Sharing its boundaries with Laos, Cambodia and China, Vietnam’s evolution, in terms of food, culture and infrastructure surely cannot be missed.
Vietnam’s must-visit cities
Ha Long Bay
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit if you love azure waters. Ho Long Bay is characterised by its limestone formations and the clear water, making it a traveller’s tranquil delight. Be sure to have experiences such as boating here to be able to experience the best of the place.
Sapa Countryside
Sapa is located atop a deep valley, which is complete with rice terraces. The rice here is farmed the way it was for over several centuries, and the backdrop is pretty as a picture. Spend some time here climbing Mount Fansipan, watching the water rush through these terraced fields and soaking in the lush greenery that’s around you – till as far as the eye can reach!
Hue
In the past, Hue served as the feudal capital of the Nyugey Dynasty kings. No wonder that the city comes packed full of stories! When it comes to travel, what makes it among the best places to visit in Vietnam is the fact that it has fertile riverbanks and forested hill views, providing you with the calm, natural oasis you need to unwind. Couple that with the refined cuisine of the region, green streets, vibrant markets and Perfume River, for a truly wholesome experience.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. The destination is among the most popular places to visit in the country. It has several French and Colonial era memorials and buildings, reminding one of Vietnam’s history and culture. Memorabilia relating to the Vietnamese war can also be found here. Be sure to explore the temples and pagodas here for a more immersive experiences.
Hanoi
Home to millions of motorbikes, a beautiful central lake and a range of excellent coffee shops, you can start your journey here. There’s almost too much to see in the city, so save a few days to enjoy it all. For lovers of history or architecture, don’t miss the Hanoi Opera House, Emperor Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.
The beautiful St. Joseph’s Cathedral is another famous sight and the best way to experience the city is to simply wander around.Hoàn Kiếm Lake is the centre of the action, where you’ll find food stalls, locals dancing, walking and playing. An ancient temple lies in the lake, which you can visit, and nearby is the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, where you can catch a show.
What to eat in Vietnam
Pho
A must-have in Vietnam, pho is actually a reference to the flat rice noodles that are used to make the dish. It consists of these noodles, medium rare beef or pieces of chicken and beef stock, often dressed with greens such as spring onion, lemon and bird’s eye chillies. The two popular versions of the dish are Pho Hanoi and Pho Nam.
Banh Mi
If you love a good sandwich, you have to try your hands at Banh Mi. The quintessential dish is actually a fusion of French-meets-Vietnam, thanks to the bread. Pate and margarine are used as the spread for this sandwich, which is then topped with an assortment of ingredients such as pickled veggies, fresh cilantro, pork belly and pork floss, and cucumber. Each bite is a textural delight, and makes for the most amazing, flavourful experience.
Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is a popular dish across the country. Essentially a crispy crepe that is savoury in nature, the dish makes for an audio-sensory experience as much as it is a flavourful treat. The batter crackles when it hits the hot pan, and the edges curl in as they form a crispy, curly edge. And while it may look like an omelette/egg batter, the reality is far from that. It’s made with rice flour, coconut milk and turmeric, and is filled with boiled pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and minced pork.