The first time I visited Vietnam in 2008, I fell head over heels, hook line and sinker! The food, the markets, the history and the ambience made me want to keep coming back. So here we are 🙂 This time I decided to conquer some new territory and tackle some brand new adventures.
If you look on a map, Vietnam is long, narrow and shaped like the letter “S”. It is situated east of Laos and Cambodia. It is truly a magical land of staggering natural beauty, compelling cultural complexities, interesting history, dynamic cities and hill-tribe villages.
Vietnam’s mountainous terrain, its lush forests, wetlands, and long coastline are home to a variety of habitats. These habitats support a large number of diverse wildlife. Many rare and unusual animals like the giant catfish, Indochinese tigers, Saola antelopes, and Sumatran rhinos call Vietnam their home.
There is so much to see and do in Vietnam and although experiences may vary, most people who visit Vietnam have an unforgettable time and walk away with a ton of wonderful memories. Vietnam is known for its diverse culture, friendly people, stunning landscapes and motorbikes!
Fun fact: Approximately 86% (I know that sounds oddly precise lol) of the population own a motorbike. And let me tell you that you can fit 4 or 5 people on the average motorcycle, your groceries, a chicken and some lumber….I’ve seen it…..you guessed it….in Vietnam! So don’t be surprised when you see one flying past you, even when you’re on the sidewalk!
Food and Beverage
Food is at the heart of Vietnamese culture and its food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. The food blends a range of flavors that is sure to tantalize your palate. Here are some of our favorites:
Pho: is a simple dish consisting of a salty broth, fresh rice noodles, a sprinkling of herbs and chicken or beef. You literally can’t go wrong when you order pho!
Com Tam: is also simple dish, and particularly popular in South Vietnam if eaten for breakfast. It is usually served grilled after the pork is marinated. Then, a mixture of thinly shredded pork and pork skin is served over broken rice. On top of the meat, there are several customary ingredients (cucumber, pickled carrots, tomato) that are are added to the pile. Finally, the serving is capped off with prawn paste cake, a fried egg, and grilled prawns.
Nom – is a Vietnamese salad made from shredded carrot, banana flower and green papaya. It is topped off with a vinegar dressing mixed with a bit of sugar and peanuts. I can confirm that I ate at least 2kgs of this salad during my time in Vietnam:) It is refreshing, delicious and so healthy!
Banh mi: typically accompanies pho, This delectable treat is essentially Vietnamese baguette sandwiches. The sandwich filled with greens and a choice of fillings, including pâté and freshly made omelet. I skipped the pate and overcompensated with a ton of veggies!
Bun Cha Ha Noi – is a Northern Vietnamese specialty originating from Hanoi. It is known for its unique combination of flavors and textures. It is a refreshing and light dish, consisting of grilled pork patties and served with round rice vermicelli noodles with pickled and fresh herbs, and a fish sauce-based sweet dipping broth to bring all the flavors and textures together. Yummy!
Cha gio: is Vietnam’s go to crunchy spring rolls that are all about the crispy shell with a soft veggie and meat filling. They are usually accompanied by a tangy or sweet chili sauce. I discovered these bad boys while living in Paris. They go by the name of nems (in northern Vietnam) and are wrapped in lettuce before they are dipped in a tangy fish sauce. I actually took a cooking class while in Vietnam to learn how to make these palate poppin’ gems:)
Bun Bo hue: is another classic Vietnamese dish and it comes in the form of a soup. It is a flavorful spicy noodle soup that will fire up your taste buds. This is one of my favorite dishes while traveling throughout Vietnam because it’s very reminiscent of comfort food. It will definitely keep you warm 🙂
Banh Xeo: are savory pancakes that literally translate to sizzling cake. This is likely due to the noise they make when they are being cooked. The crispy pancakes are stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, vermicelli noodles (sometimes on the side), and then garnished with lettuce and fresh mint. Too good but also really healthy!
Jellyfish salad – is really not my thing. It gets an honorable mention because environmentalists have been canvassing for people to eat them because they are an invasive species that are wrecking entire ecosystems, like what’s happening in the Black Sea. So the concept is cool and even though they are a turtles favorite meal, they did not appeal to me. Honestly, it’s like eating clear rubber, with very little taste. I don’t think I was able to chew through any of the pieces I tried. I’m glad Vietnam has found a way to use them in a salad made with yummy mangoes and cucumbers, however, unless there is a way to make them softer, it’s a hard no for me.
Vietnamese Rice wine – Vietnamese rice wine, a traditional fermented alcoholic drink made from rice. There are several variations that are made different types of rice. In Vietnam, rice wine holds great cultural significance and is often enjoyed during communal gatherings by the Vietnamese people. The traditional way to serve it is by drilling a hole into a coconut, draining the coconut water and filling it with the rice wine to let it age some more.
Ha Noi beer – Bia Hanoi is brewed locally in North Vietnam by Vietnamese artisans using a traditional formula that was left by the French in 1890. It is a party favorite for Hanoians. It’s A rich full beer with a strong taste. A good pairing with a spicy main course. It’s also nice to have when the weather is warm and you want to cool down because it’s not too heavy or filling:)
Snake Wine – Vietnamese snake wine is a liqueur made by putting a whole snake in a bottle or jar with rice wine or some other grain alcohol. It then sits for several months and sometimes herbs and spices are added in order to mask the foul smell from the dead snake parts. In some cases, other animals are also added, such as scorpions, insects, lizards or even small birds. All of these animals are recognized by Chinese medicine as having medicinal properties.
Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital Hanoi makes up for lost time from the ravages of war. Its manicured streets overflow with motorcycles vying for right of way while blaring horns, sing in the forefront. Layers of incredible history which from periods of French and Chinese occupation reveal a glimpse into the resilience of Hanoians.
Founded over 1000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital city is rich in history. Wandering these ancient tree-lined lanes that accessorize the crumbling colonial facades transports you back in time. The ancient city rests in juxtaposition with the newly invigorated modern cafes, world-class restaurants, and ultra cool art galleries.
Things to do in Hanoi
The Old Quarter: is a bustling neighbourhood, home to a mix of Vietnamese architecture, green spaces, ancient shops and delectable street food. The best part is it can all be easily explored on foot. I will say that crossing a street in this district is really a gamble. Crosswalks have no impact on whether traffic stops or even slows down so you literally have to weave your way through the motorcycles, mopeds, and cars to get across any street. It’s a game of “just start walking into the middle of the street” and traffic will either stop or go around you. It’s harrowing experience tbh and pretty terrifying. Jonathan was much better at this than I was. He just sauntered into traffic and sometimes stopped with his hand and arm out like he was the traffic police.
There are 36 streets that make up the Old Quarter and at first glance they all appear to be frenetic. Constant motion is part of the Old Quarter’s charm. Bicycle vendors that sell fresh flowers and ripe fruit along the side streets. The longer you wander, the more you’ll be rewarded with moments in hidden alleyways, secluded pagodas, and cozy coffee shops.
Hoa Lo Prison Museum: is a vast prison complex that was built by the French in 1896 and it originally intended to house around 450 inmates. That number rose exponentially by the 1930s to 2000 prisoners. Hoa Lo was never a very successful prison, and hundreds escaped its walls by squeezing through the sewer grates.
The Hoa Lo Prison was nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by US prisoners of war (POWs). There are exhibits on the American pilots who were incarcerated at Hoa Lo during the American War. These pilots include: Pete Peterson (the first US ambassador to a unified Vietnam in 1995) and the late Senator John McCain (the Republican nominee for the US presidency in 2008). John McCain’s flight suit is displayed, along with a photo of the Hanoi locals rescuing him from Ho Truc Bach Lake after being shot down in 1967.
Hoan Kiem Lake: is a natural freshwater lake in the heart of Hanoi. The lake used to be known as Luc Thuy Lake (which roughly translates to Emerald Lake) because of its year-round green water. Around the 15th century, it was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake (or Sword Lake) because it was associated with the legend of King Le Thai To returning the whimsical sword to the turtle deity.
Today, there is still one old turtle living in the lake. It is estimated to have lived for several hundred years. Is this the Hoan Kiem Lake turtle from the legend or a regular turtle that got old? This question remains an unanswered, and that is also why this lake is so charming and appeals to tourists 🙂
One Pillar Pagoda – is officially known as Dien Huu Pagoda and is named after its extraordinary architecture: The whole construction is built on a single pillar, which is planted in the middle of a lotus pond. The One Pillar Pagoda is believed to exist since the Ly’s dynasty, marking a notable development of Buddhism in Vietnam. This monument is not only a famous tourist attraction but also a religious stop for local pilgrims.
The Long Bien Bridge – is a cantilever bridge that was constructed from 1889 to 1902 during French’s occupation of the country. Though the bridge was designed by French, it was built directly by Vietnamese workers with indigenous construction materials like woods and cement from neighboring provinces.
Long Bien Bridge was bombed many times by air attacks by Americans in 1967, and in 1972; leaving multiple spans of the bridge destroyed. The remaining spans are a reminder of its unforgettable past. Today, Long Bien is only one of the 5 bridges crossing the Red river of Hanoi. However, its unique historic, architectural, and cultural significance makes this bridge pretty special. It is the only bridge in Hanoi where all the riders have to go in the left hand side, and where the right side of the bridge is for people to walk and buy food from local vendors.
Bach Ma Temple: has been internationally recognized as an example of outstanding construction. Its restorations are nothing short of impressive. The temple’s layout was adapted from the shape of the word “3” in Chinese. From the outside, the temple looks like a 8-roof communal village house. Most pillars and wooden beams are painstakingly carved, antique pictures are well preserved which adds to the glamour of Bach Ma Temple.
The temple is believed to be so sacred that French colonialists and troopers in the 19th century refused to vandalize it for fear of any spiritual reprisals.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – is the remarkable proof of enduring cultural exchange between China, Champa, and France. The creation of landscapes, the layout of palace areas, architectural art, and court decoration showcase diverse cultural developments across different historical eras.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long relics and artifacts depict a consistent history of governance, economy, and culture through successive dynasties.This history spans from the ancient capital Dai La of An Nam in the 7th to 9th centuries, under the domination of the Chinese Tang Dynasty. This historical significance persisted through the French colonial era and up to the present day.
Hanoi Train Street: For nearly a year now, authorities in Hanoi have been trying to shut down “Train Street”. Make no mistake about it, this is one of the city’s most famous unofficial attractions, as a result of trains zooming by, while people sip their coffees from several feet away along a row of open-air cafes.
The century-old railway, built by Vietnam’s former French colonial rulers in 1902, runs straight through the middle of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. What used to be a normal feature of everyday life for Hanoians has grown into one of the city’s most iconic tourist attractions. We sure couldn’t resist the urge to visit the area and a train came by while we were there so it was a bonus!
Water Puppet Show – Water puppetry is as a folk art that has evolved from serving everyday people to a show for royalty. Under the reign of the Ly Dynasty in the 12th century, the country’s best water puppet troupes were chosen to entertain the king and guests, marking a new high for the art’s social status. Many centuries later, water puppetry still amuses and fascinates audiences, and is a cherished intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Today in Vietnam, water puppet shows are not presented in flooded rice paddies but in pools of water. These pools are decorated with red tiered roofs, flags, and parasols to resemble an altar inside Vietnamese communal houses. On both sides of the stage sit the musical ensemble who bring the stories to life using their voices and traditional instruments.
Tran Quoc Pagoda – was built from 544 to 548 under the Ly dynasty and is considered the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and a symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism. With its exceptional architecture, calming scenery, and significant cultural values, this place is definitely an unmissable destination for your exploration in the capital of Vietnam.
This particular pagoda is 11 stories high and is known as a sacred “pearl” in the middle of West Lake. This is a famous religious and cultural attraction which preserves many ancient features of Vietnam’s capital.
Across the way from this site sits Ho Truc Bach Lake which is the very lake the late John McCain crashed into. The memorial dedicated to him faces the lake and is a neat piece of history to take in if that’s your jam.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, is the generous host to more than 1,600 islands and islets. It is in these islets that spectacular limestone pillars rising from the sea, reside. Their eroded notches, arches and caves create a picturesque and unique landscape. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited, completely oblivious to human existence. Ha Long Bay’s outstanding scenery and unfathomable beauty is complemented by its virgin biological biodiversity.
There are two similar legends about the origin of the bay, which are reflected in its name. The spirit of both asserts that a dragon stomped on the earth with such force that mountains crumbled, forming large valleys that soon filled with water; where only the peaks of mountains remained above the surface. Concerted efforts to preserve the biological and physical qualities of the bay have gained momentum over the last decade.
The entire 1,500-square-km area blends the sea, greenery and rock formations together to produce an exotic seascape. A plethora of marine and land mammals, reptiles, fish, and birds are found in the waters and tropical forests that accessorize the limestone decor. The best way to explore this area is by way of a 2-3 day cruise around and through it.
Cat Ba National Park – Recognized as World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2004, Cat Ba National Park, which covers 4,200ha of sea space and 9,800ha of forest, has something to captivate everyone: from fiords sleeping between cliffs and to small yellow sand beaches to clear water, to caves with steep rocks. The beautiful body of water called “Frog Lake” is the heart of the high-altitude rainforest reservoir for animals and plants. This land was also deemed to be the refuge of pirates in 1893 rebels and patriots moving the Red River Delta to the shores.
This limestone island is 48km to the east of Hai Phong (2.5h boat cruise) and about 20kms south of the famous Halong Bay. Being a national park where live wild animals of 32 species, 69 bird species and 20 species of reptiles and amphibians, it is a particularly attractive destination that deserves a stopover after visiting the eighth wonder of the world.
Trung Trang Grotto – There are 144 steps to get up into this grotto and its interlocking cave systems. The inside can be a bit precarious to get through at some points as the rock sits very low to the ground and at some points pretty slippery. It is definitely a fun way to do some exploring in the pretty neat ecosystem and biosphere that makes up this picturesque bay.
Squid Fishing – This activity is very popular in the region. After sunset is a prime time to shine either a yellow or red light off your boat and stick your homemade fishing pole into the water. I personally am not a fan of squid or octopus fishing as I find these particular sea creatures fascinating and highly intelligent. More than once I tried throwing the squid back into the water and got yelled at. Watching a poor squid flail around on a boat deck and release ink is disconcerting. However, I do recognize that it is someone’s way of life and their means to feed their family.
Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is made up of around 300 islands and limestone rocks and can be found southeast of Cat Ba Island. Essentially they are a geological extension of Halong Bay, but Lan Ha Bay is my estimation more beautiful and less visited. It is also less inhabited and therefore has the extra appeal of being a more peaceful and tranquil place altogether.
This isolated paradise is an ideal beach location as it is host to lots of tiny, pristine beaches found in alcoves. There are quite literally hundreds of undisturbed white sand beaches that are surrounded by towering limestone karsts or rocks giving people lots of privacy.
Viet Hai Fishing village – is surrounded by high mountains, thick jungles, and deep blue ocean wrapping around it. It was only a few short years ago that Viet Hai was almost completely isolated from the outside world. This is in part due to its distant locality amongst the deserted islands within Halong Bay.
There are around 80 houses that are simply made of bamboo, wood, leaves and soil. That’s it, that’s all!Just like their ancestors who had lived here for centuries, the villagers make a living by fishing, farming and……well by breeding. Their sources of food and income come from the land and nature therefore it can seem quite primitive and basic with a certain harmony to it.
Trang An and Tam Coc
Trang An is a cultural complex that contains 3 protected areas; the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong Scenic Landscape, and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest, all of which are UNESCO world Heritage sites. The property covers 6,226 hectares within the Trang A limestone massif, and is surrounded by mostly rural land with rice paddy fields. Inside the area, there are about 14,000 residents, the majority of whom are families involved in subsistence of local agriculture.
Trang An is of global significance in large part because of its interesting and tropical tower-karst landscape in the final stages of geomorphic evolution. It is composed of a variety of classical karst cones and towers and a network of enclosed depressions connected by an intricate system of subterranean waterways. Some of these waterways are navigable by small boats.
The area is unique in having been invaded by the sea several times in the recent geological past but is now emergent on land. The blend of towering mountains draped in natural rain forest, with large internal basins and narrow cave passages containing quietly flowing waters, creates an extraordinarily beautiful and tranquil landscape. Fun fact: people row their boats with their feet!
Mua Cave area, Ninh Binh
Down a quiet road between rice paddies, this cave (the name means ‘Cave of Dance’) is not terribly impressive. However, there are exquisite panoramic views from the peak above. To get there, A stone staircase beside the cave entrance weaves through the karsts and if you can manage 486 steps to a boring altar, you can see the Ngo Dong River winding through Tam Coc.
There are lots of goat droppings along the trek which can make the surfaces quite slippery. The steps are quite steep so it feels like more than 486 for sure. There are no railings either so that makes it more precarious! The peak is called the Dragon and there is a small statue at the top in the shape of a dragon.
Am Tien
Regardless of the legends, nature itself gives this place a special kind of magic. Standing at the entrance of Am Tiên and looking down, you can experience the exceptional beauty of this most ancient place even if it’s overcast or covered in fog. The temple meshes with the clouds that drape over the mountains gently and settle in an ethereal mist over the large green lake. It is a perfect place for contemplation and relaxation.
The lake is generally clear and with a little luck you will also get to see goldfishes and large Koi as well as Climbing Perch, the amazing specialty of this limestone edged water valley. Yes, the fish climbed onto the steps while we visited and we were pretty impressed! Swimming, however is strictly forbidden.
Da Nang
Da Nang is a modern city known for white-sand beaches and public art that has propelled it into one of Vietnam’s fastest growing tourist destinations. Thanks to its location in Central Vietnam, Da Nang is a strategic jumping-off point for day-tripping to neighboring iconic historical attractions, like the ancient port town of Hoi An, the former imperial capital of Hue and the Hindu temples of My Son.
Things to do in Da Nang
The Golden Bridge: is nestled inside Ba Na hills and overlooks the city. It has a height of 1487 meters above sea level, this bridge is considered to be a masterpiece with golden-hue gilded railing frames and a winding shape. In total it stretches 150m in length! The cable car ride up is 17 minutes of nail biting, sweating profusely, anxiety inducing stuff of nightmares. It was high, and then at the half way mark it got higher all while I’m trying to manage my fear of heights. It was challenging to say the least.
Fun fact: it is the longest single-wire cable car system in the world, with a total length of 5,771.61 meters. Additionally, this cable car system has the heaviest cable reel in the world, weighing 141.24 tons. It’s impressive, thrilling and terrifying all wrapped up in one ride to and from the foothill.
The Golden Bridge is newly-built and has become a new symbol of Da Nang since 2018. Golden Bridge is called “Cau Vang” in Vietnamese. The bridge is supported by two gigantic hands just like the hands of God. This symbolizes a mystery of nature as God is carrying the gift from the ground. The design engineer is a woman from Ho Chi Minh City (the former Saigon). This place is pretty ethereal and the construction is outstanding. You feel like you are up in the clouds!
Once you finish walking the length of the bridge there are several lovely terraces and viewing points as well as a garden and a Lady Buddha statue that is quite masterful and grand. There is a garden maze too that had me lost amongst the greens lol. There is a shrine you can also visit:)
Monkey Mountain: Son Tra Mountain is also referred to as Monkey Mountain. This mountain is a primordial woodland with breathtaking vistas and diverse ecosystems. There are about 1,000 plant species and 120 animal species that can be found in this old forest, which covers an area of 4,500 hectares. Hence, the majority of people that visit the mountain desire to observe the wildlife and plants.
The Lady Buddha is simply majestic. She is breathtaking and worth the humid weather to go see her.
Dragon Bridge: is the world’s largest dragon-shaped steel bridge. With an installation cost of $85 million, it has 6 lanes and 666 devilish meters of undulating steel shaped into a Ly-Dynasty dragon figure which happens to be the the symbol of prosperity in Vietnamese culture.
On weekends and holidays, the dragon “breathes” fire and water. The deliberate integration of lighting technology, with more than 2,500 LED lights, exquisitely shows the dragon’s body and its vivid fire-breathing head.
Marble Mountains: are a group of five limestone peaks situated seven kilometres from downtown Da Nang. Marble Mountains has held special significance for the people of Central Vietnam. The ancient Cham revered the karsts as a spiritual site, and Vietnamese emperors from Hue and legendary generals passing through paid visits to the peaks, adding to their store of legends.
It is also home to a network of caves, tunnels, towers, and pagodas built by Mahayana Buddhists and the Nguyen Dynasty Kings. The beautiful structures and spirituality of the shrines blend harmoniously with nature. There are vines hanging from above, and frangipani and poinciana trees plop their blossoms on the stone paths. The result is that the ornate roofs of the pagodas sparkle (literally) in the glistening sun. It’s a magical setting that easily captures the imagination.
Am Phu Cave – is nestled amongst the Marble Mountains of Da Nang is a huge cave. What’s cool about this cave is that deep inside is a re-creation of a Buddhist hell where sinners confess crimes, suffer punishments, and hope to reach heaven’s light. It’s pretty dark but many believers flock to this cave with hopes of understanding their sins and its outcome on their afterlife.
After crossing a bridge symbolizing the passage from existence on earth into the afterlife, you enter into what the hellish afterlife is supposed to represent. The cave is decorated with man-hungry crocodiles, violent demons, and fanged devils. It’s definitely creepy.
My Son
The My Son Sanctuary is a remarkable architectural ensemble that developed over a period of ten centuries (from the 4th century to the 13th). It presents a vivid picture of spiritual and political life in an important phase of the history of South-East Asia.
During the 4th to 13th centuries CE this unique culture, on the coast of contemporary Viet Nam, owed its spiritual origins to the Hinduism of the Indian sub-continent. Under this influence many temples were built to the Hindu divinities such as Krishna and Vishnu, but above all Shiva.
The monuments of the My Son sanctuary are the most important constructions of the My Son civilization. The tower temples have a variety of architectural designs symbolizing the greatness and purity of Mount Meru, the mythical and sacred mountain home of Hindu gods at the center of the universe.
My Khe Beach (China Beach)
The US military and its soldiers occupied a part of the beach before 1975. This was their R&R locale. Given its convenient location to the city center, My Khe’s 9 km stretch of beach and coastline is an ideal spot first beach bumming, sunbathing, beach dining and water sports. It is a huge beach with smooth sand and clear blue water.
Vietnamese Massage
The traditional Vietnamese massage technique, or “Tam quat,” stimulates blood circulation by punching and clapping on the treatment areas. Yeah, it is a bit jarring. It basically relieves pain by putting pressure on the afflicted muscle to help you relax. The technique is soothing, relaxing but also it bit rough.
I wanted a traditional foot massage which starts by the washing of the feet and legs. Mai, my massage therapist chose acupressure points and pressed on them to increase the circulation to remove toxins and stress from my body. After working her way down to my feet and doing the same, she applied a lemon grass oil on my feet and legs. Finally, she performed Tam quat by punching, and doing a form of percussion on my whole body from the back to the legs. I felt like a million bucks after this!
Hoi An
With its old-world architecture, cobbled streets, and distinctive yellow shop fronts decorated with colorful lanterns, Hoi An has consistently scored high marks for beauty and appeal. This town has been a UNESCO world cultural heritage site since 1999 however, long before this designation, it had a long history of drawing people in from across the globe.
Today, tourism is the town’s economic role but there is evidence of its fascinating history everywhere. Wander any of its picturesque, pedestrian-friendly streets and you’ll see influences from a range of eras, places and cultures. And with its many shop-houses, it’s still considered a mecca for purchasing silk and other valued items. Jonathan and I both bought some articles of clothing that were tailor made for us on the spot. I really fancied the silk and Jonathan the linen 🙂
Things to do in Hoi An
Coconut Boat Ride
The 7ha Coconut Forest Hoi An is located in Cam Thanh, approximately 5 kms south of Hoi An’s Old Town. This fun and unforgettable activity has a history of over 300 years! The coconut boat ride in Hoi An is a must-try experience for explorers. This ride will take you along the peaceful waterways, surrounded by picturesque coconut groves, as you calmly drift down the Thu Bon river. It is truly a culturally immersive and memorable adventure.
Lantern Lighting
If ever there was a symbol that represents Hoi An, it’s the lantern! Ever since Chinese and Japanese traders introduced them hundreds of years ago, lanterns have always been fabricated, hung and sold here. The best time to visit Hoi An is during the lantern festival, held on the 14th day of every lunar month, when the moon is full. However, every night the town reduces its electricity usage, in order for the candle-lit lanterns to be lit. Once lit, the lanterns are set adrift to bring good luck. We found a serene spot along the waterway and watched the boats and lanterns light up the waterway and sky.
Vietnamese Home Cooking Class
I love taking cooking classes while traveling and Vietnam was no different. There’s something special about taking classes in the homes of locals as you really get a feel for the authenticity of the culture, lifestyle and food!
Worth the visit or not: WORTH!
In the last 20 years, Vietnam decided to reinvent itself and what happened, almost overnight was it became Southeast Asia’s most exciting tourist destination. Mission: accomplished!
After experiencing devastating wars for the larger part of the 20th century, Vietnam rose from the ashes like a bad ass Phoenix and became a hotspot for foodies, beach bums and thrill-seekers alike. Vietnam’s natural wonders, from Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta via the beaches of Da Nang, make it truly magical. The national parks offer some truly magnificent limestone mountains that are perfect for nature lovers.
Vietnam is a hat trick destination full of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and world-famous cuisine. Aside from its fantastic cuisine, coffee in Vietnam is also quite famous. Weasel coffee is probably what people think of the most. I have seen the appalling conditions the animals are kept for the sake of this type of coffee and I refuse to partake in that level of cruelty. However, regular arabica or robusta coffee it is made with sweetened, condensed milk, egg whites and sugar. It’s tastier than it sounds!
Historical yet cosmopolitan cities such as Hanoi present an educational and urban experience thus making Vietnam an interesting destination for those interested in history. From ancient dynasties to the Vietnam War, history lovers can get their bucket filled from the many war sites, artifacts and museums that this country has to offer.
And if that’s not enough, you can also relax on one of Vietnam’s stunning beaches. Given that there is over 3,000km of pristine coastline and close to 3,000 islands, there are ample opportunities to treat yourself when it comes to your best beach self.
Happy Travels!