Vietnam

Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia, famous for its beautiful beaches, rivers, Buddhist temples, and busy cities. Hanoi, the main city of Vietnam, honors its famous Communist leader, Ho Chi Minh, by having a large marble building called a mausoleum dedicated to him. Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, has buildings and sites left over from when Vietnam was under French control. It also has museums that tell the story of the Vietnam War, as well as the Củ Chi tunnels, which soldiers used during that time.

EXCHANGING MONEY IN VIETNAM

In tourist spots, prices are often given in US Dollars to make it more convenient. But be careful – you will have to pay twice as much if you use US dollars, so it is better to exchange your money before you go to Vietnam. You can use credit cards, debit cards, or cash for payment, but cash is the most commonly accepted option.

FOOD AND FOOD TOUR IN VIETNAM

Vietnam’s food is really special. In the south, the food is very spicy. In the north, the food is very salty. In the central regions, the way the food is presented is influenced by the Imperial Dynasty of the past.

This food has delicious meats, seafood like prawns and catfish, and unique vegetables like bamboo shoots and chayote. They use a special mix of palm sugar, chili or salty fish sauce.

The tasty smells of galangal, Vietnamese coriander, mint, cinnamon, and aniseed fill the streets. You’ll find a wide range oF tantalizing food and interesting things to do.

EAT PHO AT A STREET STALL

Pho, Vietnam’s national dish: Pho is a type of soup that is sold by street vendors and can be found all day. It is the national dish and is made with rice noodles and delicious broths. The easiest way to try it is to sit with the people who live there at small tables on the street and have a cold beer while you watch everything happening.

Try to eat pho as much as possible because the ingredients are different in each street and town. The soup usually has anise, which is a sweet spice not commonly used in Western cooking. Typically, thin pieces of beef are included, but there are also versions with different types of meat or options for people who don’t eat meat. Fresh mint, lime, chili, and sugar are provided separately.

In Hanoi, the soup has less seasoning but always has fresh mint. In the central regions, the soup focuses on delicious herbs grown locally like holy basil and coriander.

TRY BUN CHA IN HANOI

Bun cha:- I had a delicious bun cha lunch in Hanoi after a long flight. I just wanted to go to my hotel, but my guide made sure I ate first, and I’m happy he did.

I sat at a big table with a group of friendly and curious people in a small restaurant in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. As soon as the tasty grilled pork was brought to me, I remembered why I enjoy being in Southeast Asia. The tasty meat, soup and noodles were served with fresh herbs, salt, garlic and spicy chilli. The smell of the food was amazing and the taste was much better than the plain version I’ve had in Western hotels.

Bun cha is a popular dish that is usually served with spring rolls at small outdoor food stands or temporary restaurants. This is a common dish in Hanoi and many people in Vietnam, including workers, often go out for a fast and affordable lunch.

EXPLORE HANOI ON A FOOD TOUR

Street food in Hanoi - grilled pork

If you want to burn some calories, I suggest taking a walking food tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a local guide. The guide will customize the tour based on what you like and when you can go.

I began by trying Vietnamese ‘coffee’ with whipped egg, which tasted similar to drinking meringue. I don’t like coffee, so I got a special and yummy chocolate version instead. I really liked the green papaya salad with spicy beef, shredded green papaya, fish sauce, palm sugar, beansprouts, and mint.

They went to a small shop in a small street to buy chicken salad. This food can include many different parts of a chicken, which creates some strange textures, but you can also find better versions of it.

For breakfast, noodles are a yummy choice in the morning. In the afternoon, you can try eating duck or quail. Your guide can also tell you about good local restaurants to go to when you are in Hanoi.

SAMPLE BUN BO HUE

Bun bo Hue: – Bun bo Hue is a famous dish from Vietnam’s central region. It is a type of noodle soup. Fresh herbs, beef and/or pork are mixed with a flavorful broth that has lemongrass for added taste.

If you want to taste the real and traditional version, you can request your cook to include the usual congealed blood and even some hoof in the dish. Even though it may not sound appealing, it adds a rich flavor and a slight sweetness to the food.

I found the best place to get bun bo Hue is at the Central Market, called Dong Ba, in Hue. After you finish eating, you can explore a large market where you can buy lots of things. They have fresh vegetables and herbs, as well as traditional crafts like statues made from carved stone Buddhas and scarves made by hand.

TASTE CAU LAU NOODLES IN HOI AN

Taste some cau lau noodles on Hoi An’s waterfront: – Hoi An is a nice place with old streets and a waterfront where you can spend some time at a small food stand enjoying a hot bowl of cao lau noodles. The town was the first important place for trading in Vietnam and its food is influenced by different countries around the world.

The cao lau noodles are like the thick buckwheat noodles from Japan. They are mixed with pork, cabbage, bean sprouts, mint, and herbs to make a satisfying meal.

Try Banh Xeo On A Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour

CUSTOMS OF MALAYSIA:

Take a street food tour on a Vespa in Ho Chi Minh City: – If you want to try some of Ho Chi Minh City’s delicious food, I suggest going on a street food tour. You ride on a Vespa in the evening in the city, with a guide who knows where to stop and can navigate through the busy traffic.

Our little group took a break to eat mussels and frog legs with peanuts and lemongrass and then went to a nearby coffee shop. This felt like going to someone’s home and was the type of place you wouldn’t discover on your own.

We ended the tour with rice flour pancakes, which are commonly eaten in Vietnam. They are like a thin pancake and almost see-through. You can find fresh spring rolls in many places, but the way Ho Chi Minh City makes their pancakes, called banh xeo, is unique.

You can create your own pancake with the ingredients and amounts that you like. Delicious shrimps and herbs go well together. When I made a mistake by making a smaller pancake, my guide made a very big pancake that was almost as wide as my lower arm.

In Ho Chi Minh City, people often have a late night snack called banh xeos. These snacks are lightly fried and served with condiments like fish sauce, lime, and chili. You can either get small versions of the snack to go, or you can sit down and eat it there.

BITE INTO A BAGUETTE

Vietnamese banh mi with pork: – You might want something different from noodles sometimes, and now is a good time to try a tasty banh mi. This long bread from France has lots of different yummy ingredients inside like pâté, pork, carrot, mint, beansprouts, coriander, and pickle. Just purchase one from a street vendor and eat it while walking. Watch out for mini banh mi sandwiches if you’re worried about appearing a bit uncivilized with the regular-sized ones.

RESTAURANT DINING IN VIETNAM

Try one of the restaurants that line the riverbank in Hoi An: – Street food in Vietnam is very yummy and cheap. Restaurants aren’t a big part of how people eat there. Many restaurants want to attract tourists by offering menus that have a Western twist on the local food.

But there are some cool fusion restaurants that usually serve a mix of Vietnamese and French food, and also offer some international dishes. In Hanoi, there is a restaurant called the Ly Club. The waiters are dressed in old-fashioned white suits, which make you feel like you are in the past. You can try delicious food there, like soft-shell crab. In Hoi An, there are many good restaurants by the river that serve a mix of traditional Vietnamese food and dishes from other parts of Asia.

TAKE PART IN A COOKING COURSE

Vegetable carving at the Red Bridge Cookery School, Hoi An: – You can learn how to cook Vietnamese food in different places throughout the country. There are many great cooking classes to pick from. One of my favorite cooking experiences was at the Red Bridge Restaurant in Hoi An.

The day started with a boat ride to Red Bridge Market. We went there to buy ingredients and get some fresh ones from their big gardens. Then, the group was taught how to farm in the area and we made our own rice flour. Then they started cooking. I learned how to make a tasty pancake and a spring roll that is taken apart. The deconstructed spring roll is like a basket that holds the usual ingredients from the rolled-up version.

VIETNAM SHOPPING GUIDE

How much money should you take on your Vietnam shopping adventure?

As you’re planning what to buy in Vietnam, it’s important to also plan your budget. And not only do you need to set a budget, but you also need to carefully plan how much money to carry. As mentioned above, you probably don’t want to exchange all of your home currency immediately. Instead, plan a few exchanges and carry some small amounts for things to buy in Vietnam throughout your trip.

How much money you spend on things to buy in Vietnam depends on your shopping style. An average person shopping for clothes and trinkets should probably set aside $100 to $250 for their entire trip’s shopping budget or roughly ₫2,200,000 to ₫5,500,000 (not an exact exchange rate). Many travelers love extravagant Vietnam shopping trips due to the broad range of unique lacquerware, jewelry, artwork and paintings, and high-quality artisan handcrafted goods. If that sounds like you, plan a larger budget of about $500 to $1,000+ or ₫11,000,000 to ₫23,000,000 for things to buy in Vietnam.

HOW TO BARGAIN AT VIETNAM MARKETS AND WITH VENDORS

When you’re planning your budget and what to buy in Vietnam, make sure to leave some wiggle room – bargaining is a big part of the Vietnam shopping process. Some westerners may not feel comfortable debating with a vendor for a fair price while others may aggressively push to reduce the price as much as possible.

Try to find a nice middle ground between these two attitudes. You’ll probably be a natural by the end of your Vietnam shopping trip. Here are some tips for bargaining prices on things to buy in Vietnam.

Offer half of the asking price first and work your way up from there.

Vendors in Vietnam markets usually offer a very inflated rate to foreigners at first so get comfortable bargaining.

If something has a price tag, the amount isn’t negotiable. This includes taxis and food.

The goal is for everyone to walk away happy – not to get the lowest price possible. The difference in USD is often negligible anyway so be respectful.

If you’re really not happy with the final price offered, walk away. The vendor will likely provide the best price possible after that.

Get familiar with some common Vietnamese phrases. “Quá đắt” means “too expensive.”

MUST-HAVE SOUVENIRS TO SNAG AND THINGS TO BUY IN VIETNAM

Deciding what to buy in Vietnam depends entirely on your tastes. Some folks love Vietnam shopping for clothing while others love trinkets. Here is a taste of what to buy in Vietnam so you can get an idea of what to spend on your Vietnam shopping trips.

Keep in mind that the prices of these things to buy in Vietnam are very general. Prices vary depending on the location, season, quality, and vendor.

SILK CLOTHING, EMBROIDERY, AND FABRIC: One thing foreigners love about Vietnam markets is a wide variety of vibrant silk fabrics everywhere. Look for scarves, pants, shirts, and dresses. Price range: $3 (₫70,000) to $10 (₫200,000) and up.

Paintings and Artwork: Vietnam has no shortage of amazing artists selling lacquer or sand paintings. Price range: $10 (₫200,000) and up to over $1,000 (₫22,000,000).

WAR RELICS: History lovers will love browsing the combat boots, uniforms, helmets, Zippos, and other war surplus gear. Price range: $5 (₫110,000) to $10 (₫200,000) and up.

LACQUERWARE AND CERAMICS: Between dishes, vases, and tea sets, you’ll have trouble closing your suitcase with all these ceramic or lacquer things to buy in Vietnam. Price range: $3 (₫70,000) to $10 (₫200,000) and up.

CONICAL HATS: These traditional hats date back 3,000 years so you’ll probably want to snag one on your Vietnam shopping adventure. Price range: $1 (₫22,000) and up.

UNIQUE PAPER PRODUCTS: Postcards, pop-up pictures, and bamboo notebooks. These interesting things to buy in Vietnam are definitely worth the small amount of money. Price range: Less than $1 (₫22,000) to $10 (₫200,000) and up.

WOODEN CLOGS: You don’t see Vietnamese people wearing these too often outside of ceremonies, but they make a pretty cool souvenir. Price range: $3 (₫70,000) to $10 (₫200,000) and up.

JEWELRY: Definitely save some money on your Vietnam shopping trips for the broad range of silver and gemstone jewelry. The price range: varies depending on the metal and gemstones. Gold is the market price.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS: When you’re planning what to buy in Vietnam, you may not think about musical instruments, but they make a one-of-a-kind gift. Price range: $10 (₫200,000) and up.

ADD THESE 9 VIETNAM MARKETS AND SHOPPING DESTINATIONS TO YOUR ITINERARY

Vietnam markets are the perfect place to fully embrace the beautifully blended traditional and modern local culture. These shopping destinations contain traditional goods like silks, jewelry, and handicrafts as well as cutting-edge fashion and styles.

For many years, France carried out a harsh military occupation over Vietnam. Although revolutionary forces liberated the country in 1945, French influences remain throughout several boutique-style Vietnam markets and shopping centers.

CENTRAL MARKET IN HOI AN

This bustling market in Hoi An along central Vietnam’s east coast is a must-see for all new visitors. Nothing beats the fresh fish, flowers, and spices here. You can also find plenty of silks, handicrafts, and souvenirs. What really makes Central Market stand out? The tailors can alter your clothing within just one day.

AN DONG MARKET IN HỒ CHÍ MINH

An Dong market in Hồ Chí Minh is one of many multi-story indoor Vietnam markets and it’s open every day from 8:00 until 2:00. If you love fashion and jewelry, this is the place to go for things to buy in Vietnam. Each floor is dedicated to different goods and the top floor is reserved for local vendors.

THE GREEN BOUTIQUE ON PHU QUOC ISLAND

Phu Quoc is an island off the southwestern Vietnamese coast near Cambodia and it’s definitely worth at least a day trip. Although there isn’t a ton of shopping, the few Vietnam markets make it up in quality. The Green Boutique sells homemade massage oils, essential oils, haircare, and skincare products, and plenty of things to buy in Vietnam made with local ingredients.

WEEKEND NIGHT MARKET IN HANOI

Anyone who knows anything about Vietnam shopping knows that the Weekend Night Market in Hanoi is like a rite of passage. The decorative lights, silks, sunglasses, shirts, and handicrafts make this shopping destination an excellent photography setting.

DAN SINH MARKET IN HỒ CHÍ MINH

If you’re a history buff, you’ll definitely want to add Dan Sinh Market to your Vietnam shopping list. Between the uniforms, combat boots, identification tags, helmets, and other interesting war surplus gear, you’ll wonder how to fit it all in your suitcase. Some items are authentic while others are replicas.

DONG BA MARKET IN HUE

Hue is a small city along eastern Vietnam’s eastern coast and as the oldest market in the city, Dong Ba is a must-visit. This market opens really early at 3:00 AM so you have plenty of time to shop the fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts.

DONG XUAN MARKET IN HANOI

Dong Xuan is a giant indoor market in Hanoi with unique Soviet-style architecture. Like most of the multi-story Vietnam markets, you can find just about anything you’re looking for.

MARKET IN NHA TRANG

Nha Trang outdoor market opened in the 1970s and has been a thriving shopping destination ever since. Although most people stay fixated on what to buy in Vietnam, you should definitely bring your camera with you to every market to snap some amazing shots.

HANG BAC STREET IN HANOI

Hang Bac Street is well-known as a jewelry destination. In fact, it’s in the name: “Bac” translates to “silver” in Vietnamese. Not only can you score some great necklaces and bracelets, but this district also has amazing character for creating a unique experience too.

TRANSPORTATION IN VIETNAM

Public bus services are popular mostly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Bus connectivity in Hanoi is excellent, with routes plying very close to popular destinations, but Ho Chi Minh City fares poorly in comparison. Buses in Ho Chi Minh City are green and white, and buses in Hanoi are red, white and yellow.

Taxis are not expensive in Vietnam. In general, this is a very budget-friendly travel destination and the prices for everything here are reasonable.

It is also worth mentioning that some taxi services offer discounted rates for longer distances, charging less per kilometer beyond a certain threshold. On average, the taxi price per kilometer in Vietnam is around 15,000 VND (around 0.64 USD).

NIGHT LIFE IN VIETNAM

In Vietnam, most of the exciting and active nightlife happens in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In simpler terms, Hanoi’s nightlife is not very bustling, and it becomes very calm after 10:00 pm. On the other hand, Ho Chi Minh City has many bars, clubs, pubs, and fancy places to go, mostly located in District 1. In Hanoi, people can enjoy nightlife at the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. In little towns, people can have fun at small bars, hotels, or nice cafes, especially in central Vietnam. Live music usually comes from the countries of Philippines and Thailand and is performed at hotels around the world.