietnamese governments. Nowadays this is an important war memorial and a popular tourist attraction. The tunnels are a part of a much bigger underground network of the country. In Ci Chi there are two different tunnel display sites – Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. MEKONG EYES

How to organize a trip?
The majority of tourist companies in Vietnam can organize a trip for you, including a transfer to/ from the hotel and a guided tour. If you organize your trip by yourself and reach the destination from Ho Chi Minh City, you can buy the ticket for entrance the tunnels on the spot, Mekong & Phu Quoc island (5 days, 4 nights)

How to get there?
If you decide to use a service of a tourist company, most probably they will provide you a private car or a bus with a pick-up at your hotel.
In a case you want to travel to Cu Chi on your own, you should take a Bus #13 that leaves from the BẾN CV 23/9 bus station (between Lê Lai and Nguyên Thi Nghia, near to KFC restaurant). Its last stop is Cu Chi. Bus fare is approximately $0,3 (7,000 VND), and the ride is about 1,5 hours. When you arrive arrive to Cu Chi bus station, you should take a Bus #79. The ride will last about 45 minutes and cost $0,25 (6,000 VND). The bus will reach a T-junction with Ben Duoc on the left and Ben Dinh on the right, which are in nearly 20 minutes of walking.

• Jasmine Cruise – Halong Bay

Cu Chi Tunnels Chi district – Ho Chi Minh City

Prices and programme
A private half-day tour arranged by a tourist office may cost from $40 to $75, depends on size of the vehicle. If your reach Cu Chi on your own, for the admission to the tunnels, either Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc, you will have to pay about $4 (90,000 VND) for a guided 45 – 60 min tour. The programme of the tours at both tunnels is pretty much similar and includes a 15-minute black and white propaganda film, tunnel tour and displays of booby traps. In the end of the tour, you will get a chance to taste a steamed tapioca, which is a popular in this region food.

Ben Dinh Tunnels
As we’ve mentioned before, there are two tunnels in Cu Chi. The village of Ben Dinh is located nearly 50 km from Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels here are a very touristic spot, that’s why sometimes, especially during the high season, it may be overcrowded. Most of the companies will bring you here. But not all of them will tell you that Ben Dinh tunnels have been a part of a real network and were specially created only for tourists.  

Ben Duoc Tunnels
These are the original tunnels that were used by the soldiers of the Vietnamese army and Cu Chi people, who have managed to live, eat, sleep, work and plan the military activities here. Usually they were staying here during a daytime and going out only at night in order to get some supplies or attack the enemy. Also more than 10,000 people lost their lives here. The tour in the tunnels lasts for approximately one hour. Also just next to the tunnels there is a Ben Duoc temple, which is also worth visiting.

Dangers
Don’t forget that while visiting Cu Chi Tunnels you should always carry some insect repelling. Inside the tunnels, watch out for bats, as there is a lot of them here. If you get bitten or scratched by one, you should immediately visit a doctor, as bats may carry rabies

4 Best Local Foods in Hoian

There are a number of local delicacies specific to Hoi An that travellers must eat when they visit Hoi An, especially 4 Best Local Foods in Hoian. You can get authentic taste for a dollar a plate. You cannot leave Hoi An without trying Cao Lau- Hoi an's signature dish,  chicken rice, white rose and quang noodle. These foods are the 4 Best Local Foods in Hoian. Centre Vietnam tours

1. Cao lau- Hoi An's signature dish

Cao lau is  a delectable dark pork broth with fat yellow noodles, slices of juicy pork,  served with bean sprouts, green vegetables, slices of and crispy croutons. The noodles must be made with the water from one of the closely guarded ancient Cham wells hidden throughout Hoi An.
Why Cao Lau is so special and one of the 4 Best Local Foods in Hoian?

Water as it must come from an ancient Cham wells around Hoi An

Vegetable have to be taken from Tra Que vegetable village

The ashes which use to soak the noodle have to be taken from Cham Island

Where to try Cao Lau in Hoi An?

If you are looking for local taste and local price, you should go to Thanh Cao Lau (24 Thai Phien St). Price: 25,000 VND. Open hour: All day but they will close very soon in the noon and night if the ingredient is over. Best Halong bay cruise

If you prefer the comfort of a restaurant with air con, walk down to Ms Vy’s Morning Glory restaurant on 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street in the centre of town.

4 Best Local Foods in Hoian

2. Hoi An Chicken Rice - Com Ga  Hoi An
Hoi An chicken rice -Com ga is delicious fluffy rice cooked in chicken stock with a tiny bit of turmeric for colour, thrown in a wok and served with boiled, coarsely shredded chicken Chicken in this dish is torn into small pieces and then mashed with crushed onions, Vietnamese coriander and the other spices. This mixing step is important and clearly shows the delicacy of the cooker.. The dish is then served up with very spicy chili sauce, pepper to slow the heart various coating mix chicken liver hard, extremely attractive. Before being served to customers, the springy chicken pieces and fragrant rice are decorated with peppermint, papaya, and salted onions. MANGO CRUISE

Where to try a dish of Chicken rice in Hoi An?

In Hoi An center: try Com Ga Huong on the pavement outside 48 Le Loi Street (near Thu Thuy Cloth Shop). Huong’s opens daily at around 14:00 and stops serving once the pot is clean.

Outside center: Com Ga Ba Buoi at 22 Phan Chu Trinh. It is family-run restaurants and have been set up in the 1950s. Prices here vary (for tourists) but expect to pay around 30-40,000 VND depending on their mood.

In tourist’s restaurant, yoi can try Mermaid – 2 Tran Phu and Miss Ly’s Cafe on 22 Nguyen Hue.

Please check video for How to make Hoi An Chicken Rice

3. White Rose  Hoi An
White rose - an appetizer named for its shape when presented properly – White Rose is a type of shrimp dumpling made from translucent white dough bunched up to look like a rose.

Ingredients such as shrimp and pork are placed on top the carefully folded noodles and topped with crispy shallot. The unique dipping sauce is made of shrimp broth, hot chilies, lemon and sugar.

Water must be drowned from the old Ba Le well, which is filtered and purified 15-20 times before being mixed with the rice paste to form airy dough.

Where to try a plate of White rose in Hoi An?

Local Restaurant: Banh Bao Banh Vac: 533 Hai Ba Trung St. Price: 4 USD/ 1 dish

The recipe for these dumplings is secret, held by one family in Hoi An who supplies all the restaurants. At 533 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tran Tuan Ngai is a third generation secret keeper of the traditional white rose recipe.

Check our vide: How to make white rose Hoi An?

4. Quang Noodle

The noodle is yellow or white in color and made from rice flour. It is mixed with shrimp, pork and vegetables, and topped with grilled rice paper and spices. This noodle dish is a complex mixture of flavors and texture. The vibrant wide yellow tumeric noodles, sesame rice crackers, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and flavourful. Unlike these noodle soups, mì Quảng is served with very little broth and almost like a dry noodle dish or noodle salad with the broth serving to bring all the flavors together.

Quang soft noodle soup tastes best when being served with a variety of herbs, such as mint leaves, houttunya, cabbage, onion, coriander and so on.

What makes Quang noodle soups unique is the richness of the broth, the lack of it and the crushed peanut toppings on the noodles.

7 Things not to do in Vietnam - a Cultural Guide

Travel broadens the mind but stray outside of the local laws and customs and you’ll find yourself on the receiving end of angry locals, or worse still, getting deported or locked up in jail. Follow these etiquette and cultural hints when exploring Vietnam;

Don’t blog in Vietnam – If you thought blogging about government affairs in Vietnam is cool, you better think again. Unlike most countries where you are free to blog about the government, in Vietnam, you certainly aren’t. Whether what you were blogging about was sensitive or not, it’d be ten times better to just use that keyboard to type about the weather in Vietnam. Talk about anything like corruption in the government or even the Vietnam War and you’ll either be deported, or you’ll be thinking about freedom behind steel bars. Blogging, in Vietnam, should be about your personal experiences. Blogging about the government is a no-go-zone. Vietnam travel

Keep your leisure time healthy – Despite having the freedom to blog about your personal experiences, you should know that anything that depicts pornography is highly illegal. Prostitution also happens to be illegal. If you’re the kind of person that loves going to bars and nightclubs, flirting with a couple of women and then taking them back to your crib, this isn’t the place for you. Even sharing a room with a Vietnamese of the opposite sex is wrong and co-habiting is completely a no-go option. Though this law is nowadays not so strict about this, you can never be too sure when things might get serious. Calypso Cruise

As with all destinations, it’s important to practice common sense and these tips are here to assist. Regular readers of our blog know that we adore Vietnam as a travel destination and have indeed produced many posts on the subject; My Hanoi Travel Experience: My Favourite Destination in the World, What to do in Ho Chi Minh City, 5 Weird and wonderful hotels in Vietnam and many more.

Women’s dress in Vietnam – For women, the laws are even stricter then for a man. You can’t wear revealing clothing anywhere in Vietnam apart from your own bedroom. Foreigners aren’t excluded from this law and there are some who have been called rude names for wearing sexy, revealing or low cut clothing whilst out and about. Reveal less and you might just survive in Vietnam. Showing off your bust and letting the men see how attractive your legs are will do you no good. Instead, you might end up spending the night in a cell, or you might even be on your way back to your home country. DAY TRIP CRUISE

7 Things not to do in Vietnam - a Cultural Guide

Don’t attempt to drive when in Vietnam – Your driver’s license is as good as useless in Vietnam. Having an International Driver’s License makes no difference either. However good you are at driving, you also can’t be issued with a VN driver’s license. Only a Vietnamese can obtain a driver’s license. So, kindly don’t bother driving in Vietnam if you can’t prove that you are Vietnamese. And with the roads choc-a-block 24/7 it’s no great loss to forgo driving for the duration of your holiday.

Update; whilst you can’t use your own drivers licence in Vietnam you can apply for a Vietnamese licence should you wish to, for example if you plan a lengthy stay and is required by law to drive a car or motorcycle in Vietnam. Visitors can apply via the Hanoi Department of Public Works and Transportation and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Works and Transportation, contact details can be found on the FCO Official site.


Stay safe in Vietnam – Also, the police in Vietnam aren’t interested in cases such as your bag was stolen or you got ripped off by a merchant. These cases, in the eyes of the police, aren’t crimes. They are regarded as civil matters of dispute. So, it’d be a good idea to always watch out for conmen, distraction thieves and pickpockets. They can lurk anywhere since stealing your property wouldn’t end up being a police matter. If you do lose something, hire a private investigator or someone of the sort. After that, hope that he/she isn’t a con as well. If he/she is, leave the police out of it. Always check the latest official safety and travel advice prior to travel.

Camera action – Despite criminal deception not being a major issue to the police, your camera might turn out to be a big issue. Restrain from taking pictures of military installations. All you’ll be really looking for is an unexpected arrest in which you’ll be taking pictures of your life in prison.

Drugs in Vietnam – Finally, transportation of illegal drugs is among the most offensive crimes in Vietnam. The maximum penalty for this crime is death. Though you might catch a glimpse of one or two people smoking marijuana in the streets, don’t ever be fooled into doing the same.

Top 3 places to visit in Danang

Hai Van Pass
Hai Van Pass is located along the Hai Van mountain side, between Thua Thien-Hue and Da Nang city. It is the highest and the most beautiful pass in Vietnam (about 500 meters above sea level), and it is the final mountain belonging to Truong Son. Hai Van Pass is also known as 'Cloud Pass' with one side is mountain and other is sea. In the 'Phu Bien Tap Luc', Le Quy Don said that: Hai Van is the bound of Thuan Hoa and Quang Nam. Centre Vietnam tours

At the 13th century, this place belongs to Champa dynasty. In the top of the Pass, the trail of ancestors still retains. The entrance looks to Thua Thien with three words “Hai Van Quan”, the entrance look Quang Nam with the words “Thien Ha De Nhat Hung Quan” (The King Le Thanh Ton granted for this place). According to folk, people said that when Nguyen Hoang Lord protected Quang Nam, Hai Van Pass had a little people passing and it is also the place for wild animal. After the King Minh Mang had been throne, he also visited the beauty of Hai Van Pass and built stone entrance in the top of Pass with the words “De Nhat Hung Quan” (the most beautiful pass). This stone entrance is still on the top of the pass and was recognized as national historical relic. Tourists can contemplate the entire of Da nang city, Son Tra mount.Hai Van Pass is an ideal destination for tourists. From Da nang, along the national highway no.01A to the North. Here, tourists also see Tien Sa, Son Tra peninsula, Cham Islands… and the sand-bank. Coming to Hai Van, you will be sunk into natural space and historical trails of ancient Vietnamese. Jasmine Cruise – Halong Bay

Top 3 places to visit in Danang

Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda
Linh Ung pagoda is located on the hill, with the shape of turtle. Linh Ung pagoda in Son Tra peninsula was inaugurated, it is considered not only as the first processing of Vietnam Buddha in the 21st century but also as the place that gathers quintessence of the earth. PANDAW CRUISE

Linh Ung pagoda faces to The Eastern sea, on the left is Cham Islands, on the right is Hai Van Mountain. Passing the fall and rise of time and history, Linh Ung-Bai But pagoda was built and standing on Son Tra Mountain like the evidence for the combination between belief and nation. It marked the development of Vietnam Buddhism at the 21st century.

Linh Ung-Bai But pagoda is considered as one of the biggest pagoda in Da Nang city in both of scale and architecture. This pagoda has a combination between modern style and traditional style. The main area has a large capacity and it is the most solemn place.

Especially, in Linh Ung-Bai But pagoda, there has Guan Yin statue that is considered as the highest statue in Vietnam (67 meters height approximately 30 stories). This statue put its back to the mountain, faces to the sea. Above the Guan Yin statue is Buddhahood statue with the high of 2 meters.

From here, you can contemplate the whole city, mountain and Son Tra peninsula. In addition, from the distance, you will see Ngu Hanh Son Mountain along with white sand-bank. The beautiful landscape creates a unique impression that you cannot find in other place. It can be said that Linh Ung-Bai But pagoda was built in the tourism relic of the city- Son Tra peninsula tourism place. The pagoda becomes to famous destination for tourist and spiritual place for the Da nang.

Marble Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son)
Marble Mountain belongs to Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son, is far about 7 kilometers from Da nang city to the Southeast. Ngu Hanh Son is located on the yellow sand - bank with 2 kilometers length, 800 meters width. The kind of stone in Ngu Hanh Son has various colors and it is the source of sculpture and arts.

Ngu Hanh Son includes 5 mountains: Kim Son (Metal Mountain), Thuy Son (Water Mountain), Moc Son (Wood Mountain), Hoa Son (Fire Mountain) and Tho Son (Earth Mountain). Number No.05 is the important number in orient and 5 mountains contain unique sense.

Metal Mountain (Kim Son) is located in the Southeast, on the bank of Co Co River. Travelling by boat, tourists can contemplate the beautiful scenery. Ben Ngu, the place, the Kings often stayed each time come to Ngu Hanh Son. Today, it did not exist; however, people can see one ironwood pillar near the Quan Am pagoda.

Wood Mountain (Moc Son)
Moc Son is located near the sea, Thuy Son Islet to the East. The East and South is sand cave, the North is fields and the West is villages. Although it has the name “Wood Mountain”, it has fewer trees. The top mountain is divided into cog-shape as cock spur, so that it also has the name “Mong Ga” Mountain (cock spur mountain).
On the mountain, there has no pagoda; it only has white marble stone as the shape of people. The local people often call “Co Mu” or Guan Yin. In addition, there has small cave named Ba Trung Mountain. In two wars in Vietnam, local people and revolutionary cadre often used this place as shelter.

5 Must-try Foods When You Visit Hue

Com Hen
Com Hen (rice with mussel) is a very unique cuisine of Hue. Com Hen contains rice, boiled mussel, star fruit, fish sauce, cabbage, onion, pepper, peanut, chili, and a variety of herbs. The specialty is all of these elements are cold. When people eat Com Hen, they add all the above ingredients to a bowl, and slowly add boiled mussel broth with chili sauce into the bowl (the broth is the only hot thing in Com Hen). Com Hen has an extremely spicy flavor as such, so gastronomes remember it just after one time enjoying. centre Vietnam packages

Bun Bo Hue
Bun bo Hue (Hue style beef vermicelli) or more detail, Bun bo gio heo (beef and pig's knuckle vermicelli) is a popular Vietnamese soup vermicelli dish, and one of the most typical foods of Hue, Vietnam. Fine combination of ingredients make the food famous; the broth is prepared by simmering beef and bones for a long period of time, after that a large range of different spices containing lemon grass and chili are added in. Shrimp paste holds no less importance. Hue people usually add thin slices of beef shank, chunks of boiled oxtail, and pig's knuckles or pork into the bowl. It can also contain cubes of maroon brown congealed pig blood, which are good for those suffering from high blood pressure. The specialty is commonly served with a plenty of herbs like sprouts, lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, onions, and sliced banana blossom. Thinly sliced purple cabbage or iceberg lettuces are used in case of lacking in banana blossom. It is highly recommended for tourists to add a few of shrimp paste directly into the soup. BASSAC CRUISE

Banh Beo
Banh beo (water fern cake) is a kind of small steamed rice pancake. The name is to refer from the shape of the cake (like a water fern-Beo in Vietnamese). It is white in color, sometimes nearly transparent and usually has a dimple in the center, which is covered with savory recipes including chopped dried or fresh shrimp, scallions, mung bean paste, crispy fried shallots, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and oil. Victory Star Cruise – Halong Travel

5 Must-try Foods When You Visit Hue

Banh khoai
Banh khoai (delicious pancake) is so much like Banh xeo (sizzling pancake) since they both are made from rice flour, water, turmeric powder, added slivers of fatty pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and then pan fried. Banh khoai and Banh xeo also are wrapped in mustard leaf, lettuce leaves or rice paper, and stuffed with variety of herb, like mint leaves, basil and served with a sweet and sour mixed sauce. In Hue, Banh khoai is placed open-face instead of being folded in half like Banh xeo. Moreover, Banh khoai always goes with a fermented soy bean sauce, and people consider it a winter food owing to its greasiness and spicy taste of the sauce. Therefore, most Hue citizens only make them when winter coming.

Mam tom chua
The central of Vietnam is reputable for its Mam tom chua (sour shrimp sauce) and Hue is the best place for this unique sauce. Unlike normal shrimp sauce (has brown color and smooth surface), Sour shrimp sauce has orange color while shrimps still keep its original shape. It is quite simple to make this sauce. First, shrimps are clean by salt water (do not use normal water to avoid bad smells) and “cook” by strong rice wine. The shrimps will turn red. After that, carefully mix the shrimps with sticky rice, sliced lesser galangal, garlic and chili. Slowly put all the mixture into a jar covered by guava leaves. Just need to wait for 5-7 days and we have the mouthwatering sour shrimp sauce of our own making. This is the best sauce for boiled pork with vermicelli.