Vietnam travel guide

VIETNAM MINUBE TRAVEL GUIDE

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VIETNAM

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What to see in Vietnam

Page 2

Villages

Sapa Valley 1

Ha Long Bay

Bays

Rodamons: After the traffic, pollution, and chaos of Hanoi, we ventured to the interior of Quảng Ninh province to explore the vibrant rice paddies and flower plantations. We arrived at a small port full were greeted by a large boat with orange sails which for two days transported us to a magical realm. The name Ha Long means "descending dragon." According to legend, the Jade Emperor ordered a dragon to help stop the Chinese sea invasion. The dragon swooped down from the sky, spitting chunks of jade and destroying the enemy ships. These chunks of jade went on to form the many islands which we see today. The legend also says that the dragon is still alive and sleeping at the bottom of the bay. During the morning, the bay tends to be covered in fog which lends a fascinating air of mystery to the islands and karst formations. You occasionally cross paths will conch vendors in their little boats which adds a touch of color and life to the surroundings. At night, the boat lowers its sails and drops anchors, letting you spend the night floating in the calm waters beneath an incredibly starry sky. raul: Ha Long Bay is located in northeast Vietnam and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage due to the unique geological processes which have created an incredible number of islands and caves. You typically visit the bay in boats which hold about 25 people and have on-board restaurants which serve meals during the cruise. If you want to enjoy the best landscapes in Vietnam while learning a bit about its history, I’d really recommend visiting Ha Long Bay.

Carmen Pérez del Olmo Teira: The Sapa Valley is, without a doubt, my favorite place in Vietnam. After spending nearly a month touring the East Coast and experiencing its nerve-wracking motorcycle-taxis and marketplaces, arriving at Sapa was to finally be at peace. Sapa is a small town located at 1600 meters above sea level in the green mountains close to the Chinese border. The town itself is nothing special: it’s a colonial city founded by the French, but the truth is that today it has been ravaged by tourism, restaurants, pubs, and souvenir stands. In short, it has become almost unrecognizable. However, Sapa is ideal for excursions and hiking to see the local ethnic-minority Hmong, Tay, Dao, and Nung tribes. These people cultivate immense rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see and form an incredibly beautiful landscape of terraces. Every day, the main square of Sapa is filled with women who come on foot from their villages to sell handicrafts to tourists. I was very surprised by Sapa-laocai, nothing Sa Pa, Lào Vietnã, Cai their good English and friendliness, to Cai, do with theLao rest

The Perfume Pagoda

Huong Son | My Duc, Hanói 10000, Vietnam, Hanoi

War Remnants Museum

☎ 088 290 325 - 28 Vo Van Tan St, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietna…

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Temples

Temple of Literature

Rodamons: The name comes from the fact that it was the first university in Vietnam. The complex is surrounded by brick walls and has a pond and gardens in the center which were once used for relaxation and mediation by the elite students. The whole place exudes a distinct sense of tranquility and harmony. The names of the students who attended the university are carved on stone turtles on each side of the temple. They offer food, incense, and symbolic money to a statue of wise Confucius and his helpers, which also adds a mystic touch to the place.

Almudena: It was built by King Ly Thanh Tong in 1070 in honor of Confucius and went on to become a place of study and wisdom. It was directed by the Mandarins and local elites in charge of running the country. It was the first university in Vietnam and worked in that capacity for over 700 years (1076-1779). The grounds are fairly large and there are five

☎ 048 452 917 - Quoc Tu Giam St. | Dong Da District, Hanói, Vietnam, H…

Historical Monuments

Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An

Inés Chueca: It’s the pride of the town. I have to admit I imagined it would be bigger. There are two monkey statues at the entrance to which the locals offer gifts. You have to pay to cross the bridge but the price includes access to other temples in Hội An. The ticket office is right in front of the bridge.

Almudena: The Japanese Covered Bridge was built in 1593 by Japanese merchants to unite the Japanese district to the west with the Chinese one to the east. It currently connects Trần Phú and Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai streets. It's built of wood and stone and rests on arches set over a tributary of the Thu Bồn River. The roof is decorated with elaborate wood and stone carvings and the interior is also wood and decorated with lanterns, a local handicraft specialty. At the entrance to the bridge are the "gatekeepers" and statues of dogs and monkeys. There is also a temple the West end of Tran Phu St., Hoi An, Vietnam, Hoi An inside. As a bitAt of trivia, the bridge appears on the 20,000

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David Esteban: Ha Long Bay is in the Quảng Ninh Province of North Vietnam. This lovely place is home to almost 2000 islands with over 1000 different shapes and sizes. Many are nothing more than the tip of a seamount, while others are filled with exotic plants and coves and caves. Travel agencies in major Vietnamese cities offer charter boats which often anchor the boats in the middle of the bay for an overnight trip. Even if you are adventure lovers, you should take the most expensive offer (after haggling, of course). From a Western point of view, it is still affordable and saves us from surprises like discovering you have rats as cabin mates. My journey through northern Vietnam was amazing and it’s a very beautiful place.

Bạch Hạ Long Almudena: It is certainly the most spectacular scenery in Vietnam. This bay is located north of the country, onĐằng, the Gulf of Tonkin near the Chinese border and 170 km east of Hanoi. It extends along a coastline of 120 km. The presence of karst Temples Museums formations and islands of various sizes and shapes, there are 19693islands (mostly unnamed). The name of the Bay (Ha Long) 2 means descending dragon, according to legend, the Jade Emperor ordered a celestial dragon in order to stop the enemies from invading at sea. The dragon spat jade pieces that were used to destroy the enemy boats and well formed, with pieces of jade, the islets David we currently Esteban:see.

TheIt Perfume was declared Pagoda a World is one Heritage of the most Site by UNESCO raul: in 1994.

The War The Remnants most striking Museum feature in of Ho this Chi incredible Minh City site is that theplaces beautiful water just in North doesn't Vietnam. move atIt's all,ait Buddhist is perfectlyshrine still, and on that its offers coloran changes overview depending of Vietnam’s on the time warsofwith day.China and the the mountain of Huong Tich, at which we arrived after United States. You can find the remains of tanks and canoeing thesitDay River.

Theof temple is located airplanes, realemerald torture waters chambers, harrowing Jesse down OC: We on the patio our lavish ship as 70km. the sun fades behind the of thefamous Gulf of photos, Tokin. My mother south Hanoi and is not actually a pagoda, rather videos, kindsarea, of media highlighting the horrors or from war. lights aofcigarette – she doesn't normally smoke.but I join her.aDownstairs in and the all dining a drunken, newly-wed couple magical complex of temples that seems to emerge infrom It’s worth a visit and will The change your looks thoughts about the France sings Karaoke.

The sound hangs repugnant the the air like a foul smell refusing to shift. bartender on; the others surrounding jungle. complex is of a Mecca sorts of red Vietnamese people. clear the tables.

TheThis sun temple melts into puddles differentofshades and orange.

Around us rise dozens of karst peaks from the for Vietnamese Buddhists, so that they've even I think – foreboding and ominous. The boat softly rocks; around us ocean floor – each wind and so rainmuch cut. They appear menacing, added a cableother car to helpeach pilgrims avoid the walk float several ships anchored for 14-kilometer the night. They glow. In the distance, I see fishermen and fisherwomen pull up their through thicktotropical brush surrounding thethese temple.

To Our guide tells us they struggle to get decent education. The nets andthe return their homes.

People live on islands. get to theblankets Day River, I'd suggest taking a bus from darkness us; the gargantuan peaks stand still.Hanoi I hope. Vietnamese sailors speak of the Tarasque – a pre-historic sea (about 2 hours) and then achartering a boat take you to the leviathan, a Moby-dick, sea-creature of to gigantic proportions.

They say she haunts the waters of Halong Bay, swimming foot of the mountain. canvessels, then optscaring for the away hike and enjoy visitors with heavy, clicking cameras. Does she not want to share underneath the fleet ofYou tourist awe-struck the temples the jungle or take the cable this hidden beauty?nooks Someand tourists rentintheir own Chinese-style junk boats and go-off in search of the mythical creature. The drunken car and intensifies; enjoy the wonderful views. best bet is making theanother boat – the sound bounces out into sea. Will she come? In singing I can hear loud The laughter emanating from

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Streets

Ho Chi Minh City

Marilo Marb: Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it was previously known, is a busy city whose streets are full of people and Vietnam’s ubiquitous heavy traffic. It’s also a city that has a European air due to the monuments built by the French after seizing the city in 1859, a fact which has earned the city the nickname of “Paris of the East.” Spending a day exploring the historic and narrow streets amid the hustle and bustle of the city is an experience that no traveler in Vietnam should miss.

Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh

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Historical Monuments

Complex of Hue Monuments

Iván Marcos: Hue is the historic city of Vietnam, a Unesco heritage site, because of its past and its monuments, temples, palaces, mausoleums, architecture, gardens and all this is a collection of things that make your visit highly recommended, a why it's nice to walk and visit, despite being rather Unesco site, conservation is not as good as one might wish.

Hue

What to see in Vietnam

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Of Cultural Interest

Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Alicia Ortego: Water puppetry is an ancient Vietnam art form. There are two stories that seem to explain its origin: one says that it was started among rice farmers who worked in the flooded rice paddies of the Red River delta. The other states that it began with traditional puppets being used during a great flood. While the audience will invariably be mainly western tourists, the fact is that the show is just beautiful. I loved the stories! Peasants defending their villages against dragons, inter-clan battles, fisherman fighting with their fish (to the point to where it seems like there was a real live fish in the water), all accompanied by music which seems to breathe life into the show. The musicians are in a sort of box off to one side of the stage, which itself is a water tank. The puppets are controlled by people on the sides of the stage (in waist-deep water) who move them with long sticks adapted with some mechanism to move the puppets back and forth.

Apparently, the puppets only last 3 or 4 months and then you 439 364them.

335 - 57b Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi have☎ to84 replace Their manufacture is big business but

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Historical Monuments

Temple of the Jade Mountain (Đền Ngọc Sơn)

Marilo Marb: The city of Hanoi appears to be surrounded by a constant mist due to the humidity and fumes of millions of motorcycles. One place to truly appreciate the mist is at the "Lake of the Restored Sword," a pleasant place in the center of the city whose island contains the Temple of the Jade Mountain, one of the most photographed temples in Vietnam and home to a legend that’s like an Asian version of the King Arthur story. The legend states that a fisherman named Le Loi dragged from the lake a magical sword which turned him into a brave warrior. His courage led him to be proclaimed king (King Lê Thái Tổ) and lead his people to victory in a 10year war. One day, he was walking through the garden and saw a giant turtle emerging from the water and coming towards the royal boat. Feeling threatened, the King threw his sword into the water and the turtle grabbed it in its mouth and carried it back to the depths. The king felt the gods must have

Lago Hoan Kien, Hanoi

Page 3

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Nature Reserves

10

Sung Sot Cave

Alicia Ortego: In the limestone islets of Halong Bay's, there are many caves, but you can't visit them all, even the ones you want. The Vietnamese government and army have everything very organized. Hang Sung Sot cave is one of the largest, with three huge chambers that can only be accessed by a small boat. The big boats are anchored in the small bay right in front, and personally, I thought that they were the best part of the visit. The entrance to the cave is at a certain point.

There are a few steps to climb, and with the heat and humidity, it's a bit of a challenge. At the top, there is a wonderful aerial view over the islets and boats. It looks like something from a pirate movie. The cave itself is great, but it's illuminated with brightly coloured Asian style, and is quite full of tourists, which is kind of sad. I've been much more beautiful caves here in Spain, but you have to visit to see for yourself!

Halong Bay , Viet Tri

Jambo Mondo: The Hang Sung Sot cave is definitely

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Historical Monuments

Alberto Moreno: The Thiên Mụ Pagoda (which means Heavenly Lady) is on a hill next to the Perfume River and is a symbol of the city of Hue. Legend has it that in 1601 a mystic predicted that whoever found a pagoda on the promontory along the Perfume River would usher in a great dynasty.

Nguyen Hoang, governor of the province of Thuan Hoa, followed the directions and the mystic's prediction was confirmed. The Nguyen Dynasty and its lineage, was the last of the imperial dynasties to rule Vietnam and lasted until 1945.

The pagoda can be recognized by its Phuoc Duyen octagonal tower. Each of the tower's seven floors is dedicated to a Manushi-Buddha, which is a Buddha that makes its appearances in the form of a human. The best thing is definitely the boat ride on the Perfume River from the center of Hue to the outskirts where the pagoda stands.

Alicia Ortego: The Thiên Mụ Pagoda is located on the

Kim Long, Hương Long, Hue

Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary

Almudena: Located about 70 km. from Da Nang, these ruins represent some of the most important remains of the Champa culture, a Hindu civilization that peaked between the 4th and 8th centuries. They are in rough shape due to the U.S. bombing during the Vietnam War and the depredations of the French, but still have great a cultural significance and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

The first buildings were built of wood, but were replaced by brick and sandstone after several fires. The height of the towers varies from building to building, but can reach up to 24 meters. Curiously, the pronunciation of the name tends to annoy the Vietnamese as most Westerners tend to pronounce it as if it were the English “my son.” It is a rather popular for pre-wedding photo shoots.

Alberto: We travelled to My Son from Da Nang in just 1:30 hours. We had a driver for ourselves and we paid around Da Nang, Vietnam, Hoi An USD80. At My Son we had a private tour local guide who

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Thiên Mụ Pagoda

Ruins

Of Cultural Interest

Village of Tam Cốc

Alicia Ortego: The area surrounding Tam Cốc is said to be one of the most beautiful places in the country. Here, large rock formations arise from the green fields, a sight which has earned the place the nickname "Ha Long of the Rice Paddies." The name Tam Cốc actually refers to the caves on the banks of the Ngo Dong river. The best plan is to take a leisurely float down the urbanized part of the river near the town and then explore the caves. The boats hold two travelers and two paddlers who are in the back (they're usually old women). Sometimes, they conduct the boat with a foot oar which reminded me of the sailors on Inle Lake in Myanmar. After the third cave, there is a kind of small lake where is seems like the river ends. There are lots of boats waiting for tourists and selling lollipops and a never-ending parade of trinkets. Meanwhile, the old women on your boat will be pulling out some cloths or sheets with the same intention, adding their best pitiful face for effect. Well, I guess

Ninh Binh, Ninh Binh, Vietnam, Ninh Binh

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Of Cultural Interest

Saigon Central Post Office (Bưu điện)

Pau García Solbes: The Saigon Central Post Office is one of the most beautiful colonial buildings in the city. The French influence is indisputable; this is especially so considering that it was designed by the architecture studio of Gustave Eiffel himself in the late 19th century. It didn't seem too crowded when we visited, but perhaps it's hard to tell since the symmetry and dimensions give a truly colossal aspect to the place. The sensation of space is due mainly to the large skylights in the ceiling which fill the building with natural light. One curiosity of this building is the names written on the columns: Franklin, Ampere, and other scientists who made major leaps in the field of electricity. No one knows why Eiffel chose these geniuses for this building. The real star of the Saigon Central Post Office is the portrait of Ho Chi Minh crowning the main room. His image can be seen from all corners of the room, leaving little wonder as to why the city now bears his name. There are also some interesting old Dong Khoi, Chi Minh maps of Vietnam and Saigon and booths withHoantique

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Rivers

Perfume River

Marilo Marb: Perfume River ( or Hương Giang in Vietnamese) has its source in the Annamite Mountains, and is formed by tributaries of the Ta Trach and Huu Trach Rivers.

Its route is nearly 30 kilometers long and moves very slowly because it is almost entirely at sea level. The Perfume River gets its name from the fact that it passes through many fields and catches the smell of all the wildflowers. A popular legend says that the colors of the river range from white to green and resemble a silver sword drawn in the sky. We took a ferry to go see some temples and besides being a beautiful experience, was also educational. We saw daily life on the river, barges, homes, and small boats which collected a species of algae later used to feed animals. Along the Perfume River, you can also visit the tombs of the old Nguyen emperors.

Rodamons: Born in the Annamite Mountains, the

Hué, Vietnam, Hue

What to see in Vietnam

Page 4

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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Palaces

Rodamons: The mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is a pharaonic structure in Ba Dinh Square and holds the preserved remains of the leader of the Vietnamese revolution and the father of modern Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh. This magnum opus was built in 1975 and reminded me of the tomb of Che Guevara in Santa Clara, Cuba and even that of Lenin in Red Square when I visited during the Soviet era. Ho Chi Minh had wanted for his remains to be cremated, but his successors disobeyed his will in the belief that such a famous character should be eternally present and revered by future generations. To keep his spirit alive, they decided to display his corpse in this mausoleum, no doubt inspired by the case of Lenin. Vietnam is not known for its mummification techniques, so the body is transported to Russia every year for "maintenance." Therefore, the mausoleum is closed in the months of October and November when to body is transported to Russia (this is why it's said that the corpse is most traveled of all time). The mausoleum is built of marble from the mountains of Da Nang. There are huge lines to visit the glass-encased remains that start in the early morning. It is a place of pilgrimage and Vietnamese come from far reaches of the country to visit. The place is guarded by the white-uniformed Royal Guard and the changing of the guard is spectacular. The utmost respect is mandatory during the visit: no cameras or backpacks, and women must be covered up. I went to visit the grave for two reasons: firstly, the huge queues, but 0 438 289 465 - Hoan Hanoi, in Vietnam, Hanoi also to understand and respect this emblematic symbol of Vietnam. Like most☎tourists, I simply seeKiem the District, mausoleum the great square, the parades, the red flag waving in the wind and the famous slogan written in Vietnamese: "there is nothing more precious than independence."

Of Cultural Interest

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Hoa Lu

Marilo Marb: Roughly about 110 km from the city of Hanoi, along a fairly large and busy road (just over two and a half hours if you're lucky), there's the town of Hoa Lu. The route is quite pleasant and the scenery is very varied, from rice paddies, oxen plowing, very different water wheels from those in Spain, and flowers. There was an extensive "blanket" of flowers along the road, predominantly chrysanthemums of different colours. We finally got to Hoa Lu, and although we expected more temples, pagodas, and palaces, we were surprised at how interesting it was. Its landscape is a real treasure that makes us understand why this site was chosen years ago as the capital of Vietnam. Hoa Lu is within the province of Ninh Binh, and although only remnants of its glory survive today, 1000 years ago it was the capital. In its outer walls, there were temples, shrines and the King's palace. Today, the city is slowly getting restored, because of its proximity of the Tam Coc Caves. Numerous Hoacan Lu, witness Ninh Binh tourists go there. It has great natural beauty. You

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Inés Chueca: is red an imposing and, are as others the rulesTự of Đức conduct There a Jambo Mondo:This In the dunes of building Mui Ne there girls have mentioned, Alberto Moreno: wasare thevery laststrict. emperor of isthe yellow which you can’t even toTalking snap atophoto) Royal Guard will definitely let you know if your is out ve rentline plastic sheets to becross used(not as sleds. them and it the Nguyen dynasty and reined from 1847 to behavior 1883. He is of line. Tip: watch If you to visit the interior of by the mausoleum, don’t any later than 11:30 emperor in the morning. is quite clear that the this time. is their waywant of life, probably chosen considered to arrive be the last independent of Vietnam. their parents, instead of going to school. They speak English He continued the tradition of social closure started by his better than other children of their age, but not going to school ancestors, closing Vietnam off to foreigners and modernizing may end up taking its toll on them as adults. It is part of the influences and expelling those foreigners living in Vietnam. harsh reality of many families in Southeast Asia and it is His persecution of the Christian population (a belief he difficult for us to know what is the right thing to do. In any considered perverse) caused a considerable amount of anger case, one can not expect great speeds as those achieved in among the large powers of Europe and led to France’s the dunes of Natal, so it can be a bit disappointing. You pay conquest of Saigon which forced Tự Đức to eventually no more than €0.5 per pull. A few km from the town of Mui capitulate and sign over South Vietnam as a French colony Ne, heading north, you find the Red Sand Dunes an you don't (known then as Indochina). For many, this surrender to the need any special transport to access them. You can get to French was tantamount to treason. Despite the political the foot of the dunes on a motorcycle or bike along the main upheavals, Tự Đức lived a life of luxury and personal road. The bars next to the road offer to take care of your bike reflection in the outskirts of Hue and governed from the or scooter and keep in the shade and wait for you to have a Imperial. After his death, the palace was converted into a drink at their bar. You have to ask the price. The area royal tomb. However, Tự Đức was never buried in this tomb

Alberto Moreno: The Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the most interesting attractions in the Mekong Delta and it’s located 6km. downriver from Cần Thơ. The market functions in a very interesting way: at 5 am, the market fills up with farmers in small boats carrying fruits and vegetables. The merchants, most of whom live with their families in house boats, stick poles in the bows of their ships. If the farmers see that produce isn't hanging from the pole, that means they can sell their produce to the merchant. After a few hours, the farmers leave and the local townspeople come in boats to buy from the merchants. The popularity of floating markets is, in part, due to the fact that they tend to offer cheaper prices than the dry-land market since they are tax-exempt.

Anyways, the townspeople float along the market and check out what’s hanging from the poles. At 9am, the market is basically closed…everything is already sold! To visit, it’s necessary to spend the night in Cần Thơ so you can wake up

Mui Ne Sand Dunes

2 Km. al norte del pueblo de pescadores, Mui Ne

Tomb of Tu Duc

Hué, Vietnam, Hue

Markets

Cai Rang Floating Market

Cai Rang, Can Tho

Khai Dinh Emperor Tomb

Alberto Moreno: The Emperor Khai Đinh ruled Vietnam from 1916 to 1925. His tomb is an impressive cement and marble structure built on a hill at the south end of the Imperial City of Hue. The spot was chosen because the movement of the wind was deemed to be in accordance with the oriental philosophy of Phong Thủy (wind and water), otherwise known as Feng Shui. It's is pretty different from the rest of the tombs in that it fuses both European and Vietnamese decorative elements, as per the emperor's tastes. The entrance is located at the end of a staircase which has a handrail in the form of a dragon. After you finish the second set of stairs you arrive at a courtyard containing the Stele Pavilion and life-size sculptures of elephants, horses, and Mandarin soldiers. The Thien Dinh Palace is located at the end of the hill and is built entirely of marble. It contains the emperor's tomb, a hall decorated entirely in ceramic and glass mosaics whose centerpiece is a bronze statue of the emperor in full an tay, 18 Hue ceremonial dress. The remains of the emperor are buried

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Almudena: It is located in the large square called Ba Dinh Square where you must wait in line to enter the mausoleum.

Inside, you'll find the mummified remains of Ho Chi Minh which are guarded by soldiers. Outside, the heat is awful and when you enter you get cooled off by the arctic temperatures necessary to conserve the corpse. It's a pretty quick visit and all very solemn.

They scolded us for almost everything, to keep your hands clasped behind your back and your arms close to your body, stay in line, and keep your sunglasses on while waiting at the entrance. We had to be almost as still as Ho Chi Minh himself. The exterior is built in marble and resembles a lotus flower. Ho Chi Minh did not want this opulence, he wanted to be cremated and his ashes NatureinReserves Monuments scattered the north, center, and south of the country, but his wish wasHistorical not fulfilled.

Of course no camera, just outside and far 17 18 from the entrance.

Historical Monuments

Lakes

Hoan Kiem Lake

Rodamons: This shallow freshwater lake is located practically in the center of Hanoi and is surrounded by trees which create an oasis of peace amid the city’s tempest of traffic and bikes. The name "Hoan Kiem" means "Lake of the Restored Sword," a name derived from a legend where King Le Thai To found a sword in the lake that made him invincible to his enemies. After his battles, the sword was retaken by a turtle that lived in the lake. The Turtle Island containing the Temple of the Jade Mountain is located in the center of the lake and is accessible via a bright red bridge.

Hoan HoànThe Kiếm, Hanoi shopping center, Hanoi Opera House, and Water Puppet

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Historical Monuments

Trấn Quốc Pagoda

Pau García Solbes: The Trấn Quốc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, having been built in the 6th century during the reign of Lynam. It was originally located on the Red River but moved to West Lake in the 17th century. It has a very unique structure consisting of 11 octagonal floors; the whole building is painted a deep red color and is surrounded by other temples. I was intrigued when the guide told is that the tree in the courtyard is a Bodhi tree from India. He said it came from the one where Buddha himself gained enlightenment. Whether thatĐường claimvào is truth to chùa, or Yênlegend, Phụ, TâyI have Hồ, Hanoi

What to see in Vietnam

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Cities

Page 5

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Can Tho

Carmen Pérez del Olmo Teira: Can Tho is the perfect place to set up "camp" to discover the Mekong Delta, an area with fishing villages and floating markets and one of the most interesting of Vietnam. If this city is your 1st first stop you will be surprised with communist flags hanging from every post, and the large number of bikes at all hours that causes traffic to collapse, not to mention those that are parked or "run" on the sidewalks.This is shocking, but soon you will realize that it is a feature of the country. Here children are born with 2 wheels under their arm! Can Tho is a big city, lively, and there is a big market where it is very fun and you can go bartering for goods like leaping frogs, a delicacy! A few meters from the market is the pier, where you can take a trip to the Cai Rang floating market, about 6 kilometers from the city, where every morning the locals buy and sell all kinds of products, mainly fruits and vegetables. Staying in Can Tho is no problem: the offers are plenty and there are prices to suit all budgets. For Ngô Hữu Hạnh, 28, , Can Tho reference, I paid 4 dollars for a double room (no single) with

Unusual Places

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Cu Chi Tunnels

Marilo Marb: During the Vietnam War, these tunnels played an important role in the defense of the people against the Americans. A good example of how victory in war doesn't necessarily need superior technology. In these tunnels, anthill-style settlements sprung up, complete with hospitals, kitchens, markets, dormitories, etc. The tunnels were dug simply using shovels, and were perfectly camouflaged among the vegetation of the area, so Americans set up their bases right above without realizing that the Vietnamese were below them, coming at night to steal food and supplies.

Flea Markets

Street Markets of Hanoi

David Esteban: In Hanoi, there are also food markets.

These street markets have been for years one of the ways of providing for the residents of the Vietnamese capital. In them we find, meats of all kinds, including dog, Fish, seafood, fruit and alcohol. Because health conditions are not the best, I do not recommend buying anything (except the unpeeled fruit and bottled drinks), but it's essential to see it.

☎ 84 837 946 442 - Phu Hiep, Phu My Hung, Ho Chi Minh

Hanoi, Vietnam, Hanoi

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Markets

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Hoi An Central Market

Almudena: The market is located close to the port so most of it is based around fish and seafood, though you can also find fruit, vegetables, and handicrafts. Most of the stalls are run by women and it's difficult to find a man at a post.

One of the things that caught my eye was the skinless frogs: literally, they had been skinned alive and lay in a bucket. You can also find clothing shops, pharmacies, and even a temple.

Jambo Mondo: The Central Market in Hoi An was under renovation in May 2009. This forced some stalls to be moved to the "clothing market" and others were established in the street around the construction site. One of the most interesting parts of the Central Market is that it's next to the river so you can buy fish from local traders.

Lilou: I really recommend that you come to this market.

It's on the river, and here you can find an abundance of fruits,

Hoi An, Hoi An

Rivers

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The Thu Bon River

Marilo Marb: Hoi An is one of the loveliest cities in Vietnam, and in the 16th century it was a trading city a lot of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Japanese merchants who came here to sell their goods. The banks of the Thu Bon River is a place of activity: fishermen offering their goods, moored boats full of vegetables or building materials, and plenty of historic architecture. The river is still the hub of the city and one way of experience city life is to rent a barge that can take you to the mouth of the river. While on the tour you can see how they fish or wash clothes on the bank, and after the tour, you can stop at some of the restaurants to eat and cheap and delicious fish cooked in a banana leaf, a dish called Hong Phuc.

Pau García Solbes: Hội An is famous for its beaches, tailors, and Japanese district. However, the town is centered around the Thu Bồn River, the focal point around which all

hoi An, Hoi An

Cathedrals

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Almudena: In Vietnamese, this cathedral is known as Nhà thờ Đức Bà, but it’s more commonly called the Saigon NotreDame Cathedral. It was built between 1863 and 1880 from local stone and then covered in red tiles imported from France. It has two 58-meter-tall bell towers and a large rose window originally decorated by famous crystal factories in Chartes which were destroyed during the second World War. The building is currently the second highest in the city, with the title of highest going to the Bitexco Tower.

Alberto Moreno: The Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is a neo-Romantic building dating back to 1883. It’s the most popular Christian church in the city and hundreds of worshippers flock to it during services, sometimes even spilling out onto the street. At night, worshippers also congregate in the square and light candles to pray before the Virgin Mary.

Plaza Cong Xa Paris, Ho Chi Minh

Cua Dai Beach

Inés Chueca: Cua Dai is the most touristy beach in Hội An and it’s located about 7km from downtown. The other beaches are 5, 13, and 27km. away. It's possible that you'll be overwhelmed by the enchanting town of Hội An and want to explore every inch, but I'd suggest renting a bike and taking a trip to the beach at least once while you’re there. It's beautiful and virtually empty! The sand is soft and the water warm.

Wonderful! There are several restaurants along the beach but you'll find a better price if you go one or two streets inland.

Jambo Mondo: Cua Dai beach is about 5km from Hội An is easy to bike to. There are resorts and hotels along the beach, but it's a large beach and you'll have plenty of space for playing in the sand or sunbathing. During the day, it's full of tourists and vendors selling souvenirs and drinks. A more interesting choice would be to visit at sunset to see the hundred of Vietnamese that flock to the beach to swim, plat, Ward, Hoi An, Vietnam, Hoi An and eat. After dark, they layCam outAnmats and have intimate

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Beaches

Palaces

Presidential Palace

Almudena: The palace is located in the Ba Dinh district near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It’s a colonial-style French building erected in 1906 as the residence of the GovernorGeneral of French Indochina. When the French were expelled in 1954, it was supposed to be used by the new president but Ho Chi Minh refused the opulent palace and instead lived in the servants’ quarters, a place which is now known as the Stilt House. It’s currently used for official ceremonies and normal tourists cannot visit. hanoi, Hanoi

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Markets

Binh Tay Market

Alberto Moreno: The Bình Tây Market is not the most popular market in Ho Chi Minh City, but it is the largest. This enormous market is located in the Chinese neighborhood of Cho Lon in district 6. Like all Vietnamese markets, you can find everything from food (fruits, vegetables, meat, fish) to clothes (textiles, suits, custom shirts, imitation designer goods) and very low prices. The market isn’t a popular stop with tourists and the prices are very good.It closes early (around 6pm) and the level of activity depends on the hour when go.- Some sections of Ham the market are fullDao of really ☎ 838 you 571 512 Intersection of Le Loi, Nghi, Tran Hung Ave…

What to see in Vietnam

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Of Cultural Interest

Cities

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Nha Trang

raul: Hanoi is a much quieter city than Ho Chi Minh City, but there is still tons of traffic. That's one of the things that strikes you first when you take a tour around the city. The streets are filled with people, cars, motorbikes, noise, street stalls, women unloading food, and more. It's a beautiful city where I wouldn't hesitate to live, especially when you take Vietnamese hospitality into account.

Alberto Moreno: Built in 1909, the Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng) is a gorgeous Chinese temple in Ho Chi Minh City and by far the most popular among tourists. It’s somewhat hidden among the streets and doesn't strike your attention from the outside. The inside, however, is amazing and the whole atmosphere is charged with the smoke and smell of incense. The interior is somewhat maze-like and full of narrow corridors. If you know how to find your way around, you should go up to the second floor and visit the terrace.

Alicia Ortego: Daily life in Hanoi never stops. Hanoi was the first place I visited in Vietnam and I absolutely fell in love with it.

We arrived at our hotel at 6am and decided to go have a walk around. The city was waking up and the people came out to buy bread (a relic of French colonialism...fresh-baked baguettes!) and fruit and head off to work on their bikes. The workers ate their pho (soup with noodles, vegetables, and meat) and the humidity and heat grew by the second. Hanoi is a friendly city...local vendors will eagerly offer you a lychee to try if they see you looking with curiosity. Many of the streets and colonial buildings are in bad shape but they still give the city a romantic aura. It's a merchant city as well so you'll find shops all over and the oldest neighborhoods in the city are still divided by guilds. It's a place to spend 2-3 hours a day just walking around and watching the ☎ 0 439 964 151 - Hanói, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanói, Vietnam, Hanoi daily life of Hanoi pass by.

javier: My visit to this temple was the closest contact I've ever had with Taoism. I loved the small chapels, the darkness which enshrouds the interior, and the women’s altar. As far as the exterior goes, the only notable parts are the pretty roofs.

Since it’s only around 2km. from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, I’d recommend walking to the temple. The walk is also a good chance to discover the sights, sounds, and smells of 73 Mai Thi Luu St, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Vietnamese daily life.

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Hanoi

Cities

Sandra R: The truth is that if you are not used to the chaos, it can be quite overwhelming. I suggest casually exploring the streets, visiting temples, watching people go about their daily lives, strolling leisurely around the lake and soaking it all in. As many travelers have said before me, Hanoi is an intense city...cars, motorcycles, bicycles, carts, and thousands of people milling around. It’s natural that you'll be a bit daunted when you head out. The sidewalks are crowded with food stalls, vendors, and people, all of which makes nearly impossible to walk. As you head down the street, you need to have eyes in the back of your head. The traffic in this city is amazing. There are no rules...everyone goes in a different direction but it all seems to work out.

The first thing you're told when you arrive is to be careful when crossing the street. True, there are traffic lights and pedestrian crossings but they're basically for show. What you have to do is just start walking. Don't stop or run, and make sure to look at the Museums Marketscities I've ever been in. drivers because it's their responsibility to avoid you. It's also one of the noisiest

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Ho Chi Minh City Museum

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Food Stalls in Ho Chi Minh City

Stephane Boghossian: After 40km of biking in Thai Binh, we stopped at a local house to rest and eat. We all got cokes and Mariloand Marb: that never ceases to surprise me sprites Inésas Chueca: a rewardBesides but 2 cokes the Ho were Chimissing.

Minh Museum The host and goes theto the neighbor askSomething for it. During the lunch, the neighbor comes any Asian country are are the markets where you can find back and of Museum takes Memories a pig and of goes.

War, the Nobody Revolutionary noticed, soMuseum i tell the is host andinhe answers : I borrowed 2 cokes, he borrow something... any fruit, vegetable and animal that you want. In Ho Chi Minh also worth a visit in the city. Located in District One, it stands City or Saigon, you can find markets on almost every block, in an old colonial-style palace, and offers a tour through the also selling clothing, imports (especially from China), country's revolutionary history. There is a scene with the imitations of famous brands, fish etc...it is a wonderful mixture caption "Independence or Death", which really hits home. of sights and smells. The fish is sold completely whole and Outside the palace, there are helicopters and aeroplanes. some still alive. One of the most colourful fruit, although in my Admission is only 15.000VND, and it is open every day. Not opinion with a rather bland taste, is the dragonfruit. I have to to be confused with other museums, this is located at 114 admit that it is only the colour that makes it interesting. The Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Trong corner 65 Ly You, in District 1. dried shrimps and prawns are the best known products, considering the number that are available.

☎ 84 838 299 741 - P. Q. 1,65 Lý Tự Trọng, Ho Chi Minh

Quach Thi Trang square, Ho Chi Minh

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Museums

Danang Cham Museum

Marilo Marb: Danang Province, is in central Vietnam, and is one of the most visited provinces and also the one with the best connections to visit the rest of the country. An interesting visit, Cham Museum was constructed in the era of French colonization, and brings together a big collection of Cham art, archaeological finds that were in other provinces. The museum opened in the year 1936, and was named "Musée Henri Parmentier" Cham museum and is divided into 4 rooms with its halls, galleries and a house: The rooms are called My Son, Tra Kieu, Dong Duong, Thap Mam, the home Quang Nam, Quang Tri and the galleries, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh and Quang Binh. They were discovered with over 300 pieces dating from the 7th century to the 15th century. In the 80s, many of these sculptures were lost, although today there are 294, which give us an idea of the time. Cham architecture originates from the period that goes between the fifth and fifteenth centuries, their representation is very sensual and

Calle Trung Nu Vuong, Da Nang

sandydidi: Nha Trang is a coastal city in the south of Vietnam. As for the hotel, think about choosing a hotel in Nha Trang beforehand or one on an island in the bay, because the hotels in the city are mostly in downtown. The city, however, is not the only thing you can visit; you can also explore the islands and beaches. Water sports are very economical here, and you can do things like ride a banana boat, para-ski, jetski, and more. Do not be surprised when the Vietnamese go swimming fully clothed.

Nha Trang, Nha Trang

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Islands

Cat Ba Island,Vietnam

Iván Marcos: To get to Cat Ba it is necessary to come to Halong. Cat Ba is an island in Halong Bay. It is a nice and cozy spot but also, like in much of northern Vietnam, you feel a strange sensation, marked perhaps by the sour character of many locals and a feeling that you are trying to cheat.

However, the island offers several attractive spots. There are 3 beaches in town, beautiful vegetation. You should rent a motorbike to explore the island here, be sure not to miss the fishing village, beaches and caves, also from here you can organize the trip to explore the Halong Bay.

Việt Hải, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng, Vietnam, Hạ Long

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Of Touristic Interest

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Hanoi Old Quarter

Jambo Mondo: This is the oldest neighbourhood in Hanoi, in the heart of the city around Lake Hoan Kiem. The buildings here, many of which are quite old, are low, some in the French style. Walking through the streets of the Old Quarter, you're guaranteed a good time. There are all sorts of stores, and you can stop to drink beer, eat at a street stall, or smoke the water pipes on offer. There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses here, as it's the quintessential backpacker neighbourhood. Travel agencies offering tours all over the country can also be found here.

Hanoi

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Streets

The Streets of Hoi An

Marilo Marb: We were almost half way through our tour of Vietnam, when we got to Hoi An, a small, colourful and coastal town. The most surprising thing about Hoi An was seeing the constant bustle of tourists going shopping, or the numerous high powered men in the tailor shops on the streets. When we arrived in the town, they were still celebrating the New Year, and it was quite interesting to see couples (mostly who were about 60 years old) who were Vietnamese and American; the couples that got tegether during a cruel war .. And who came to spend the New Year with family. Walking through the streets of Hoi An, with its shops, its artists offering their paintings, its fruit market and the friendliness and the welcome given by the people living there, makes it the perfect place to rest for a few days and to prepare for travelling on to the "highlight" of Vietnam .. Saigon (Ho Chi Ming). At night the city comes to life even more if that's possible; numerous lanterns are lit, and the street is a

☎ 605 878 834 - Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam, Hoi An

Temples

Cao Dai Temple

Marilo Marb: It was about noon when we arrived at the temple and the second we crossed the gate, we were thankful to have arrived and not given into our fatigue. The bell at the top of the dome sounded a call to the faithful who began to congregate in the square. Their clothing seemed to add a touch of color to the temple. The strange thing about this temple is that it's not for any one religion in particular.

Instead, it's Caodaist...open to Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims….everyone. In that sense, it isn't strange that they have their own "saints" like Victor Hugo, Joan of Arc, or Lenin.

Their sacred symbol is an eye surrounded by carved flowers which is dubbed the "all-seeing eye." We went inside the temple to a room that looked out over the entire ground floor and the sight of all the music and chants was unforgettable.

There were rows of men and women dressed in white, red, and yellow, all across a checkerboard floor. The sunlight poured in through the windows, each decorated with the Tay its Ninh, Ho Chi Vietnam, carved Tay Ninh ubiquitous eye, and cast light onMinh the City, intricately

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Markets

Dong Xuan Market

Jambo Mondo: Dong Xuan Market is in the northern part of downtown Hanoi. It is a pretty big market. It has two, 3storey buildings which are connected on the second floor. In the market, you can find clothing, accessories, small appliances, electronics, decorative items, cereals, spices, etc.

Fish is located at the eastern entrance. To find really good meat, you must go to the streets alongside the market. One of the most interesting things about this market is watching as the packages are loaded onto motorcycles for delivery, capable of carrying virtually anything from Plasma TVs to pigs and ducks!

Dong Xuan and Hang Chieu Sts., Hanoi

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Historical Monuments

One Pillar Pagoda (Chùa Một Cột)

Pau García Solbes: The One Pillar Pagoda is one of the most famous monuments in the city of Hanoi and is located in the Ba Dinh district near the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, Presidential Palace, and Stilt House, all of which you can visit during the same day. The pagoda's current incarnation comes after a long series of reconstructions, the most recent of which happened in 1954 when it was burned by the French during their retreat from Hanoi. The original temple was built in the 11th century by the emperor Ly Thai Tong. This name might not sound familiar to you, but it's ubiquitous on street signs throughout the entire country. The temple stands on a pond filled with lotus flowers. In fact, the goal of the architects was to build a temple which resembled a lotus flower. To access the sanctuary, climb the stairs leading to the altar.

When we visited, there were many people coming to pay their respects at the lotus shrine dedicated to the goddess of mercy. It's interesting to watch the people coming and going, ☎ 04 800 126 - Chuaalong Mot Cot | Ba steps.

Dinh District, Hanói, Vietnam, H… offerings in hand, theStreet temple

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Temples

Xa Loi Pagoda

Jambo Mondo: Xá Lợi Pagoda is a classic Vietnamesestyle tower which can be seen from many other buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. The interior of the tower houses the temple usually stays closed. The best views of Xá Lợi Pagoda can be had from the bottom of Thuy Son mountain.

Almudena: The first thing you see upon arrival is the 7storey tower whose interior guards a temple which, as I understand, is almost always closed. However, there are staircases on either side decorated with dragons and stone turtles and the temple offers spectacular views of the South China Sea.

196 Huyền Trân Công Chúa, Da Nang

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City Halls

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Almudena: This is a beautifully preserved building dating back to the early nineteenth century. In 1975, it changed its name to the People's Committee. The Vietnamese call this building "Hotel de Ville" but it is a public building that tourists can't access. In front of the main facade is a park with a statue of Ho Chi Minh with a child sitting on his knees, surrounded by charming bonsai plants.

Le Thanh Ton 86, Ho Chi Minh

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Caves

Huyen Khong Cave (Marble Mountains)

Almudena: Among the many caves in the Marble Mountains, the most important and beautiful is Huyen Khong Cave. After a steep climb, you go down a semi-hidden flight of stairs to enter the cave and suddenly you’re flanked by two pairs of administrative and military Mandarin statues there to protect the entry. Once you enter, the high gallery is illuminated by natural light coming through vents in the ceiling. The cave was a refuge for Vietnamese revolutionaries during wartime. It was bombed repeatedly which lead to the openings in the ceiling.

Jambo Mondo: The Huyen Khong cave on Thuy Son Mountain is probably the most important attraction in the Marble Mountains. I went into this cave without knowing anything about it and what I discovered was so exciting!

Before you arrive at the actual cave, there is a smaller cave with a figure of a standing Buddha. To the left, there's a small

Marble Mountains, Da Nang

What to see in Vietnam

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Hội An

Cities

Rodamons: This city is located in the center of the country. Its historic district is a mixture of Chinese, Japanese, and French influences and has been declared a World Heritage Site. One of the most interesting places to see is the 17th-century Japanese Bridge, an icon of Hội An (it's actually depicted on Dong bills). It's a reddish wood and stone covered bridge that's also home to a Vietnamese temple. It was built to link the traditional Japanese and Chinese districts of the city. The banks of the Thu Bồn River are always bustling and full of shops and restaurants. There is a very well-kept walkway on the right side. The atmosphere is great at night: there are people out for a walk, getting some fresh air, visiting the markets, and selling colored lanterns. Our visit coincided with the full-moon celebration so the area was especially lively.

Of Touristic Interest

The Marble Mountains

raul: The Marble Mountains are in Da Nang, in central Vietnam. There are 5 stone and marble mountains named after the five elements: fire, earth, water, metal and wood.

You can get there via a fairly steep set of stairs but once you get to the top you see that the effort was worth it. There are caves, grottos, pagodas etc.... The mountains are just spectacular.

Da Nang, Vietnam, Da Nang

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Train Stations

Rodamons: The train station is in downtown Hanoi only 5 minutes from Lake Hoan Kiem. Trains depart to all corners of the country and are widely used since they’re an economical means of travel and, aside from coastal roads near Ha Long Bay, the road system in Vietnam is fairly poor. The trains themselves are also somewhat dilapidated. The seats are made of hard wood and the demand is such at you need to get tickets at least two days in advance. The only exceptions are the luxury sleeper trains which head to Lao Cai in the north. There is, however, also a third-class train for Lao Cai that is very inexpensive. The famous "Reunification Train" connecting Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City also departs from this station. The most famous train, though, is definitely the Orient Express which connects with Hanoi in the north.

Hanoi

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Of Cultural Interest

Ho Chi Minh Stilt House

Pau García Solbes: The stilt house is a small, elevated home where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked until his death.

The house itself is typical of Vietnamese minorities and its main characteristic is that it’s raised on stilts. These days, the Stilt House is a major tourist attraction for the Vietnamese since it was where the father of modern Vietnam made the majority of his decisions. The house (also called Nha San Bac Ho in Vietnamese) honestly has little attraction for Westerners. There are various soldiers there at all hours making sure you don’t touch anything. You can visit the second floor and see the salons, bedroom, and offices of Ho Chi Minh.

106 Nguyen Du St | District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh

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Hanoi Railway Station

Independence Palace

Alberto Moreno: The Reunification Palace, which was previously known as the Independence Palace or Presidential Palace, is situated at the start of Le Duan Street. The Palace was built in 1966 and was intended to be the place of residence of the president of South Vietnam. The palace itself is not amazing, but the tour highlights some of the historical events that took place there, relating to the Vietnam War and culminating with the fall of Saigon.

almudena : During our tour of Vietnam, one of our stops was Hội An. What a surprise! We had only planned to stop there since it's close to one of Vietnam's main silk factories, but we were amazed. It's a very romantic and bohemian city that has charm in spades. You have to explore the main street; it's full of charming shops, traditional homes, and artists. The city was experiencing some flooding when we visited but it didn't stop us from enjoying ourselves. We hired a man with a boat and he Hội An, Hoi An gave us a tour of the town. If you’re interested in silks, the ones here are beautiful. They even make bespoke dresses overnight.

There are also stalls in the market where they'll make custom shoes in only a matter of hours. You choose the style, fabric, and color and then bingo! Don't miss it!

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Palaces

Streets

Ong Ich Khiem, Hanoi

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Long Bien Bridge

Jambo Mondo: I recommend going specifically to visit the Long Bien bridge in Hanoi. The spectacle of thousands of motorcycles arriving in Hanoi early in the morning across this bridge is something that you shouldn't miss. It's best to go first thing in the morning. Long Bien bridge is barely 300 metres from Dong Xuan Market.

Hanói, Vietnam, Hanoi

Temples

Quan Thanh Temple

Marilo Marb: Another unmissable spot in the city of Hanoi is the Quan Thanh Temple, a beautiful temple built to venerate the memory of General Huyen Thien Tran Vu, a staunch defender of the north. The temple has a beautiful facade with three stone doors and a steeple on top. In front of the entrance are four large pillars decorated with images of the phoenix, tiger, and other animals that are significant to Vietnamese culture. Inside the temple is a large patio, with an ornamental fish pond made of artistically crafted rock. The temple is very significant for locals, who come here in search of luck and happiness. Go early to get the best experience.

calles de Thanh Nien y Quan Thanh, Hanoi

What to see in Vietnam

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Theaters

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Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater)

Alberto Moreno: The Municipal Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City, which is popularly known as the Opera House of Saigon or Saigon Opera House, is one of the most iconic buildings in Saigon. It is an opera house which is French colonial in style and was built during the period of French Indochina in 1897.

It was built as the official site for performances by the French theater company ve came in order to entertain the legion based in Saigon. It is in Lam Son Square, between two hotels :Caravelle and Continental. In 1998, to mark the 300th anniversary of the founding of Saigon, the municipal government began restoring the facade. During 2008 they also renovated the exterior of the building. About once a month you can see artistic performances in the theatre.

Ho Chi Minh

Rivers

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Ngo Dong River

Jambo Mondo: The boat trip on Ngo Dong River in the Tam Coc area offers several interesting things. One is enjoying the beautiful landscapes that can be seen from the river. There's the karst landscapes with vertical walls rising on either side of the river, reminiscent of some of the islands that emerge in the Halong Bay. Rice paddies and trees and shrubs that inhabit the mountains create beautiful landscapes in this area of Tam Coc. At times it goes through very low caves that cut through the river running through the mountains. The name Tam Coc means "three caves."

Another point of interest is Tam Coc rowing. Here you can observe how the women and men who lead these boats, using their feet to move the oars to propel the boat. The ticket to board a boat in Tam Coc costs 60,000 VND (2.4 €). The boats are for 2 passengers. After crossing the last cave of about one kilometer, there's even more for an exorbitant amount compared to the price of the ticket. On the return trip Tam Coc, Hanoi the people there are trying to sell all kinds of souvenirs to

Markets

57

Dong Ba Market

Pau García Solbes: Hue is one of Vietnam's most spectacular cities, mainly due to its monuments and pagodas heritage of its imperial past. It's also known for being one of the gastronomy capitals of Asia. One of the places where you can feel the pulse of the city is the bustling Dong Ba market, north of Perfume River, in the extreme southeast of the Imperial Citadel. What I liked about this market is that it expresses itself and you can find almost anything here. We had some free time to look round it and had an absolute blast.

Dong Ba Market sellers are experts in the art of bargaining and very persistent. In fact, a market seller chased us through the market until we went to his textile shop. We eventually bought some spices, Vietnamese coffee and tea and a few items of clothing. It was quite an adventure.

Historical Monuments

Thuy Son, Marble Mountains

Jambo Mondo: Thuy Son Mountain, Marble Mountains, has many sites to visit. There are many natural caves that people became the first Hindu shrines and Buddhist later ..

Looking around Thuy Son can take from 1 hour to 3 or 4 hours, depending on where you stop to look, and the time you spend chatting with people. Vietnamese tourists flock there, which often eager to talk to foreigners. There are ladies who sell beverages along the Thong, who are willing to have discussions and have some good laughs, always with limited English speakers. There I saw the most lovely woman in Vietnam. The highlight of this mountain is - Linh Ung Pagoda - Xa Loi Tower - Tam Thai Pagoda - Tam Ton Pagoda - Cave Huyen there Khon .The vantage point above the cave Van Thong could not have had better views than that next to the tower Xa Loi and the effort to get up is not compensated. The cave is not very pretty.

Da Nang

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Streets

Nga Sau Cong Hoa Roundabout

Jambo Mondo: At the roundabout of Nga Sau Cong Hoa, during rush hour, you can see the huge amount of traffic that frequents Ho Chi Minh Ciy (Saigon). Thousands of cars, motorcycles, bikes and vans gather at this roundabout every day. The peak times are around 17 to 19 pm 7:30-9 am. I recommend that you take a camera and start shooting photos of things as curious as motorcycles with 5 people or people walking across the roundabout.

Nga Sau Cong Hoa, Ho Chi Minh

Hanoi Handicraft Market

David Esteban: Hanoi, although the country's capital, does not give you the feeling of being in a metropolis, in fact, Saigon, the other major city of Vietnam is bigger and has more economic power. Hanoi capital is a very historical and cultural city, evidenced by the amount of craftsmanship there is. There are craft shops, some more devoted to tourism, such as souvenirs, whereas others are simple workshops where the craftsmen continue with the trade they learned from their ancestors. I can not give specific directions because they are scattered across different parts of the city.

Tran Hung Dao, Hue

Hanoi, Vietnam, Hanoi

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Shops

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Harbors

Mui Ne Harbour

Alberto Moreno: Mui Ne is a small coastal town near Phan Thiet. Just a 4 hour bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City. In recent years it has become a tourist destination for the residents of Ho Chi Minh City looking to escape the busy city for a relaxing weekend break. It's a small fishing village famous for developing the Nuoc Mam, a fish sauce, a viatamese cuisine. The harbor of Mui Ne, found in the center o f the town, is where the fishing boats dock and sell their fresh catch of the day.

Huynh Truc Khang, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Vietnam, Mui Ne

Historical Monuments

Tomb of Minh Mang

Lilou: The Tomb of Minh Mang is located about 12km from the city of Hue. There is a large staircase which arrives at a walkway where you can see the stone statues representing elephants, horses, and the Mandarins. The imperial tombs are places of worship and the workers who built this tomb in specific were executed so they couldn't divulge the secrets of its construction to looters.

Cam Ké, Húe, Hue

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Rivers

Mekong Delta

Alberto Moreno: The Mekong Delta is located in South Vietnam and has been formed by deposits of sediments carried by the Mekong over centuries. It's one of the largest rivers in the world, so big in fact that it has two daily tides.

The river is known locally as Sông Cửu Long (River of Nine Dragons) since it breaks into 9 separate estuaries at mouth in the South China Sea. The area is known as the "Rice Basket" because it produces enough rice to feed the entire nation and fuel exports. While it is still a rural area, it has one of the highest population densities in Vietnam and practically Can Tho, Canthe Tho

What to see in Vietnam

Page 10

Historical Monuments

Festivals

Ngoc Son Temple Chinese Columns

Dragon Festival in Bac Son (Viet Nam)

David Esteban: In the heart of Hanoi, on the shores of Lake Hoan Kiem, before reaching the Temple of Literature, you can see a tower pointed like a pencil. That is the Thap But, the pen of heaven. The Chinese characters written on it mean Writing, Blue (or green), and Sky. I'd like to know what the legend behind it is...

Marilo Marb: As I mentioned before, my trip to Vietnam coincided with the Tet New Year, there were many days of colour, music, joy and celebration for the Vietnamese. These photos were taken on the streets of a small town in the early morning hours when we went walking in the city. The "carnival" was composed of young boys, who, to the rhythm of the music (drum and a traditional instrument), were waving silk dragon and stopping at small shops in their path. As they danced, the merchants threw money in black cloth bags at them. As is tradition, everyone gives donations in hope that the year will be prosperous, and that health and fortune will come to their homes.

Hanoi Tháp Bút @21.030729,105.853288, Hanoi

Bac Kan

Things to see in Vietnam

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Temples

Pagoda Linh Ong (Thuy Son, Marble Mountains)

Jambo Mondo: You would normally get to the Linh Ong Pagoda from the gateway to Thuy Son (the most important of the Marble Mountains) that is closest to the sea. The first thing you will find is a large white Buddha behind a small pond. The plants and flowers that are on the outside of the temple are very beautiful. To the left of the temple is a white figure of Buddha. After looking at the Buddha, you can turn towards the temple where you will find an interesting figure on the left, with a large tongue. The rooms of the monks are near the temple. WARNING There is a woman selling incense sticks. A monk who works with her offers to help with incense sticks. He snatches a handful of incense, lights all the sticks, and places them in large bunches. That way you run out of incense sticks before reaching the other temples of Thy Son and you have to re-purchase. There is no tradition or rule about the number of incense sticks to be placed opposite

Chùa Linh Ứng, Thủy Sơn, Hòa Hải, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam, Da Nang

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Of Touristic Interest

Canals of Ho Chi Minh City

Marilo Marb: Even though you have to wake up really early to arrive on time to Caibe (floating market Vinh Long Province), and much earlier still if you go from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), and even though the traffic, heat and humidity are terrible, you´ll definitely "wake up" and enjoy yourself once you arrive. Once you get there, you´ll want to take a boat ride on the Anbih Culao channels so that you can see the life of the locals around the canal from close up. The channels are absolutely covered on the banks with a tangleshaped vegetation that blocks you from seeing the insides of the houses but their lives really revolve around the channels so you will see them swimming, fishing, scrubbing pots, washing clothes, and maybe even plucking chickens. A trip not to be missed if you want to understand the idiosyncrasies of the rural people of Vietnam.

192 Lưu Hữu Phước, 15, Quận 8, Ho Chi Minh

1. Ha Long Bay 4. Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An 7. Complex of Hue Monuments 10. Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary 13. Thiên Mụ Pagoda 16. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum 19. Hoa Lu 22. Hoan Kiem Lake 25. Cu Chi Tunnels 28. Hoi An Central Market 31. Presidential Palace 34. Ho Chi Minh City Museum 37. Danang Cham Museum 40. Cao Dai Temple 43. The Streets of Hoi An 46. Huyen Khong Cave (Marble Mountains) 49. Hanoi Railway Station 52. Long Bien Bridge 55. Ngo Dong River 58. Thuy Son, Marble Mountains 61. Tomb of Minh Mang 64. Canals of Ho Chi Minh City

2. The Perfume Pagoda 5. Temple of Literature 8. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater 11. Saigon Central Post Office (Bưu điện) 14. Village of Tam Cốc 17. Mui Ne Sand Dunes 20. Khai Dinh Emperor Tomb 23. Trấn Quốc Pagoda 26. Street Markets of Hanoi 29. The Thu Bon River 32. Binh Tay Market 35. Food Stalls in Ho Chi Minh City 38. Cat Ba Island,Vietnam 41. One Pillar Pagoda (Chùa Một Cột) 44. Dong Xuan Market 47. Hội An 50. Independence Palace 53. Quan Thanh Temple 56. Dong Ba Market 59. Nga Sau Cong Hoa Roundabout 62. Mekong Delta

3. War Remnants Museum 6. Ho Chi Minh City 9. Sung Sot Cave 12. Temple of the Jade Mountain (Đền Ngọc...

15. Perfume River 18. Tomb of Tu Duc 21. Cai Rang Floating Market 24. Can Tho 27. Cua Dai Beach 30. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica 33. Hanoi 36. Jade Emperor Pagoda 39. Hanoi Old Quarter 42. Ho Chi Minh City Hall 45. Xa Loi Pagoda 48. The Marble Mountains 51. Ho Chi Minh Stilt House 54. Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Munic...

57. Hanoi Handicraft Market 60. Mui Ne Harbour 63. Pagoda Linh Ong (Thuy Son, Marble Mo...

Where to eat in Vietnam

1

Restaurants

Pacharán Tapas & Bodega

Jambo Mondo: Pacharán is a meeting place for Spanish people in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). This restaurant and wine bar is at its peak on Wednesday, when it has concerts. The first floor fills up with expats (many of them Spanish) who want to drink and dance. Drinks are cheaper on Wednesdays. too. On Sunday afternoon it's time for the most Spanish moment, Pacharán. Domino games keep going one after the other, while the pacharán flows. Try some good wines and great cocktails, and the sangria in Pacharán is pretty good too. The restaurant offers many Spanish dishes. Pacharán is managed by Andrew, a Hispanic-Brazilian Barcelona fan.

Almudena: When you arrive in Ho Chi Minh and people start giving you advice about where to eat, we recommend (to all the Spaniards at least) the restaurant Pacharán. If you've already been in Vietnam for a few days, as was our case, the truth is that you feel like having something familiar. It is ☎ 840 838 256 024 - 97 Hai Ba Trung Street, Dist.1, | Dong Khoi Area… conveniently located next to the Caravelle Hotel, opposite the

5

Restaurants

New Day

Marc Vilella: New Day is a small restaurant on Mã Mãy street. As you pass by, all you see is a small ground floor and the terrace which extends to the middle of the street. As it fills up, you can go to dining rooms on the upper floors or even eat in the kitchen with the chef. The waiters are very friendly and joke with you when you try to order in Vietnamese and not in English. The food is delicious and the price is great.

You can eat some hearty portions of rice and noodles for only 45,000 VND. I’d recommend the menu. For 99,000 VND (about $7) you get a Pho, two Nem Ha Noi rolls, a plate of rice with some meat or fish in sauce, and dessert. The “Ga Om Noi Dat” was exquisite!

Marc Galabert: On Ma May Street in the old quarter, this restaurant is a great option when you're looking for a good price-quality ratio in restaurants. They serve generous portions with nice and friendly waiters. You'll have a different

☎ 84 438 280 315 - 72 Ma May Street | Old quarters, Hanói, Vietnam, Ha…

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Restaurants

Green Tangerine

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Restaurants

Mekong Rest Stop

Sandra R: This restaurant was near our hotel and we decided to try it after reading the experience of another traveler. We loved it. The décor is French colonial with lots of plants and very pleasant filtered light. It’s an oasis of quiet in the middle of the chaos that is Hanoi. The food is Vietnamese but with a European touch. It’s more oriented toward tourists since, while inexpensive for us, it would be expensive for the average Vietnamese person. Three of us ate there and our bill was around $25, wine included. Very recommended.

Almudena: This restaurant is about 70km. from Ho Chi Minh City and is at one of the rest stops you’ll see during your return from the Mekong Delta. It's quite large and has a beautiful garden full of ponds and water lilies. They even have different environments, simulating the longhouses of different ethnic groups. There's also a large souvenir shop for you to browse through. Although it is a tourist site, the food is fine.

We ate the elephant ear fish (typical of the Mekong) which looks scary but was very good.

Marilo Marb: This restaurant has appeared in every guidebook and is one of the most popular in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. The food blends French and Vietnamese influences and their prices are not bad for the quality of the food. The staff is friendly and they offer good service

Rodamons: This is a restaurant along the road connecting the Mekong Delta with Ho Chi Minh City. It offers traditional food like Nem (spring rolls in rice paper), pho, and that Vietnamese dish par excellance: Bun Bo Hue (noodles and beef). Careful though, it’s spicy.

☎ 84 438 251 286 - 48 Hang Be, Hanói, Vietnam, Hanoi

6

Restaurants

Temple Club

El Guisante Verde Project: Over the past 10 years, this restaurant in Old Saigon has become synonymous with good food and good taste. It’s easy to miss this nostalgic restaurant since the narrow entry way is illuminated by a single bulb. As soon as you enter, the French heritage is palpable and you feel like you've stepped into a Graham Greene novel. It’s a place of mysteries, intrigues, and of course, tasty food. The menu is mainly Vietnamese food there’s a French and Chinese influence. The dishes are presented beautifully and are very, very good. It’s a mixture of tradition and innovation and one of the most romantic restaurants in Old Saigon.

Inés Chueca: All of the positive recommendations were true. It’s a beautiful restaurant, the service is perfect, and the food is great. I’d even go as far to say that it was the best duck à l'orange that I’ve ever had ☎ 84 838 299 244 - 29-31 Ton That Thiep Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vie…

4

Restaurants

96 Restaurant

El Guisante Verde Project: Staying in Hanoi’s Old District (“36 Streets”) might mean giving up the comforts of the city’s large international hotels. In exchange, though, you’re immersed in the authentic life of the city. You can walk night after night through the neighborhood’s narrow streets and discover places that haven’t changed in years and some surprisingly good food. The 96 Restaurant is still not in any of the guides. The staff is young and, of course, try to attract the attention of the small numbers of foreigners in the area. The restaurant is spread out across two floors and decorated in a nice but not overwrought manner. The music is almost imperceptible and the food, while traditional, is among the best I had in Vietnam. In fact, the Cha Ca was the best I've ever had.

Gonzalo: Great restaurant. You can get two Vietnamese soups, one Cha Ca (terrific) one Cha Bum (exceptional) and

☎ 0 439 352 396 - 34 Gia Ngu | Hoan Kiem, Hanói, Vietnam, Hanoi

Dac San Hoi An Restaurant

Jambo Mondo: Dac San is a restaurant located in the center of Hội An. It is a simple place but their specialties (bánh bao, bánh vac, cao lầu, fried wontons and spring rolls, are all very well-prepared. They have a very interesting tasting menu to give you an overview of Hội An cuisine. The tasting menu goes for about 75,000 dongs or $5.

☎ 05 103 861 533 - 89 Tran Phu, Hoi An, Vietnam, Hoi An

☎ 0 733 858 676 - KM 1964+ 300 National road 1A | Long An ward, V…

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Restaurants

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Restaurants

Street Food

Jambo Mondo: In Hanoi, there are many food stalls on the street. Some food stalls are fixed and have a room at street level where business owners keep their possessions and goods, and sometimes put some tables and chairs.

Normally the tables and chairs are placed on the sidewalk which is why it's impossible to walk down the sidewalk and you end up in the road along with all the cars, bicycles and motorbikes, honking incessantly. You can enjoy breakfast typical of Hanoi, which is Noodles soup, usually with chicken.

It's a strong plate that ensures enough sufficient energy for the rest of the morning. The price is normally 15 VND (0.66 €), although it's not surprising to see locals pay only 10 dongs, and some want to charge you 20 dongs. There are food stalls specializing in one dish (which is typical), and others that offer a variety. Some are buffets. You can fill a bowl with rice and ingredients and pay a fixed price, which can be between 20 and 35,000 VND.

Hanoi

Where to eat in Vietnam

Restaurants

9

Cafe on Thu Wheels

Iván Marcos: I highly recommended this small restaurant and bar. It only has four or five tables and the decor is made up entirely of paintings and quotes from its guests. The food is super cheap, and the quality is also good. The restaurant's owner is an excellent person, of easygoing and charming smile, is a place where some travelers are concentrated Very cheap recommended if you go into town, recommended by Rough Guides and Lonely Planet Guides

☎ 84 543 832 241 - 3/34 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Hué, Vietnam, Hue

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Restaurants

Food & Beer Stalls next to the River

Jambo Mondo: Thu Bon River borders the southern ancient city (Old Town). At the far west of the river, beyond the Japanese Bridge and near a Christian church, there are a few places to have a few beers or eat dinner overlooking the river itself. Tourists aren´t usually in this part of town since it´s a pretty local spot. The food isn´t very varied but we ate some snacks that consisted of rice wrapped in banana leaf, fresh rolls and fried duck. The experience was definitely very calm and relaxing and you can eat dinner for about 50,000 Dongs, which is a little more than 2 €.

Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Hoi An

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Restaurants

Vinh Hung Restaurant

Almudena: This restaurant is located in the center of the ancient town of Hoi An, which is in the commercial zone close to the Intercity Bridge. It is nice for having a juice (they´re really good) or soft drink and for eating. They have the traditional dishes of Hoi An including Cao Lau (a kind of soup with noodles, pork and vegetables) and Wontom (similar to ravioli). They also have tasting menus for 2, 5, or 7 people.

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Restaurants

Dining on Cua Dai Beach

Jambo Mondo: Cua Dai Beach completely transforms after dark. Dozens of large mats appear on the sand and there are a lot of women that follow you around and insist you eat at their mat. Once you get over this, it´s not such a bad atmosphere. It´s quite calm and great for a romantic dinner lying on the mat, eating by the light of a candle and listening to the waves breaking on the sand, and watching the stars above. You can eat fish, clams, squid, etc. You can dine for about 75,000 dongs which is about 3 € Note: Prices are from May 2009

Cửa Đại, Hội An, Hoi An

☎ 84 510 862 203 - 01 Chau Thuong Van St | or 147B Tran Phu St, H…

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Restaurants

Koto Restaurant

Carlos Olmo: One of the most interesting and active NGOs in Hanoi, the restaurant Koto serves to collect street children, ve are then trained in hospitality and practices, before starting work in international hotels and restaurants, as their training is first rate. The restaurant is opposite the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, and is a must-see as well as a place to eat well. The restaurant is one of the many activities that the NGO KOTO (Know One Teach One-Knowing One, Teach One) participates in.

☎ 84 437 470 337 - 59 Van Mieu Street | Old Quater, Hanói +84, Vietn…

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Restaurants

12

Jambo Mondo: The San Tuoi restuarante Song Hai is a typical street restaurant in Hanoi. There are small tables and plastic chairs on the pavement, without anything fancy except the food they serve. Their specialty is seafood. You can eat different types of river snails for various prices, different types of clams, crabs, oysters, or fish. The prices are really decent.

What you spend really depends on the seafood you choose.

You can eat for between 40,000 and 80,000 dongs per person, so 1.7 to 3.5 euros. The restaurant San Tuoi Hai Song is perfectly located, not far from the Water Puppets theatre, which means that it an ideal place to go for dinner after a show. A seal of approval for this restaurant is that you always find expats enjoying their seafood.

41, Cau Go, Hanoi

Com Nieu Sai Gon

Jambo Mondo: If you want 100% authentic Vietnamese food, then Quan Phu is the place to go! It's a local restaurant, where the staff don't speak English, though they do have an English menu available. The clients are mostly Vietnamese, coming here to enjoy some beer in the evenings. It's a lively place where you'll find nonstop singing, and the customers are very welcoming and friendly. In terms of food, you can order different types or rice, noodles, etc. The fish, and especially the shellfish, are delicious. The prawns are a signature dish, but if you want something really out there, snake is also on offer - and you can witness the whole procedure from taking the animal from its tank to killing and serving it.

☎ 0 839 326 388 - 19 Tu Xuong | District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 55555, V…

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Hai San Tuoi Song

Restaurants

Restaurants

Tam Tam Cafe

Marilo Marb: If I had to choose a place to live in Vietnam ´s "mainland," a Shampá in Halong Bay would be my first option. But, I also wouldn´t hesitate to choose the charming city of Hoi An in the middle of the country. It´s one of the most frequented places to make a stop and rest a bit before continuing your tour or trip through the country and most people who go want to return. It´s full of souvenir shops, tailor shops, flea markets, boats, restaurants, and terraces where you can sit and enjoy a fresh juice or a cold beer while watching life in Hoi An. It´s priceless. One of the most charming places is the Tam-Tam Café. Its owner is a Frenchman who fell in love while traveling through Hoi-An and in 1996, he returned to open up this cafe and stay for good. The building of the cafe has an interesting story, as it was built by the French in 1932 and served as a colonial residence. Later, it became a tea store run by some Chinese traders, and the sign from the original tea company still hangs

☎ 0 510 862 212 - 110 Nguyen Thai, Hoi An, Vietnam, Hoi An

Where to eat in Vietnam

17

Restaurants

Paloma Cafe

Jambo Mondo: Paloma Cafe is a bar-restaurant that seems a bit like a cafeteria or ice cream parlor. Paloma Cafe is one of the places with a more modern design in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), and seemingly for an older, over 30 crowd. There´s live jazz music every night. The ice creams are really good and there is a variety of cocktails and Western food choices.

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Restaurants

Ly Club

Almudena: Set in a French colonial building in the heart of town, near Lake Hoan Kiem. This is a recommendable restaurant is you don´t know Vietnamese food very well because they have a prepared menu, so you don´t have to think of what to ask for, and it was all very good. The place has a relaxed atmosphere and the staff is very nice.

☎ 84 439 363 069 - 4 Le Phung Hieu Street | French Quarter, Hanói V…

The Mermaid (Nhu Y) Restaurant

Jambo Mondo: The Mermaid Restaurant in Hội An is one of the "classics" of this historic city. Its specialties include bánh bao, fried wontons, cao lao, squid stuffed with roast pork, and fish with caramel sauce. We tried the last two last options and they were delicious. The prices are very good as you can eat for about 50-80 Dong (3-4$).

☎ 0 822 447 746 - 205 Bis Nguyen Van Troi, Ho Chi Minh

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Restaurants

19

Restaurants

Café 69

Irukina: In the charming town of Hoi An (Vietnam), this restaurant is in an old house near the river. The food is very good and prices cheap (although less cheap than in the market where the locals eat). I recommend the Cao Lau, the typical avocado composed Vietnam noodle, bean sprouts, slices of pork, croutons and cooling herbs. I have also tried the tuna steaks in turmeric settles wrapped in banana leaf and wonton, another local specialty consisting of a kind of prawn dumplings covered in vegetables. The pancakes are sweet and delicious, but the appearance is of a tortilla. If you are sightseeing in Hoi An is a very good place to fill your stomach.

☎ 05 103 861 527 - 2 Tran Phu St, Hoi An, Vietnam, Hoi An

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Restaurants

Gon Cafe

Yola: As delicious as Vietnamese cuisine is, after spending a few months in the country, sometimes you need something a bit more international! Gon Cafe is among the hotels and hostels of Ho Chi Minh City. They sell themselves as serving Vietnamese and Italian food, although in truth it has a bit of everything - chicken and chips, and that sort of thing. It's not top quality, but it's perfectly serviceable, and has normal Vietnamese prices. I went several times, mostly to enjoy the free wifi over a coffee.

244 de Tham, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh

20

Restaurants

Eating Crocodile Meat

Pau García Solbes: They say crocodiles are the animal which causes the most human deaths in the world. We had the opportunity to even the score and tried crocodile meat during our trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. In the journey that took us from Can Tho to Chau Doc we stopped at a crocodile farm. At first it seemed very normal. We were going to change the water and rest in a roadhouse. Nothing fancy. Our Mekong Delta guide told us that they bred crocodiles there and asked if we wanted them. We were led to a maze of pools filled with dozens of small crocodiles. Gradually the size of the reptiles grew significantly, as did my fright. In my opinion, the protection was very limited as the pools were surrounded by a flimsy metal grid. At the end of the tour and our suffering, the guide asked us if we wanted to try crocodile meat. After a while we ate some as a type of very, very fried meatballs. They tasted quite strong and were very chewy.

☎ 845 103 910 527 - 69 Tran Hung Dao St, Da Nang

23

Restaurants

Kentuky Fried Chicken

Jambo Mondo: Eating at a Kenyucky Fried Chicken is not something to be recommended. However, this KFC is strategically located opposite the main entrance to the Binh Tay Market in Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon). You can see the activity surrounding the market from the first floor of the KFC. See without being seen. It is very cheap, and you can have a meal there for less than 2 €.

Hau Giang Street, Ho Chi Minh

Chau Doc, Can Tho

24

Restaurants

Mandarin Cafe

Carlos Olmo: The city of Hue is one of the best in Vietnam, not only for its tourist attractions, but also because it has one of the most charming restaurants in the country, coffee Mandarin. Its owner, Mr CU is an extraordinary man, a world-class photographer who if he was born in the West would be working for National Geographic. In his cafe, he displays his photos on the walls, made with an old reflex, of daily life in Vietnam. For a high price you can buy postcards with his photos. You can eat well and cheap.

☎ 054 821 281 - 24 Tran Cao Van St. | South Bank, Hué 47000, Vietn…

Where to eat in Vietnam

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Restaurants

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Moca Cafe

Carlos Olmo: Near the Cathedral, Nha Tho Street is a mecca for foreigns in Hanoi. It has dozens of restaurants of all price ranges and qualities. The Moca Café is aimed at tourists rather than backpackers, because the bill will probably be around 10-15 euros. It's international food, specializing in Italian and Indian. It's not worth eating Vietnamese food here as it's expensive and there are hundreds of bars around where you eat better.

Restaurants

Nga Hang Ngon

El Guisante Verde Project: This French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant is set in a large two-floor colonial building with a really amazing entryway. The food is prepared fresh in front of you and there are mist jets to help beat the Ho Chi Minh City heat. I ordered the Bun Cha, a rice noodle dish with grilled pork, veggies, and spices. Some dishes are complicated, so it is a good idea to ask the staff for their advice. They’ll usually be happy to help you. The food is a bit “soft” for what I had expected of Vietnamese cuisine, but it’s popular among Vietnamese families ve come with friends to celebrate special occasions.

☎ 8 448 256 334 - 14-16 Nha Tho Street, Hanói, Vietnam, Hanoi

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Restaurants

Mar Fernandez Noreña: This club-bar-restaurant is situated on the beach in an exceptional position. Admission is free and you can use all the services of the club, have a beer quietly in the sun beds, swim in the pool, get a massage on the beach (you pay for this of course), or play pool ... The brew their own Vietnamese beer and you can book a guided tour. The restaurant has Vietnamese, Japanese cuisine and seafood specialities. I only stayed there one evening just to relax after a day out in the city and visiting the Khmer temples. I enjoyed the facilities and massage but I did not try the restaurant.

Lot 29, Tran Phu, Nha Trang

Restaurants

Restaurants

Hanoi Garden Restaurant

Restaurant Lam Tong Quan

Sandra R: This restaurant is in a courtyard away from the chaos of Hanoi. It's nice because you can go inside and escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. The food was good and the dishes were quite filling but the service was not perfect. The price is also good. It´s a good place to eat if what you want is a moment of relaxation and tranquility and then later to back to the busy streets of the city.

☎ 84 838 277 131 - Pasteur, 160, Ho Chi Minh

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Club la Lousiane

27

36 Hang Manh Street, Hanói, Vietnam, Hanoi

Restaurants

Restaurants

Búp

Dong Xuan Market Food Stalls

Pau García Solbes: Vietnamese food is one of the most diverse and creative in the world. We at tables, but also at the grill. In Hoi An we had some free time, so I participated in a cooking course. I chose to take the classes in the BUP "restaurant", located at 96, Bach Dang Hoi An, close to the river. I do not remember the price course, but I remember them being cheap, since dinner and English jokes were included. We arrived about half past five in the afternoon and BUP greeted us with a smile and a drink. Six of us prepared a typical Vietnamese menu of papaya salad, Vietnamese rolls, fish stuffed in roasted banana leaves and a dessert with fresh fruit. We had to show our prowess in the noble art of cutting, frying and stuffing. Everything was fun and the food was scrumptious. You also got to share a few hours with an authentic Vietnamese family and see what a business is like from the inside. In short, something you must try in Hoi An. ☎ 0 510 910 441 - Bach Dang 96, Hoi An

Jambo Mondo: Lam Tong Quan Restaurant is on the main street of Mui Ne, near Melow Guesthouse. This restaurant with sea stands precisely for dishes based on fish and seafood. Prawns, sea snails, crabs, squid and fish are just a few of the restaurant's most outstanding dishes. We were able to eat a delicious grilled fish. The fish are alive in the tanks. Prices are affordable, lower thanmost other places in Mui Ne. The service is very good.

92 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui Ne

30

Jambo Mondo: There is a small alley, on the south side of Dong Xuan market, which brings together numerous food stalls, all of various types, at affordable prices. In some food stalls it works like buffet. Here you pay only 20,000 (less than 1 €) and you can fill the dish with rice plus the ingredients you want (from meat to peanuts to shrimp).

Hanoi

Restaurants

Buffet Sen Tay Ho

Rodamons: This is in the West Lake area. It has a huge capacity, something like 1,200 guests, and the buffet offers over 200 different dishes ranging from Vietnamese to European and Chinese. The restaurant has nice décor and offers good views of the lake. If you visit in May or June you’ll be in time to see all the lotus flowers in bloom along the lake.

☎ 84 437 199 242 - 614 Lac Long Quan, Hanói, Vietnam, Hanoi

Where to eat in Vietnam

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Restaurants

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Little Hanoi

Jambo Mondo: Little Hanoi restaurant is one of those restaurants recommended by Lonely Planet which is a safe and not disappointing, but not surprising, perhaps given the fact that it is recommended. The staff is very friendly and the restaurant is quiet and here you can find a friendly atmosphere. The food is good and the value is worth it. The spring rolls are quite tasty and the "sweet and sour" shrimp resemble those prepared in Thailand far more than other restaurants in Vietnam. Dinner can go for about 60-80,000 Dongs (about 2.7 to 3.7 €) per person. Note: (these were the prices in May 2009)

☎ 39 260 168 - 9 Ta Hien, Hanói, Vietnam, Hanoi

Restaurants

Inés Chueca: This restaurant is located in the port area of Ham Ninh and has lots of fresh seafood. You yourself can choose what you want to eat and they weigh it up for you and begin cooking. Our driver on the island recommended it to us and it was much cheaper than similar seafood places set up for tourists. The food was excellent; the best seafood I tried on the island: crabs, shrimp of all sizes, clams….

Pedro Jareño: And all for 30 Euros for two people! The portions are enormous. It’s very expensive for Vietnam but I don’t even want to imagine what a meal like that would cost in Europe or America. The seafood was very fresh, tasty, and tender. The crab was exquisite. They also served us this large white variety of shrimp with garlic sauce that was just incredible. The clams (or something clam-like, at least) were also very good. Very recommended and off the typical tourist trail. It was by far the best seafood I had in Vietnam.

Phú Quốc

Lemongrass

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Restaurants

Pomodoro Italian

El Guisante Verde Project: Lemon Grass has several restaurants in the former Saigon. We tried this one at the bottom of a street, in the center, yet far enough away to be quiet. The Vietnamese consider it to be somewhat expensive.

However, for Westerners unaccustomed to Vietnamese cuisine, it is a good choice, serving traditional cuisine but less spicy, so it is interesting to start with the pho ga, pho bo, and some other dishes that are a little more elaborate than those served in the Pho 24 chain. We went there a couple of times, and that situation was ideal. The service was excellent.

Almudena: It is centrally located, just around the corner from the Caravelle Hotel, next to the Opera house. It's a great Italian restaurant, and the prices are fairly reasonable, althought they are expensive for Vietnam, but not for European pockets. The pasta was great, as was the lasagna, and the beer, at last ... cold, of the few places where I managed to get a cold beer.

☎ 088 220 496 - 4 Nguyen Thiep - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam…

☎ 84 838 238 998 - 79 Hai Ba Trung | Dong Khoi Area, Ho Chi Minh C…

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Kim Quong Restaurant

Restaurants

Restaurants

Paris Baguette

Patricia M. Gómez: We were walking when I saw this chain located on a corner of Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. It was very hot but since we hadn´t eaten, we walked to eat at Mon Hue (a highly recommended Vietnamese food chain) and then, when we passed Paris Baguette, we had to stop there too. It is self-service so you grab a tray and choose the savory brioches that you´d like. They are accompanied by an explanation in English of what it is. Prices are very reasonable (16,000 dong / $ 0.7 tartlet or brioche). We took a donut, two cakes and a coffee truffle. After eating, we were thirsty so we decided to get a coconut and a mango flake.

The mango flake left me speechless and the rich coconut milk was perfect was the hot temperature. The place has two floors and terrace and it´s open until 10 at night. I think it´s a great place to have a drink or a sweet treat!

☎ 0 838 308 204 - Nguyen Thi Minh Khai corner Cao Thang District 1, …

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Restaurants

Hai Lua Restaurant

Inés Chueca: The price is around $10 per person and you probably won’t understand anything on the menu (and that’s including the English translation!), so your best strategy is to look what the other tables are ordering. Everything is eaten with your hands or chop sticks. It’s just delicious!

Pedro Jareño: This place is in the middle of the night market and it’s good for a quick hassle-free bite to eat.

They’re pretty insistent that you try the grilled shellfish but we didn't try it during our visit.

648, Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 11, Quận 5, Tp., Ho Chi Minh

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Culinary Interest

Fabricación de Caramelos y Palomitas en Vietnam

Marilo Marb: South of Vietnam, there are several islands at the mouth of the Mekong River in Ben Tre where we stopped to visit a "manufactured home" of their famous candies made of coconut called Keo dua. The process is quite traditional, The dough is made in a pot with constant stirring, once it becomes almost sticky it is kneaded and stretched into large rectangles. It is then let to cool a little and cut and wrapped in thin paper made of rice paste. They also make popcorn rice, sweetened with sugar or honey, and rice wafers for wrapping famous Vietnamese spring rolls, which are exquisite. It's amazing to see the diligence and accuracy used to make rice wafers, especially how they handle them since they are stretched to be almost transparent so they can dry, and they never break any! The smell of the house is a delightful mix of "toffee", fried rice and coconut. Something which I still have in my "olfactory memories." An interesting Ben Tre ( Vietnam ), Bến Tre site to see.

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Restaurants

Plato Tipico

Marilo Marb: After an early start to go to the river market of the Mekong River Delta in Vinh Long, and when the sun was almost unbearable due to heat and humidity, we stopped at a house on the same bank as of one of the delta's channels. The house was inhabited by a family that operated a restaurant, with its signature dish "elephant ear fish". A freshwater fish, with a "fronted" somewhat peculiar and even stranger flavor. Before we sat down and while the table was prepared, we walked around the garden, which looked more like a small zoo, with a snake cage included. As we sat at the table, and were "presiding over" the fish, skewered and kind of grilled, with various side dishes, vegetables, thin rice cakes and almost transparent rolls. The lady was explaining how to eat, it was almost a ritual. She took the fish pieces with chopsticks, placed them on top of the thin pancake of rice with some vegetables and sauce, wrapped and ate. After eating, she insisted that we rest in shady hammocks, so we

Delta del Mekong, Vietnam, Vĩnh Long

Where to eat in Vietnam

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Tea Rooms

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Reaching Out Tea House

Inés Chueca: This is a great place for a quiet cup of tea.

They waiters don’t utter a word and there are chips on each table that are inscribed with things like “hot water” and “thank you,” as well as a pad of paper and pen so you can write what you want. The decoration is lovely and there are sofas and cute little tea tables. It’s a perfect place to escape the rain.

Restaurants

Huong Viet Vietnamese Aroma

Andrea Bicini: Viet Huong Vietnamese Aroma restaurant is tucked away in a small alley near Humg Dao Tran, in the center of Ho Chi Minh City (District 1). The staff are great, and will welcome you with a smile. The menu offers a wide range of Vietnamese dishes at normal prices. The rolls are very good, as well as the omelette, pork, and shrimp. They offer free high-speed wifi, and a selection of Mexican dishes, too (although we didn't try them).

☎ 0 905 216 553 - 131 Tran Phu, Hoi An 510, Vietnam, Hoi An

Restaurants

Ho Chi Minh

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Coco Bar Pedro Jareño: I needed fat! After a few days enjoying (delicious) Vietnamese food, my body was just craving a hamburger. What can I say? I found the perfect place! The burgers were great and so were the fries! All homemade, nothing frozen, and all for around 3 dollars! It’s next to the night market but on the highway which heads to the south.

The views aren't great, but the food is wonderful.

Inés Chueca: If after a few days in Vietnam you’re in the mood for something a bit more Western, Coco Bar is your place. Good burgers, homemade chips, fresh juice, and fried noodles. They also have ice cream and cocktails and there’s a billiards table inside.

Phú Quốc

Restaurants

Phuong Nam

nguyen van non: The food and staff are fantastic! One is definitely delicious, and since the shop is still open you can probably assume we didn't eat the owners. We ordered the crocodile curry. Super tender and perfectly cooked. The broth wasn't overpowered by salt or 'fake meat' flavoring. You could tell they let this simmer for a loooong time to give it that nice meaty goodness. If you need a little more sodium in your broth use the fish paste. I like my pho on the spicy side, so I added red pepper Our meal started with an order of seafood rolls and fried dumplings (shrimps). Both were cooked fresh and served hot and steaming. The seafood rolls were a particular favorite.The fried dumplings weren't too doughy either! They made sure to get a nice meat / dumpling ratio.

We're located hotel in Tra Noc, but would totally drive out to Phuong Nam on the regular after such a great lunch experience. Be warned: They definitely get busy around 7pm.

We got there a bit closer to 11:30am / 12pm and it was fine.

☎ 847 103 812 077 - 48 D Hai Ba Trung Street - Tan An Ward - Ninh K…

Places to eat in Vietnam 1. Pacharán Tapas & Bodega 2. Green Tangerine 4. Dac San Hoi An Restaurant 5. New Day 7. 96 Restaurant 8. Street Food 10. Vinh Hung Restaurant 11. Dining on Cua Dai Beach 13. Food & Beer Stalls next to the River 14. Koto Restaurant 16. Tam Tam Cafe 17. Paloma Cafe 19. Café 69 20. Eating Crocodile Meat 22. Gon Cafe 23. Kentuky Fried Chicken 25. Moca Cafe 26. Nga Hang Ngon 28. Club la Lousiane 29. Búp 31. Little Hanoi 32. Lemongrass 34. Fabricación de Caramelos y Palomitas en... 35. Paris Baguette 37. Plato Tipico 38. Reaching Out Tea House 40. Phuong Nam

3. Mekong Rest Stop 6. Temple Club 9. Cafe on Thu Wheels 12. Com Nieu Sai Gon 15. Hai San Tuoi Song 18. The Mermaid (Nhu Y) Restaurant 21. Ly Club 24. Mandarin Cafe 27. Hanoi Garden Restaurant 30. Buffet Sen Tay Ho 33. Pomodoro Italian 36. Hai Lua Restaurant 39. Huong Viet Vietnamese Aroma

Where to stay in Vietnam

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1

Thanh Binh III - Serene Hotel

Hotels

Jambo Mondo: One of the best things about Hội An is its wide variety of quality hotels. It’s very possible to get a room at a hotel with a pool, breakfast buffet, and comfy rooms with large bathrooms and balconies for prices that are unimaginable in other parts of the world (perhaps only Bali rivals Hội An in terms of price). This was our case at the Than Binh III Hotel. The breakfast was amazing and we had eggs, fruit, cereal, croissants, juice and tea. The pool was very nice and being able to have a mid-day swim in the heat of Hội An was a real luxury. It was the low-season so we got a considerable discount. We only paid 270,000 VND (about $15) for our double room with buffet breakfast for two. I’d imagine the price goes up during the rest of the year.

Beatriz Castillo: I went to Vietnam last November and we found this hotel in our guide. We originally planned to stay for one night and we got a room and breakfast for $20. However, our experience in Hội An was so nice that we decided to stay another night. We asked them for a different room since ours was on the 3rd floor and didn’t have wi-fi reception and we kept on having to go out into the stairwell to get a signal. The second night, we stayed on a ground floor room with a private garden for around $25.

Hotels

Sheraton Hanoi Hotel

Marilo Marb: While in Hanoi, we stayed at this hotel. The hotel is located on a lake, and is only 10 minutes from the city center, and half an hour from the airport. The rooms are very spacious and tastefully decorated, in addition to good service with attention to detail (in-room newspaper, fruit, tea and coffee, bathrobe, etc.). Since it was the celebration of Tet (New Year), the lobby, restaurant, bar and other public areas of the hotel were decorated with the typical party decorations.

In the restaurant, there is a nightly buffet that offers exquisite cuisine, with lots of seafood and a large selection of both Western and Vietnamese food. However, the best of all was definitely the big glass window from which you could enjoy the beautiful views of the city.

98 Ba Trieu Street, Hoi An

K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu Road, Hanoi

Mar Fernandez Noreña: This hotel is lovely. The rooms are very spacious, clean and air-conditioned. The pool is not very big but still very nice after a hard day of shopping and exploring. The breakfast buffet is included in the already ridiculously low price which you can haggle down even further. We stayed in a triple room for $15 a night.

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Resorts

Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang

Pau García Solbes: This fantastic hotel by the Evason chain is located along the shores of Nha Trang beach and is where we chose to take mid-trip break. Honestly, the three days we spent there were great. Our receptionist showed us around the hotel and explained what everything was. He told us just to ask for him if we needed anything at all. The Ana Mandara is composed of small villas located just steps from the sea. The rooms have everything including outdoor jacuzzis that are shielded from the curious stares of passersby. The bed was certainly the largest we have ever slept in. We also had sunbeds, umbrellas and towels. If we wanted anything, all we had to do was raise a little flag and they brought it right to us. The white-sand beach is private and solely for the use and enjoyment of guests. The beach was great, yes, but the massive infinity pools were even better. What really won us over, though, was the cuisine and cocktails, some of which were among the strangest and most Tran Phu Street, Beachside, Nha with Trang delicious I've ever tried. Imagine a Bloody Mary made

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Hotels

La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa MGallery by Sofitel

Marilo Marb: Hotel La Residence was a former Governor's residence. It has been transformed into a hotel with a French colonial style. Its location, central and on on the banks of Perfume River, makes it ideal for walking and for the 'required' visits in Hue. Its rooms are spacious and cozy, equipped with all the details you expect in a hotel of this category. The restaurant has large windows overlooking the river and a cuisine half way between Vietnamese and French.

It is excellent. They organize romantic dinners on a boat on the Perfume River or on one of the hotel balconies overlooking the river.

5 Le Loi Street, Hue

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Hotels

Victory Star Cruise hotel

Almudena: This boat was launched in 2009 and, as with all boats that sail Ha Long Bay, it's a reproduction of a traditional Vietnamese boat. This particular one is quite large and has 32 rooms. The cabins are a good size (considering it's a boat) and have fully equipped bathrooms and terraces where you can enjoy the beautiful views. The dining room is on the third floor and the fourth floor is a terrace with sun loungers so you can enjoy the scenery. This boat is run by a Frenchman who greets you and gives you explanations of the tour, both in English and French. He will explain the activities organized on the boat, cooking classes, tai chi, tour boats, kayaks etc...

Hon Gai Port , Hạ Long

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Resorts

The Nam Hai, Hoi An

minube: The Nam Hai Hotel, a resort, is located in the town of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. The Nam Hai, Hoi An Resort offers a total of 100 rooms each with wonderful views of the entire property. They have 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms, or 3 bedrooms for larger families. The hotel offers its guests many services like a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, spa, sauna, garden, terrace, library, etc. You can also enjoy massages, cycling or a barbecue. From the hotel, it's just a few minutes walk to the beach where you can relax with a good dip. minube: This hotel was built in 2006 and has modern facilities and quality installations. The complex is located on a beautiful space that measures more than 30 hectares. You´ll find plenty to do here while appreciating the open air and nature around you. The rooms are well equipped with TV, heating and air conditioning.

Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village, Dien Ban District,, Hoi An

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Hotels

Kim Ngan Hotel

Carlos Olmo: This is one of the hotels with the best pricequality ratio in Vietnam and, with a little haggling, you can get a room with AC and TV for 5€. The hotel is clean and the staff is friendly. The only downside is that the hotel can make you feel a bit of vertigo it's a very high, narrow building (as is common in Vietnam) and can give the impression that you can collapse at any time.

☎ 058 824 424 - 52 Hoang Hoa Tham, Nha Trang

Where to stay in Vietnam

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Hotels

Golden Star Hotel

David Esteban: A & EM is a famous chain of Vietnamese hotels that are small and affordable. I stayed in one of the many that are in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The rooms are clean and meet the needs of the traveler, but they are small and there weren´t many luxuries that one might expect. They are often in different locations in centric areas. There is internet in the rooms and wired computers in the lobby and there are also "Business" rooms (are twice as expensive but are exterior, making them larger and brighter). An average room costs 20-25Euros per night and the "business" about 40, if you book several rooms for several days you can renegotiate the price, but given the good value for money, that´s usually not a problem.

60 Le Thanh Ton, Ho Chi Minh

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Hotels

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Metropole Hotel

Almudena: The Metropole is a beautiful French colonial style hotel situated in the center of Hanoi, and is beside Hoan Kiem Lake, in the bustle of the city. It has been in operation since 1901, and was the first Sofitel Legend in the world. It has 364 rooms and suites, 3 restaurants (French cuisine at Le Beaulieu, Vietnamese specialties at Spices Garden, and Italian cuisine at Angelina) , meeting rooms, a pool, a gym and a sauna.

☎ 84 438 266 919 - 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanói 10000, Vietnam, Hanoi

Hotels

Hotels

Sofitel Saigon Plaza hotel

Thien Thanh Boutique Hotel

Almudena: This hotel is situated in the center of the city, near the Cathedral of Notre Dam, on a very wide avenue. It is a modern hotel, equipped with everything you could possibly need. It has two great restaurants, a gym, spa and pool on the 18th floor offering great views of the city. The rooms are very spacious as was the bathroom, which like most of the 5 star hotels in Vietnam has a bath and shower. The hotel staff are very friendly and willing to help.

☎ 84 838 241 555 - 17 Le Duan Boulevard, Ho Chi Minh

Irukina: This hotel is a little more expensive than others in Vietnam but given the other prices of Hoi An, I think these ones were pretty good. There are rooms for $25 or $30. The higher prices ones overlook the pool and the rice fields. The rooms are very large and have a small balcony. Air conditioning, satellite TV, computers and wifi are included in the rooms. There´s also a small pool with beautiful views.

Breakfast is also included in the price but isn´t that great since it´s only a dish and a drink.

16 Ba Trieu Street, Hoi An

Furama Resort Danang

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Hotels

Thien Hong hotel

Marilo Marb: The Furama Hotel is in Danang, the third largest city in Vietnam, in the center of the country. Danang has a long promenade, in the wide avenues you can still see colonial houses built by the Portuguese and Spanish settlers, who occupied the city between the 17 and 18 centuries. It is very curious to see the fishing boats, a kind of wicker basket in which it is only the fisherman fishing. The hotel is by the sea, the rooms are very large and the service splendid. The sauna and steam room are a delight to relax at the end of the day. The only Spaniard we met there was a Basque lad who in his training in hotel work there. The hotel is very recommendable hotel for its location, close to several world heritage sites, essential to know if you visit Vietnam, and the convenience it offers

Yola: Like many houses in Ho Chi Minh, and throughout Vietnam, Thien Hong was made into a kind of small hotel. It is quite new and with well-equipped rooms, and it is cheap. In 2009 I ended up paying € 7 night for a single room (with hot water, fan, bathroom and refrigerator). It is in the area of accommodation, restaurants, cafes and travel agencies near the area where buses leave backpackers. It was in one of those alleys, almost impassable, and almost pedestrian, connecting a wide street with another. Tad hard to find, but you can ask. Worth it just for the everyday life near these streets.

105 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da N…

241/34 Pham Ngu Lao Street | Dist. 1, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Ho Chi M…

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Resorts

Hotels

Hoi An Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort & Spa

Almudena: This large, coastal 5-star hotel is quite far from the town of Hoi An, but it has a shuttle service to the city at certain times. You can also take a cheap taxi outside of operating hours. The rooms are large and comfy, and the bathroom is great, too. It is made up of several buildings in a beautiful garden, but if anything stands out about the hotel, it's the vast pool (150 metres long) and the private beach. ☎ 845 103 927 555 - Thanh Nien Road Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An Ancient…

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Hotels

Caravelle Saigon hotel

Marilo Marb: Caravelle Hotel, with its Italian marble facade and bulletproof glass windows, became the best hotel in Vietnam and one of the most popular in Southeast Asia almost 50 years ago. After the liberation of Saigon in 1975, the hotel was purchased and operated by the Vietnamese government as the Hotel Independence. In 1998, it returned to its old name, and is once again considered the best hotel in town. The famous terrace bar is still standing, offering the best views of the city, and serving their famous cocktails. The rooms are great - the biggest seen, 19 -beds 23 LamI've Son ever Square, Ho Chiwith Minh

Places to stay in Vietnam 1. Thanh Binh III - Serene Hotel 3. La Residence Hue Hotel & S...

5. The Nam Hai, Hoi An 7. Kim Ngan Hotel 9. Metropole Hotel 11. Thien Hong hotel 13. Hoi An Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort &...

2. Evason Ana Mandara Nha Tra...

4. Sheraton Hanoi Hotel 6. Victory Star Cruise hotel 8. Golden Star Hotel 10. Furama Resort Danang 12. Sofitel Saigon Plaza hotel 14. Caravelle Saigon hotel