In 2022 and 2023, Vietnam’s largest island was named the world’s leading nature island destination at the World Travel Awards.

Half of the 574km² island is a UNESCO-protected National Park which features rugged mountains, lush forests, hiking trails, wildlife and waterfalls, offering adventure seekers and nature lovers plenty of opportunities for fun outdoor activities and discoveries.

As the island is surrounded by fringing reefs that are home to a variety of tropical fish and coral life, its surrounding waters is a haven for snorkellers and scuba divers.

Landlubbers are not left out as the island has cultural and historical landmarks and activities that offer immersive and memorable experiences.

We spotlight five experiences you shouldn’t miss on Phu Quoc island.

1. Explore the island’s beautiful beaches

Boasting a coastline that stretches for 150km, Phu Quoc is a beach lover’s dream destination! The island has 21 beaches, offering something for everyone.

Besides swimming and sunbathing, Sao (Star) Beach, known for its powdery white sand and clear waters, is great for snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing and jet skiing.

As its name suggests, Starfish (Rach Vem) Beach is famous for the orange starfish that can be found on its sandbank especially in the months of September and October.

True to its name, Long Beach has a coastline stretching some 20km long. The buzzy beach strip has luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, cafes, beach clubs, bars, souvenir shops and tourist services.

Located on the west coast, Ong Lang Beach boasts some of the best sunset views on the island.

On the northwestern coast is the more secluded white sand Ganh Dau Beach, surrounded by pristine forest and mountains, and also famous for its revolutionary past.

2. Spot white lions at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc & conquer thrilling games at VinWonders Phu Quoc

Get ready for loads of close-up encounters with wildlife at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, the country’s first semi-wildlife park. Home to over 3,000 animals from 150 different species including rare and endangered ones, the wildlife conservation park has an Open Zoo and a Safari Park.

At the Open Zoo, you can catch animal shows and spot square-lipped rhinoceros, lemurs, white lions, scimitar oryx and Bongo antelope, among other animals.

Kids aged 5 to 12 will love Kid Zoo where they can play the role of junior zookeepers and participate in activities such as feeding giraffes and cleaning the animals’ houses.

Over at the Safari Park, you’ll get to experience the feeling of being enclosed in a bus while animals like Bengal tigers, lions, white rhinoceros and leopards roam freely around you!

For thrilling rides, high-tech games, shows and performances, head to VinWonders Phu Quoc, one of Vietnam’s largest theme parks. The entertainment paradise has six zones, each with 12 distinct themes inspired by global civilisations, fairy tales and anecdotes.

Be transported to the picturesque streets of mediaeval Europe, filled with bustling shops and iconic brick houses with pointed roofs, at European Streetmosphere. At Fairy World, Alice in Wonderland fans can follow Alice to meet favourite characters like Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat and White Rabbit.

At The Sea Shell, one of the world’s five largest aquariums, engage in interactive experiences like fish feeding, dining with sharks and taking photos with mermaids.

At Mysterious Viking Village, experience the life of a Viking warrior by engaging in activities like navigating challenging waters, crossing a precarious bridge, ziplining across a raging river and embracing the heroic melodies and powerful dances of victory songs.    

Typhoon World offers over 35 exciting water games including Oahu Waves where you plunge into tsunami-like splashes; Maui Twin Tornadoes where you face the fury of fierce tornadoes as you slide down Vietnam’s most thrilling spiral slide; and Serpent’s Venom where you discover your limits on the country’s first 175 metre-long slide.

3. Discover the secrets of fish sauce production & pepper cultivation

Love fish sauce or pepper? Find out how the two prized items are produced on the island by visiting fish sauce factories and pepper farms.

A major contributor to the island’s economy, fish sauce has been produced on Phu Quoc for over 200 years. About 12 million litres of fish sauce are produced every year by some 85 factories on the island. In 2021, Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially recognised the island’s fish sauce production as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Fish sauce is made by combining anchovies, salt, water and sometimes locally grown pepper, then fermented through various stages between six months to a year. The highest quality fish sauce is nuoc mam nhi, the first liquid to come out from the barrel containing the fermented anchovies, or extra-virgin fish sauce.

Fish sauce factories that you can visit include Hung Thanh and Khai Hoan in Duong Dong town and Phung Hung in An Thoi town along the river.

Thanks to Phu Quoc’s mineral-rich soil, its peppers have hard seeds, firm skins and remarkable aroma and taste. Two main types of pepper trees are cultivated on the island: Ha Tien and Phu Quoc (large leaf pepper and small leaf pepper).

Head to pepper farms like Phu Quoc Countryside (aka Phu Quoc Pepper Farm), Duc Ninh, Suoi Da and Khu Tuong to learn about the planting, harvesting and drying processes of peppers, and bring home fresh pepper products.

4. See scenes of past torture at the island’s most prominent historic site 

Get a glimpse of the island’s heroic history at Phu Quoc Prison, aka Phu Quoc Coconut Tree Prison or Phu Quoc Prison Camp.

Built in 1946 by the French colonialists to imprison Vietnamese dissidents during the Indochina War, the former prison is a poignant reminder of the island’s turbulent past during the colonial occupation and Vietnam War.

Covering an area of 400 hectares, it was said to be the largest prison in Southeast Asia at the time. At its peak, it housed up to 40,000 prisoners. In 1967, it was reconstructed and expanded to 12 main areas with 500 barracks.

Watch a short screening of the island’s history and check out artefacts, documentary illustrations and camp records at the Exhibition House of Relics.

Brace yourself for re-enactments of gruesome scenes of inhumane punishments including the notorious Catso Tiger Cages at the B2 Section.

A popular photo spot at the Prisoner Graveyard is the fist monument which represents the indomitable spirit and sacrifices of the prisoners.

5. Feast on street food & soak up buzzy vibes at night markets

A trip to Phu Quoc would not be complete without exploring its night markets and indulging in its popular street food.

Head straight for the famous Phu Quoc Night Market on Bach Dang Street in the heart of Duong Dong Town. The night market has over 100 stalls, a food zone and a shopping section.

Located at the start of the night market, the food zone is lined with food stalls and carts selling dried goods like fish sauce, dried seafood and sim wine, a local speciality made from the fruits of  local rose myrtle trees.

Feast on live seafood like crabs, fish, prawns, clams, scallops, oysters, snails, squids and mussels, either grilled, boiled, stir fried or deep fried, and enjoy them with local dips and sauces. Be sure to leave space for popular street eats like Vietnamese pizza, grilled skewed meats, grilled corn, Chou Chou peanuts, ice cream rolls, coconut ice cream, palm sugar honeycomb cake and stretched sugar candy.

Towards the end of the night market is the shopping area where you can shop for T-shirts, shoes, bags, handicrafts, cosmetics, paintings, jewellery and Phu Quoc’s famous pearls.

The post 5 Best Experiences in Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s Largest Island appeared first on Southeast Asia.

There’s never a dull moment in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city and the main hub of the southern region. Formerly known as Saigon, the city has an energetic vibe that’s characterised by a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity.

We spotlight six must-dos when you are visiting the bustling city. 

1. Discover historical marvels and war memorials

Ho Chi Minh City is steeped in history, with landmarks that tell stories of both its colonial past and its pivotal role in Vietnam’s recent history. The War Remnants Museum offers a profound, albeit sombre, perspective on the Vietnam War with its compelling exhibits. Similarly, the Reunification Palace stands as a symbol of the country’s reunified era.

For a glimpse into the city’s colonial architecture, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Saigon Central Post Office, designed by French architect Marie-Alfred Foulhoux, are must-visits.

2. Indulge in the city’s local specialities and street food staples

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned worldwide and Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect place to indulge in a delicious array of local flavours. From restaurants and cafes serving contemporary Vietnamese dishes to street stalls, pushcarts and bicycle vendors offering pho, banh mi, banh xeo, banh cuon, hu tieu, com tam and more, it’s no surprise that the city is a foodie paradise.

Be sure to visit the bustling Ben Thanh Market where you can enjoy a variety of local eats as well as shop for a wide range of souvenirs.

3. Enjoy the city’s lively nightlife scene through its rooftop bars

As the sun sets, the city transforms into a lively hub of entertainment. District 1, known for its rooftop bars, offers stunning city views accompanied by cocktails and music.

For a more local experience, head to the famous Bui Vien Street in the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker district which is home to bars, live music venues and street food spots.

4. Go on day trips to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels

Venture beyond the city to experience the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta. A day trip here includes exploring floating markets, riding through canals and tasting local fruits.

History enthusiasts will not want to miss the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong to evade American and South Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. As you’ll be exploring tight underground spaces, do dress appropriately.

5. Shop like a local for the best value

Ho Chi Minh City has its fair share of high-end malls and department stores like Vincom Center, Diamond Plaza, Hung Vuong Plaza, Saigon Centre and Van Hanh Mall, but for the best local shopping experience, visit a local market. 

Besides Ben Thanh Market, bustling markets like An Dong Market, Binh Tay Market and Hanh Thong Tay Market sell everything from clothing, accessories, footwear, textile and handicrafts to fresh produce, spices and local delicacies. Not only do the markets offer some of the best deals in the city, they also provide opportunities for you to interact with the locals, practise your bargaining skills and immerse in the lively atmosphere. 

6. Explore Vietnamese culture and local lifestyle

Get a peek into Vietnamese culture, a fascinating blend of old and new, by visiting the city’s temples and pagodas such as Jade Emperor Pagoda, Giac Lam Pagoda, Thien Hau Pagoda, Phu Chau Floating Temple and Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda. 

One of the best ways to experience the local way of life is to go on a walking tour through the city’s historic districts. Flower fans must check out Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, one of the city’s largest flower markets, in District 10. Besides a diverse range of fresh flowers, floral products and potted plants, the flower market also has lots of food vendors offering a mouth-watering array of popular street food.

The post 6 Ways To Experience the Best of Ho Chi Minh City appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Step into the bustling streets of Hanoi with its colonial architecture and never-ending motorbike traffic. Retreat to nature and experience the serene sights of Halong Bay, a UNESCO heritage site and home to Hollywood movie sets. End the trip with a trek along the terraced rice fields of Sapa, the only place in Vietnam that experiences snowfall in winter.

We spotlight 3 best things to do in Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa in a week.

Indulge in Hanoi’s food and catch a glimpse of its culture

Hanoi’s Old Quarter (aka Hoan Kiem District) is a must visit and the best way to explore it is on foot. With a 1,000-year-old history, a mishmash of temples, pagodas, cathedrals, art galleries and colonial architecture, every street and turn offer something different.

Step back in time to one of the oldest houses in Hanoi built in the 1890s – the Ancient House on 87 Ma May Street. Recognised as a national monument, Ancient House is the place to get an understanding of the ancient way of life through its traditional Vietnamese architecture, ceramic kitchenware and artefacts.

Shop for T-shirts, bags and souvenirs at Dong Xuan Market, or order a local Vietnamese coffee from a roadside stall and watch the world go by. In the evening, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and mingle with the locals as they practice tai chi – a form of martial arts.

Cross the wooden bridge to visit the Ngoc Son Temple which sits in the middle of the lake on a small island. Just beside the lake, be entertained by local youths dancing on the street to the latest K-pop beats.

In the vicinity of the Hoan Kiem Lake, peek into the lives of the Vietnamese through a water puppet theatre show, which features scenes of daily living, entertainment or Vietnamese legends. Tickets can be purchased on site, preferably a day in advance to secure seats. For more information, check out the Thang Long Water Puppet website.

Hanoi has a host of dining options to offer, and here’s a list to tickle your taste buds:

• Vietnamese restaurants – Nhà Hàng Ngon for Vietnamese pancakes, Nhà hàng Tầm Vị, Chả Cá Thăng Long for fish noodles

• Banh Mi – Banh Mi Lan Ong, Bánh Mì 25

• Phở – Quán Bún Thang Bà Đức, Bún riêu cua Hàng Bạc, Nhà Hàng Miến Lươn ĐÔNG THỊNH, Phở Thìn

• Cafes – Aroi Dessert Café, Coffee Cây, Maison Marou Hanoi, Đinh Café, Cafe Giảng

• French cuisine – La Terrasse du Metropole (at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel), Green Tangerine, Duong Restaurant Ma May (for French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine and cooking classes)

Pro Tip: When crossing busy roads with motorcycle traffic, keep walking at a steady pace and do not stop. Motorcyclists know how to skilfully navigate around pedestrians, and stopping abruptly will send a confusing signal. Cross the streets with locals if you need the added courage.

Enjoy the tranquility of Halong Bay

Escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi to the serene waters of Halong Bay. With its towering limestone structures and unique seascape, this natural wonder is sure to charm. Many famous movies have been filmed here. They include Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Pan (2015), and Kong: Skull Island (2017).

From Hanoi, it is a two- to three-hour journey by bus or private car to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. An overnight stay on a traditional junk boat in Halong Bay is a great way to unwind and get your digital detox amid the peace and calm of the bay. If you don’t have time for an overnight stay, a day cruise along the bay is a convenient option to take in the sights.

Activities are aplenty in Halong Bay. Go island-hopping (recommended spots are Cat Ba Island and National Park, Titop Island and Tuan Chau Island), explore caves, visit pearl farms and check out floating villages. Those up for some water activities can kayak, snorkel or dive. The best way to experience these activities would be to sign up with a tour operator who will take care of everything from transportation and accommodation to food.

Pro Tip: Climb to the top of Ti Top Island to get a panoramic view of the bay, and catch the sunset from there. If you’re an early bird, rise early to catch the glorious sunrise hitting the waters of Halong Bay.

Scale the mountains of Sapa

From Halong Bay, head back to Hanoi and continue the journey onward to Sapa – either by a train, bus or private car. Located 300km away, a one-night stay is recommended to make the journey worthwhile. Located at 1,500m above sea level, Sapa’s air is fresh and crisp compared to Hanoi’s.

Trek through the rice field terrains with a good pair of hiking shoes, take in the amazing mountain views and visit ethnic minority group villages such as the Hmong and the Red Dzao people along the way.

If you’re in luck, you may even enjoy traditional musical performances at the villages. Walk all the way through to Cat Cat Village and be treated to a majestic and glorious waterfall at the end. Don’t be startled to see pigs, buffalos and goats roaming around as villagers keep them as pets. Keep your eyes peeled for villagers planting rice and you’ll be amazed at the amount of hard work required! To experience the village life through and through, opt for a traditional home stay (find them through Airbnb or standalone offerings online) instead of a hotel stay.

If you have fallen in love with Vietnamese cuisine at this point and would like to hone your cooking skills, take a cooking class in Sapa, which includes going to the local wet market and shopping for ingredients early in the morning – you won’t get produce any fresher than this!

But if you just want to feast, try the unique cuisines of the ethnic minority groups in Sapa. Don’t be offended if you’re offered snake wine. Some restaurants visibly display the clear jar of rice wine, with the entire snake still immersed in it!

Pro Tip: While the actual journey to Sapa by bus or private car may be shorter (six to seven hours), compared to the train (eight to nine hours), discover the romance of train travel, and at the same time, maximise your time spent and save on one night’s accommodation on the overnight sleeper train. From Lao Cai train station, it takes another hour by bus or car to reach Sapa. A sleeper bus is also an interesting option if you get a good spot on the second level of the bus by the window, to watch Vietnam’s endless motorcycle traffic flow while taking in the views in the comfort of your “lie-flat bed”.

Photos courtesy of Changi Airport Group

This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “Exploring North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa) in a week”

The post 3 Best Things To Do In Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa In One Week appeared first on Southeast Asia.

But if it’s your first visit, we hope our itinerary, which covers key destinations like capital city Hanoi and populous Ho Chi Minh City, will help you narrow down some great spots to add to your own.

Day 1: Feast, shop and sightsee in Hanoi

At this point, you’ve probably landed at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport. Founded over 1,000 years ago, Vietnam’s charming capital city is where the old meets new. Its preserved colonial buildings will transport you back in time while its watering holes and rooftop bars boast of its vibrant nightlife scene.

Start off by fuelling up at the Old Quarter, one of Hanoi’s famous lively streets located in the Hoan Kiem district. This is right in the heart of Hanoi – a tourist hotspot filled with rows of street shops selling souvenirs as well as Vietnamese cuisine.

When hunger strikes, go for some beloved street specialities such as pho or banh mi. For the latter, head for Pate Banh Mi, an open-air roadside stall located right on the corner of 11th Street. For just 20,000 VND (~ S$1.20), you’ll get a delicious toasted baguette stuffed full of fatty BBQ pork and fresh vegetables topped with spicy chilli sauce. Grab a plastic stool and order an iced cold beer for only 10,000 VND (S$0.60) to wash it all down.

For some light shopping after your meal, check out Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest indoor market which offers fresh produce as well as wholesale fashion and accessories on the upper levels.

Round off your day with a quiet walk at Hoan Kiem Lake. A well-loved area, by both the old and young, this is where you’ll find locals exercising and getting some fresh air. Best of all, it’s a picturesque destination with pagoda-like stone gateways that make scenic backdrops for your photos.

With most tourist attractions of Hanoi centred around the Old Quarter, some recommended accommodations nearby include Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy, Tirant Hotel and Luna Heaven Room. To get around, taxis may be your cheapest and best bet. Alternatively, rent a motorbike for about S$10 a day if you have a licence.

Day 2: Get acquainted with Vietnam’s culture and history

Start your day with a hearty Vietnamese breakfast along the rows of stalls at the Old Quarter. Check out Pho Bat Dan, a stall that has been around since the 1960s. It is known for its aromatic Beef Pho (50,000-70,000 VND, ~S$3 to S$4.20), made with rich bone marrow. Its broth is famously sweet, all thanks to beef bones that have been carefully stewed for hours. Expect long queues, though the wait will most definitely be worth it!

After breakfast, head to Ho Chi Minh Museum. Vietnam’s most famous museum, it houses collections of national treasures and artefacts which provide a better understanding of what helped shape Vietnam into the country it is today.

Just a short car ride away is Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Considering that this place was used by French colonists to hold up to 2,000 political prisoners during the Vietnam War, you’ll get fascinating insights into the country’s history. Having said that, such a historical trip can be rather heavy as it points to the harsh realities of war. Be prepared to pass through old prison cells and see gruesome relics like the French guillotine, for instance, which was once used to execute Vietnamese revolutionaries.

If you’re in town between Friday and Sunday, be sure to check out the Hanoi Weekend Night Market to enjoy some roadside street food and night shopping.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Halong Bay

Take a 4-hour bus ride to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s famous for its impressive limestone karsts, and some 2,000 islands and islets.

If adventure is your middle name, this is the place to go kayaking and cave-hopping. If not, explore the area on a day cruise from Halong City.

A typical day tour takes you through amazing attractions like the Ba Hang Fishing Village, a rustic floating village that is home to approximately 50 families who live in 5m² to 10m² floating houses and rely on fishing for their daily income.

You’ll also pass by Sung Sot Cave, a stunning cave that houses over 100,000-year-old stalagmites and stalactites (icicle and rock-shaped deposits). Pass through narrow passageways and be greeted with the work of mother nature, particularly high ceilings of interesting rock formations that resemble animals.

Day 4: Venture out to Da Nang Beach for more stunning nature

To make the best out of your travels to Vietnam, consider heading to Da Nang Beach. In the interest of time though, it is best to fly there (the flight is about 80 minutes compared to 16 hours by car and 18 hours by train). A domestic flight via VietJet Air or Vietnam Airlines typically costs between S$140 to S$250.

This coastal city is most known for its sandy beaches, Buddhist sanctuaries and pagoda temples, as well as the famed Marble Mountains. Set aside two hours to explore the mountains and be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking uphill for a fair bit. The entrance fee to these mountains is currently priced at 40,000 VND (~S$2.40).

For a more laidback activity, visit My Khe Beach, one of Da Nang’s most popular beaches, to enjoy a chill afternoon swim, beach-bumming or even some surfboarding (200,000 VND, ~S$12 rental per hour).

Day 5-6: Visit Ho Chi Minh City for more food and explorations

Commonly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is another popular city in Vietnam that should not be missed. The city is an hour plus flight from Da Nang. (Air tickets range between S$100 to S$130). After all that adventure and walking earlier on, you might want to take it easy for the next two days.

Shopaholics will want to wander through Ben Thanh Market which sells local produce and food as well as an array of souvenirs, T-shirts with witty slogans and traditional handicrafts.

There’s also 42 Nguyen Street, a quaint building and hidden gem that has been turned into a shopping centre filled with more fashion goods and accessories. You might also want to drop by Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest temple in Ho Chi Minh City dating back to 1744. At the entrance of this historic site sits a sacred bodhi tree that was a present from a visiting monk from Sri Lanka in 1953.

For a more localised and unique experience, opt for a day tour (about nine hours long) to the Mekong Delta where you get to explore the distinctive delta landscape on a motorised river boat. A typical tour includes full transport – from hotel pick-up to the actual boat ride and drop-off. You’ll cruise along stunning mazes of rivers, passing by temples, rice fields as well as iconic fishing villages with stilt houses. You’ll also get to stop by areas like Tortoise Islet for a traditional Vietnamese lunch and An Khanh, a beautiful province, where you’ll taste delicious seasonal fruits paired with honey tea.

Enjoy your night to the fullest at nightspots like Blanchy’s Lounge and Apocalypse Now, and revel in the sizzling music and fun ambience.

Clearly, there won’t be a dull moment in the colourful city of Ho Chi Minh!

Things to note when travelling in Vietnam

• Download the PC-Covid mobile app for contact tracing purposes during your stay in the country
• Face masks are required in crowded public places like airport terminals, supermarkets, bus stations and public transport vehicles
• Due to the nature of the pandemic, do visit Vietnam’s official website for the latest information on Covid-19 restrictions affecting travellers

This article has been adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “6D5N: Things to do when visiting Vietnam for the first time”

The post 5 Things To Do When Visiting Vietnam For The First Time appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Banh cuon

These steamed rice rolls are filled with minced pork, wood ear mushrooms and onions, topped with fried shallots and coriander, and served with nuoc cham (dipping sauce comprising fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, chilli, water and sugar), bean sprouts, basil and cha lua (Vietnamese pork sausage).

Banh khot

These mini savoury pancakes are made with coconut milk, rice flour and turmeric powder, topped with shrimp, mung beans, spring onions, fried garlic or dried shrimp flakes, served with herbs and vegetables, and a spicy sweet dipping sauce.

Bahn mi

One of Vietnam’s most popular street foods, this sandwich is made from crusty baguette (introduced to Vietnam by French colonists in the late 19th century) that is stuffed with meats such as pork, pate, ham and sausage, eggs and vegetables such as cilantro, cucumber, pickled carrot and daikon, drizzled with chilli sauce or mayonnaise.

Banh xeo

These crispy savoury crepes, which translate as “sizzling cakes”, are made with rice flour, coconut milk and turmeric powder, and filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and spring onions. They are usually served with rice paper, herbs and vegetables such as lettuce, basil and mint, and nuoc cham (dipping sauce comprising fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, chilli, water and sugar). Place small portions of banh xeo together with some greens in the moistened rice paper and roll it up before dipping it into the nuoc cham.

Bo la lot

This popular southern Vietnamese dish is made of minced beef mixed with garlic, shallots and spices, wrapped in wild betel leaf (or piper lolot leaves), then grilled over a charcoal flame. It is topped with crushed roasted peanuts, and served with rice paper, vermicelli rice noodles, raw herbs and vegetables, and nuoc cham (dipping sauce comprising fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, chilli, water and sugar).

Bo luc lac

This dish, which translates as “beef shaking”, takes its name from the motion of the wok or pan when the beef cubes are being stir-fried over high heat. The beef is marinated in garlic, fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil, then stir-fried with onions, and served on a bed of vegetables such as watercress, cucumbers and tomatoes.

Bot chien

This popular street food is the Vietnamese version of Singapore’s and Malaysia’s fried carrot cake. Instead of daikon or white radish, the rectangular flour cakes are made with rice flour and tapioca starch, fried with soy sauce, fish sauce, chilli sauce and eggs, and topped with green onions and shredded green papaya.

Bun bo Hue

A Hue speciality, this spicy beef noodle soup features a rich and flavourful broth which is made by slowly simmering beef and pork parts such as ox tail, beef shank, pork neck bones, pork feet and pork knuckles or ham hocks, together with lemon grass, shrimp paste, garlic, shallots, red pepper flakes, paprika and ground annatto seeds to give it a bright red colour. The soup is eaten with round rice noodles and topped with beef slices, ham slices, cubes of congealed pig’s blood, green onions, white onions and coriander leaves. It is usually served with a plate of lime wedges, banana blossoms, bean sprouts, mint leaves and other herbs.

Bun cha

One of Hanoi’s most famous foods, this dish of rice vermicelli with grilled pork is served with dipping sauce, pickled carrots and papaya, and fresh herbs and vegetables.

Bun dau mam tom

As its name indicates, there are three main ingredients in this dish – bun is Vietnamese for vermicelli noodle, dau is tofu (usually fried) and mam tom is fermented shrimp paste sauce. Some places also serve this dish with boiled pork, young rice cake, fried spring rolls, cucumber and fresh herbs.

Bun thang

A Hanoi speciality, this chicken-based soup is served with vermicelli noodle and topped with shredded chicken, Vietnamese ham slices, finely sliced omelette, green onions and fresh herbs.

Bun thit nuong

This popular dish comprises grilled pork, thin vermicelli rice noodles, chopped lettuce, sliced cucumbers, bean sprouts, pickled daikon and carrots, basil, mint and chopped peanuts, served with fried spring roll and eaten with nuoc cham (dipping sauce comprising fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, chilli, water and sugar).

Cao lau

Hoi An speciality – rice noodles with barbecued pork slices, crunchy pork crackling, bean sprouts and local greens

Ca phe trung

This Vietnamese egg coffee is made by beating egg yolks with sweet condensed milk until it becomes airy and creamy. The meringue-like mixture is then slowly poured on top of hot or iced coffee.

Cha ca la vong

This iconic Hanoi dish features fish that has been marinated with turmeric, shrimp paste and fish sauce before being grilled, tossed with dill and spring onions, and served with vermicelli noodles, roasted peanuts and dipping sauce.

Com ga Hoi An

A Hoi An speciality, this chicken rice features rice cooked in chicken broth and turmeric, served with shredded chicken, shredded papaya and herbs.

Com tam

This dish of broken rice is served with grilled pork chops, shredded pig skin, egg meat loaf, cucumber, tomato, pickled vegetables, fried egg and dipping sauce.

Ga tan

A Hanoi speciality and a health tonic, this stewed sweet herbal chicken soup is cooked with chicken and a mix of Chinese herbs such as red dates, honey dates, wolfberries, dried longan, pei ji and yuk chuk (Solomon’s Seal).

Goi cuon

One of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes, these fresh spring rolls can be eaten as a snack, appetiser or main meal. The rolls are made with rehydrated rice paper that is filled with shrimp or pork, raw vegetables like basil, coriander and mint, and vermicelli noodles, and served with nuoc cham (dipping sauce comprising fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, chilli, water and sugar) or peanut sauce.

Hu tieu

This popular dish of rice noodle soup is topped with pork, prawns and fish balls.

Mi quang

This Hoi An speciality features turmeric noodles topped with roasted pork, shrimp, fresh lettuce, mint, basil, garlic, spring onions, quail eggs and crushed peanuts.

Pho

Regarded as the national dish of Vietnam, this flat rice noodle soup features two basic types – beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga) – and is usually served with a plate of fresh herbs and vegetables such as basil, cilantro and bean sprouts, along with lime wedges, chilli sauce and hoisin sauce (a sweet and spicy sauce made from soy beans, sugar, garlic and vinegar).

Xoi

One of the country’s most popular foods, xoi is Vietnamese for sticky rice or glutinous rice. There are many sweet and savoury variations available, with the steamed sticky rice mixed with peanuts, beans, fruit, coconut, pandan juice and sesame seeds, and others eaten with meat and eggs.

The post Vietnam’s Best Eats appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Da Lat

• Da Lat Night Market
• Phan Dinh Phung Street
• Xuan Hong Lake

Da Nang

• Chu Van An Street
• Con Market
• Han Market
• Hoang Dieu Street
• Huynh Thuc Khang Street
• Le Dinh Duong Street
• Ngo Gia Tu Street
• Nguyen Chi Thanh Street
• Pasteur Street
• Pham Hong Thai Street
• Phan Chau Trinh Street
• Thai Phien Street
• Trung Nu Vong Street

Hanoi

• Cau Go Street
• Dong Xuan Market Lane
• Hang Buom Street
• Hang Dieu Street
• Hang Ga Street
• Hang Than Street
• Hoan Kiem Street
• Hoe Nhai Street
• Ly Van Phuc Street
• Ngu Xa Street
• Nguyen Huu Huan Street
• Phung Hung Street
• To Tich Street

Ho Chi Minh

• Ben Thanh Street Food Market
• Co Giang Street
• Nguyen Thuong Hien Street
• Phan Van Han Street (Binh Thanh District)
• Rubik Zoo
• Su Van Hanh Street
• Tran Khac Chan Street
• Van Kiep Street (Phu Nhuan/Binh Thanh Districts)
• Vinh Khanh Street

Hoi An

• Central Market
• Nguyen Hue Street
• Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
• Phan Chau Trinh Street
• Truong Minh Luong Street

Hue

• Dong Ba Market
• Han Mac Tu Street
• Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street
• Tay Loc Market
• Tran Cao Van Street
• Truong Dinh Street

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