Top 10 Thing To Do In Saigon At Night

Ho Chi Minh is a city that never sleeps. When the sun sets, Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City (locally known as “Saigon” and abbreviated “HCMC”) boasts some of the greatest nightlife. The city may seem magnificent and crowded during the day, but at night, it reaches a whole other level.

The city is teeming with residents and tourists, and there are several things to keep you busy. Intent on attending a performance? Would you want to dine on a rooftop? Here are our suggestions for the top 10 things to do in Saigon at night. Whether you have 1 day, 3 days, or more than 5 days in HCMC, any of these nocturnal activities would be an excellent complement to your schedule.

Take a Walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

Visit the Nguyen Hue pedestrian strip in the evening on your trip to Saigon for a lively glimpse of the city. This pedestrian-only street is decorated with lights and has several photo ops.

At night, it’s also a great place to people-watch or does some window shopping at the nearby malls. Numerous individuals come here at night for a stroll or to visit one of the stores or cafés lining the roadways.

On the weekends, there are often singing and dance groups, which make the evenings on Nguyen Hue Street even more entertaining. The area comes alive with locals and travelers alike who are enjoying the cooler evening temperatures.

Explore Saigon’s Street Food with Night Food Tours.

Saigon is renowned for its street food, and there’s no better way to try it than with a guided night food tour. These tours will take you to some of the best places to eat in HCMC, from hole-in-the-wall restaurants to street carts serving up authentic Vietnamese dishes. Not only will you get to sample the local cuisine, but you’ll also learn about the history and culture of the city through your guide’s commentary. Here is some food that you should not miss out on when in Saigon at night

Hu Tieu

Hu Tieu is a type of noodle soup that can be made with either rice or tapioca noodles. The soup is typically served with pork, shrimp, and vegetables.

Where to eat:

Hu Tieu Nam Vang Quynh

Address: A65 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1

Opening hours: 5:30 am – 9:30 pm

Prices: 69.000 – 80.000 VND

Banh Mi

Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette and filled with meats, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce.

Where to eat:

Huynh Hoa bread

Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

Opening hours: 01:30 pm – 00:00 am

Prices: 30.000 – 50.000 VND

Spring rolls

Spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, and vegetables. They are often served with a dipping sauce made from peanut butter, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce.

Where to eat:

Hai Hoi Quan

Address: 51 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, HCM City

Opening hours: 7:30 am – 10:00 pm

Prices: 25.000 – 100.000 VND

>>> Read more about Vietnam Street Foods

Have a Fresh Beer on Pham Ngu Lao Street

Pham Ngu Lao Street is the backpacker district of Saigon, and it’s where you’ll find many of the city’s best bars. The street is lined with bars, pubs, and clubs, you may spend the entire evening having fun. District 1’s Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao streets are foreigners’ “heaven” when it comes to Saigon’s nightlife. If you’re looking for a place to drink on a budget, this is the place to be.

Check Out a Show at Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre, is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The theatre located in District 1 was built in 1900 by French architect Eugène Ferret. The building is an excellent example of French colonial architecture, and it’s one of the best places to see a performance in HCMC.

saigon at night

Saigon Opera House hosts a variety of shows, including traditional Vietnamese performances, ballets, and operas. If you’re interested in seeing some of the best that Saigon has to offer, attending a show at the Opera House is a must. Some of the outstanding performances that take place here include traditional Vietnamese theatre, Western opera, and ballet.

Enjoy Live Music at One of Saigon’s Many Bars

Saigon at night has a vibrant scene, and many bars and clubs feature live music. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some great tunes, head to one of these establishments

Indika Saigon

Address: 43 Nguyen Van Giai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 02:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Indika Saigon is a live music venue that showcases the talents of local and international musicians. The venue has a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy some great tunes.

The Observatory

Address: 5 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM

The Observatory is a rooftop bar located in the heart of District 1. The bar offers panoramic views of the city, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink while listening to live music.

Q Bar

Address: 74/7 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Q Bar is one of the most popular bars in HCMC, and it’s known for its great selection of cocktails and live music. The bar often has international DJs spinning tunes, so you can dance the night away.

Apocalypse Now

Address: 2C Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Apocalypse Now is a popular bar located in District 1. The bar has a dark and atmospheric vibe, and it’s known for its live music. If you’re looking for a place to rock out, this is the place to be.

Go Shopping at Ben Thanh Night Market

Ben Thanh Market, an emblem of Ho Chi Minh City, opens in the wee hours of the morning. After a long day of trade, when the main market closes at 6:00 p.m., the night markets on the side streets open. It is an excellent site to purchase local handicrafts, branded items, Vietnamese art, and other mementos.

Here you’ll discover food stalls where you can sample Vietnamese hawker-style cuisine or simply relax with a refreshing drink when the haggling becomes too intense. The road becomes a pedestrian zone until midnight, allowing you to stroll about, do some shopping, and fulfill your appetite.

>>> Explore Ho Chi Minh City deeply here: Full-day Saigon – Cu Chi – City Tour

Party Hard on Bui Vien Street

Bui Vien Street is the party street of Saigon, and it’s where you’ll find many of the city’s best bars and clubs. The street is always lively, and there’s a great atmosphere for nightlife. If you’re looking for a place to let loose and have some fun, this is the place to be.

saigon at night

There is not a single uninteresting corner on this street, which is a famous tourist destination and home to several locals. The pubs and restaurants are packed seven days a week. No matter if it’s the weekend or the workday, you can always come here to party and get fairly intoxicated. This is the go-to spot for all tourists, as it has everything from friendly bars to rowdy nightclubs.

Enjoy Drinks and Dance at The Rooftop Bars.

There are many rooftops in Saigon at night that offer a great view of the cityscape, but we recommend two in particular: Chill Skybar and Reunification Palace.

Chill Skybar

Chill Skybar is located on the 26th floor of AB Tower in District 1. The views are simply stunning, and the cocktails are delicious. If you’re looking to dance, there’s a DJ playing electronic music. If you’re feeling peckish, they have a small menu of bar snacks.

Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace meanwhile, is located on the 6th floor of the Caravelle Saigon hotel. It has an open-air terrace with a great view of District 1. The vibe is more relaxed than Chill Skybar, but they also have a DJ playing music. You can order drinks and food from the hotel’s restaurant, which has indoor and outdoor seating.

Rex Rooftop Garden Bar

Rex Rooftop Garden Bar is located on the 22nd floor of the Rex Hotel. While it doesn’t have the same stunning views as Chill Skybar or Reunification Palace, it’s a great place to relax with a drink in hand and take in the cityscape. They have an extensive menu of cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers and bar bites.

Glow Skybar Saigon

Glow Skybar Saigon is located on the 36th floor of Centec Tower. It has 360-degree views of the city, making it one of the best places to watch the sunset. They have a DJ playing music, and you can order drinks and food from their menu.

Run or Walk along The Saigon River

The Saigon River is a great place to get some fresh air. At night, you will not have to worry about the scorching sun and heat. You can walk or jog along the river, or go for a leisurely stroll. There are also several parks along the river that are perfect for picnicking or just relaxing. If you are in District 1, travel towards the end of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, cross the street (beware of traffic and walk gently!) and run along the river. You may sprint towards Le Meridien Hotel, near Le Thanh Ton Street, or on the other way to the Elisa Floating Restaurant, a big boat that docks on the weekends at the Bach Dang Pier.

saigon at night

From District 1, you may also walk or run along the river along Hoang Sa or Truong Sa. From the vicinity of the Saigon Zoo, you may locate the river path. Check out this site for other jogging routes throughout the city.

Just be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand, as the water can get quite cold during the winter months.

Take a Ride on the Saigon Sightseeing Bus

The Saigon Sightseeing Bus is a great way to see the city without having to walk or take public transportation. The bus has several different routes that will take you to all of the major landmarks and attractions. You can buy tickets at the bus terminal, or you can purchase a day pass that will allow you to hop on and off the bus as you, please.

Tips for Staying Safe in Saigon at Night

As with any big city, there are some safety concerns to be aware of when traveling to Saigon. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe at night

Stick to well-lit and populated areas
Avoid walking alone, especially in unfamiliar areas
Don’t carry all of your valuables with you
Be aware of your surroundings
If you’re going to a bar or nightclub, make sure you go with a group of friends and leave together
If you take a taxi, make sure it’s a reputable company and that the driver is using the meter.

Final Thoughts

Saigon is a vibrant and exciting city, and there’s no shortage of things to do at night. Whether you’re looking for a place to dance the night away or just want to relax with a drink in hand, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this bustling metropolis. Just be sure to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, and you’ll have a great time exploring all that Saigon has to offer.

Have you ever been to Saigon? What are your favorite things to do at night in the city? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re interested in exploring more of Vietnam, check out our guides to the best places to visit in Vietnam and the top things to do in Hanoi!

April 15, 2023April 15, 2023

The Myth of Authentic Pho Vietnam

The first thing you can not miss when setting foot in Vietnam is enjoying a hot bowl of Vietnamese Pho soup. Pho Vietnam is a traditional Vietnamese dish, which became one of the famous hearty soups eaten by rice field workers at breakfast in the North.

Pho is much more than just a noodle soup. It’s part of the culture and lifestyle of the Vietnamese. Pho also represents the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine in all big cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nam Dinh.

What Makes a Bowl of Authentic Vietnam Pho?

A delicious bowl of Pho is the result of subtle simmering meat, beef bones, seasonings, and aromatics. On top of it, people usually add various Vietnamese herbs including green onions and coriander. This dish is well-served by thin slices of meat, basically beef and sometimes chicken. The texture and flavor of the soup are not too heavy so it can be a perfect breakfast meal.

Beef Broth

The art of cooking Pho is making a clear soup from beef broth. While boiling the broth, we need to skim off the fat and impurities on the surface for 15 minutes. By doing that, we can ensure a clean and clear broth.

Besides, to make the broth beefier and sweeter, we can use either brisket or shank bones to the broth.

Aromatics

We will char aromatics such as ginger and onions in a grill pan for 5-10 minutes, then slowly simmer to the broth.

Seasonings

Vietnamese Beef pho spice blend consists of star anise (hoa hồi), cinnamon (quế), black cardamom pod (thảo quả), coriander seed (hạt ngò), and fennel seed (tiểu hồi), clove (đinh hương). You should toast them in a frying pan for 5 minutes until it has a pleasant smell

Other ingredients

To enrich the flavor, we should add fish sauce, sugar, and salt. If you cook in the Northern style, you just need to add a small amount of sugar. However, you can tweak the amount of sugar and fish sauce to satisfy your taste.

The History of Vietnamese Pho Soup

Some believe Pho originated in Nam Dinh while some dispute that it is a spiritual home in Hanoi.

The history of Pho begins at the end of the 19th century – the peak time of French colonialism. Pho was inspired by both Chinese and French cooking styles. As a result of French colonialism, beef was readily available in Vietnam. China exported rice noodles and seasoning.

Some believe that the dish is derived from “pot au feu” a French soup. In the north of Vietnam, Vietnam Pho gained popularity with Chinese workers from Yunnan to Hanoi.

By the 1930s, the Pho stall had become a signature of the Hanoi Old Quarter.

The best type of Vietnamese pho soup

There are two styles of traditional Pho Vietnam: beef pho and chicken pho.

Depending on each preference, the diner can select various meat choices. For a more traditional pho experience, beef flank (nạm) Pho and slices of rare beef (tái) Pho are the most popular. Well-done brisket (bò chín) or fatty brisket (gầu) for adventurous eaters.

Northern Pho Vietnam

Pho in the North is known as pho bac. The dish is known as authentic Pho in northern Vietnam. The spotlight of Pho bac is on the clear and light broth. Other spices create refined undertones of flavor.

The main ingredients are flat rice noodles and thin slices of rare beef or chicken. The green onion will be on the top. To enrich the flavor, the diners can add more fish sauce, chili sauce, rice vinegar, and a slice of lemon.

The most popular Hanoi Pho

Bat Dan Vietnam Pho Restaurant

At Bat Dan, there are three different kinds of meat. Pho Tai which is the signature pho bac, with thinly cut slices of rare beef steak. Pho Chin, with slices of brisket. The last one is Pho Tai Nam – a mixture of slices of rare beef steak and beef flank with slices of brisket.

To enjoy the taste completely of Hanoi pho, you should eat it with quẩy – fried breadsticks and take a sip of iced tea. This combination will satisfy all your senses. If you have a chance to visit Hanoi, please stop by here to slurp a hot bowl of Ha Noi Pho.

Pho Vietnam

Address: 49 Bát Đàn, Hanoi

Hours: Open every day from 6:00 am to 10:00 am and 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Prices: 40,000 VND to 50,000 VND per person

Chicken Pho

You can choose a different kind of chicken meat for your toppings, such as dark meat, breast meat, or a combination of white and dark meat. The flavor of chicken pho will be lighter compared to beef Pho.

Address: 5b Phủ Doãn Hà nội

Hours: Open every day from 6:30 am to 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 0:00 am.

Prices: 50,000 VND to 60,000 VND per person

Southern Vietnamese Pho soup

Compared to Pho from the North, Southern pho has sweeter and bolder flavors. Southern Pho consists of many fresh herbs on the top such as bean sprouts and coriander. Saigonese adds more beef fat and sugar to the broth, which enhances the sweetness and richness of flavors.

Pho Phu Vuong

You can choose the size of the Pho (regular, large, and special). The pho is served in three options including skirt steak, brisket beef, and flank steak. The bowl of pho is also topped with a ton of herbs and vegetables.

Address: 120 Nguyễn Thái Bình, District 1, Ho Chi Minh

Hours: Open every day from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm

Prices: 50,000 VND for one regular bowl of Pho Soup

To conclude, Pho Vietnam is not only a flavorful dish but also a pride of the Vietnamese people. Vietnamese pho soup is a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine culture. When traveling to Vietnam, no matter where you go, let’s enjoy a bowl of Pho to make your trip more memorable.

Asianway Travel currently has a Hanoi Cultural & Culinary Experience Day Tour. Let’s pack your bag and dig into a delicious bowl of Pho.

April 13, 2023

3 DAYS IN DANANG – PLAN A SUMMER VACATION IN VIETNAM

If you’re preparing for a summer trip to Asia, don’t forget Danang – the most worth-living city in Vietnam. Have you ever wondered why people keep talking about Danang by this name? Spending just 3 days in Danang, you can explore lots of amazing sights and experience the comfortable environment there. In this blog, we will give you some useful tips and a quick description of your 3-day trip to Danang City.

Why Choose Danang For Your Vacation

THE VARIETY OF LANDSCAPES

For your vacation time, maybe you will have plenty of places to make a decision. If you want to play on both land and beach, you should put Da Nang – Vietnam at the top of your list. Danang has a diversity of landscapes and provides you with a lot of services and activities at an affordable price.

About the background of the city, Danang is located in the middle of the country. Due to this position, Danang has both massive land and a beautiful beach with a 60-km-long shoreline. Not only famous for its beaches, but Da Nang also has many sightseeing spots. In this article, we will suggest to you some places to go, don’t miss it.

Moreover, the three UNESCO World Heritage sites of My Son Sanctuary, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Hue Citadel are all connected through Da Nang. So visiting Da Nang will give you a chance to come across Hue and Hoi An most conveniently. If you stay 3 days in Danang, you just should explore this city instead of going to Hoi An or Hue. If you have a long time here, you can extend the itinerary and get a look at our 5-day tour as a reference.

THE WEATHER IS ALWAYS NICE

The weather in Da Nang is generally dependable, with high temperatures and minimal alterations. In Da Nang, the annual average temperature is around 25 degrees. The lowest temperature ranges from 18 to 23 degrees Celsius in December, January, and February, while the greatest temperature is a little over 28 to 30OC in June, July, and August.

Plan The Appropriate Time For 3 Days In Danang

CHECK THE SEASONAL TOURISM NEWS

Da Nang beach â Top 8 best beaches in Da Nang, Vietnam - Living + Nomads â Travel tips, Guides, News & Information!

The best period is from April to August because there is less rain and there are more daylight hours for outdoor activities like touring. Although it’s summer at this time of year, it’s not particularly hot. This is also Da Nang’s busiest travel period.

The best time to travel on a budget is from September to March. Since there won’t be as many tourists during the wet season, hotel and restaurant services make lots of hot deals to get people in. When the wet season finishes in January and March, this is the greatest time to visit Da Nang on a budget. There is less rain and the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. Da Nang is likewise not overly congested.

CHECK THE SPECIAL OCCASIONS IN DANANG

Spending 3 days in Danang means that you should decide on a more effective timeline according to your budget and your demand because you don’t have too much time here. So checking the special days in this city can be another way for you to enjoy your vacation. You can also visit Da Nang according to the festivals of the city. Various events are held in Danang per year, some of them are:

Da Nang International Fireworks Festival: March till April 30th – Vietnamese Independence Day

Da Nang International Fireworks Festival - Hidden Hoian

Festivals in Ba Na Hills: Ba Na Hills is well-known for many special festivals during the year
- From February to March, visitors can attend Ba Na Flower Festival to contemplate the beauty of blooming flowers.
- Carnival Festival takes place from April to September.
- B’estival Beer Festival from June to September.
- Wine Festival in May, and Winter Festival during Christmas Eve.

Ba Na Hills Travel Experience 2020 - Private Car Transfer Hoi An

Boat Racing Festival: Organized in January of the lunar calendar on the Han River
Quan The Am Festival: from February 19th to 21st of the lunar calendar at Marble Mountains Da Nang

Plan The Must-try Food List For 3 Days In Danang

Planning where to eat is an essential part of the trip. Here are some suggestions you can follow. With a 3-day trip, you should try some traditional food from Danang. Above all, the most exciting thing is: that Danang has a wide variety of food, from meat to seafood, from rice to noodles. Therefore, whether you are a vegetarian or meat eater, Danang can serve you lots of cheap and delicious dishes.

QUANG NOODLES (MY QUANG)

Quang Noodles are the kind of noodles with a few sloths, yellow noodles, and grilled pork. On top of the bowl, there are fried peanuts and rice crackers, which will make the noodles more interesting.

This well-known dish’s foundation is a mixture of rice noodles with meat (or seafood), various fresh herbs, and a tiny bit of broth flavored with turmeric for flavor. Basil, cilantro, and onion leaves are the typical herbs used by locals.

MÃ¬ Quáº£ng ÄÃ Náºµng - Top 8 QuÃ¡n mÃ¬ Quáº£ng ngon nháº¥t ÄÃ Náºµng

Price: From 30.000 per dish
>>>Recommendations:

Madame Xuan – 77 Ha Huy Tap Street, Chinh Gian Province, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang City

Miss Dung – 121 Do Ba, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang city

GRILLED PORK NOODLES (BUN THIT NUONG)

A bowl of fresh grilled pork noodles is the food you’re looking for if you enjoy a barbecue and peanut products, such as peanut butter. It’s a well-liked dish in central and southern Vietnam, and fortunately, Da Nang has some of the best bowls of this well-known cuisine on its streets. Vermicelli noodles, green salad, bean sprouts, peanuts, and cooked peanut sauce are all placed in a bowl with vermicelli noodles. Fresh herbs (mint and basil) are also presented.

BÃºn thá»t nÆ°á»ng Huáº¿ - TOP 12+ Äá»a chá» Än ngon & CÃCH LÃM - BÃ n lÃ m viá»c - Gháº¿ vÄn phÃ²ng - BÃ n Gháº¿ VÄn PhÃ²ng - Veneto.vn

Price: From 30.000 VND per bowl
>>>Recommendation: Grab yourself a full of noodles in some restaurants on Pham Cu Luong street

SEAFOOD

Because you’re spending just 3 days in Danang, you must take a seafood excursion as soon as you arrive there! In the entire nation, Da Nang is probably the most well-liked location for dining on fresh and varied seafood. Since drinking while enjoying a table of freshly prepared fish is ingrained profoundly in the Danang culture, seafood restaurants are frequently crowded to the very last seat practically every night.

There are a lot of seafood eateries with welcoming locals and have more affordable costs. Searching for a genuine regional experience? Wander around Nguyen Tat Thanh Street on the opposite side of the city. The entire street offers breathtaking views of the neighborhood beach and Hai Van Pass, as well as numerous seafood eateries that are crowded with locals.

TOP 12 nhÃ hÃ ng buffet Nha Trang ngáºp mÃ³n ngon quÃªn lá»i vá» - LÃ£m SÃ¡ch

Price: For the cozy dinner for 4 people, the price can be from 500.000 VND per person
>>>Recommendation: For the best view, you can choose a restaurant on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street

PANCAKE (BANH XEO)

The name of this well-known food, Banh xeo, which means sizzling pancake, accurately describes what it is. If you enjoy pancakes, you’ll undoubtedly want to know what sizzling is. The name for this dish originates from the loud sizzling sound that occurs when the rice batter is dropped into heated oil on a skillet. Rice flour, turmeric powder, and water are combined to create a pancake batter.

People typically combine it with little shrimp, various cuts of meat, beans, and bean sprouts, depending on the eatery. Typically, it is served with lettuce, mint, and basil.

Price: From 20.000 per piece of cake
>>>Recommendation: Madame Duong Pancake – K280/23 Hoang Dieu Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City

SWEET SOUP (CHE)

What could be greater after a filling and delicious lunch than to indulge in a sweet soup, a typical Vietnamese dessert? This famous treat is a reference to any sweet Vietnamese dish, including pudding or soup. Sweet soup is typically created with a mixture of coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, frozen beans, peas, and kidney beans as well as various kinds of jelly and fresh fruit pieces.

Price: From 10.000 VND per dish

>>>Recommendation: Almost every corner of the street in Da Nang will sell this food and they are all sweet and delicious.

One must-try food we recommend for you: If you like durian, Ms. Lien Durian Sweet Soup is the best choice for you – 198 Hoang Dieu Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang city

Plan The Places To Visit For 3 Days In Danang

“What to do in Danang for 3 days” can be a hard question for you. In a short time, you can follow our must-visit checklist and some suggestions for the itinerary.

DAY 1: EXPLORE DANANG MOUNTAIN AND THE BEACH

The Marble Mountains

This collection of five magnificent marble hills, which is not far from the city center, attracts tourists with its abrupt emergence from the nearby delta, Da Nang’s earliest Buddhist temples, and fascinating caverns. The best time of day to explore the area’s hills is early in the morning. The art of carving stone sculptures is still practiced close to the mountain. During the busiest season, there are 2,2 million visitors.

Dragon Bridge Fireshow – Weekend Only

The Dragon Bridge that spans the Han River breathes fire and water on Saturday and Sunday. The show starts at 9 and lasts till 9:30. The riverbank park below, on a balcony of a café or restaurant, on a boat, or on a bridge for a closer view are all options for spectators.

My Khe Beach

From the Lady Buddha to the city’s core, My Khe is traveling. Forbes listed this extensive stretch of fine sand as one of the top six attractive beaches in the world. Travelers can pause here for a little while to take in the scenery and take a barefoot stroll along the water’s edge. If you’re traveling alone, pack a swimsuit.

Staying for 3 days in Danang Beach can give you so much entertainment, fun, and joy. Let’s prepare carefully for the beach with sunscreen, a straw hat, and rubber slippers.

DAY 2: EXPLORE BA NA HILLS

Linh Ung Pagoda – 67m Lady Buddha in Son Tra Peninsula

The tallest Lady Buddha in Vietnam resides in Linh Ung Pagoda, which is located north of the coast. It was built between 2004 and 2010 and reaches a height of 67 meters. The Buddha is said to face the city to protect its inhabitants from natural catastrophes. There are large worshiping shrines, bonsai gardens, picturesque vistas, and bodhi trees nearby.

Sunset in the Golden Hand Bridge

With 3 days in Danang, you can not miss the huge Golden Hand Bridge. Travelers will begin an astonishing adventure on the world-record Ba Na Hills cable car, before arriving close to the Golden Bridge, 40 minutes to the west. The bridge was opened in 2018, and because of its incredibly spectacular, surreal beauty, it quickly gained popularity on social media. It is tenderly held by two enormous hands that symbolize the hands of the Mountain God drawing golden silk from the highlands. To avoid the crowds and the hot weather, come here in the late afternoon.

Using a Cable Car to reach the top of the mountain, you can observe the natural beauty of Danang City from a high level. This is an incredible experience that no words can describe.

DAY 3: DA NANG CITY TOUR

Sun World Park

Sun World Da Nang Wonders, also known as Asia Park, is the most famous modern amusement park in this city. The park has a huge area of nearly 900,000m2 with 22 games. You have to go for nearly a day to be able to experience it all. Located on the banks of the Han River, players in the park will see beautiful Da Nang from different angles.

Moreover, there are several monthly events in the park depending on the month you get there. You should check the website: https://asiapark.sunworld.vn/

The price is different for the activities, so you can check with the ticket seller before choosing which game to play. Besides, visitors are free to visit and go sightseeing around the park.

Place: 01 Phan Dang Luu, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City

Opening hours: 15h – 22h (Monday to Friday), 9h – 22h (Weekend)

Love bridge

Love Bridge is a nice bridge in Danang, with many heart-shaped lights along the bridge. People check in here not just because of the scenery but also because they want to save memories with their lovers. So if you go to Danang as a couple or a family, don’t forget to come across and take a photo on this bridge!

For the more memorable moments, you can buy a lock, put it on the bridge and throw the key to the beach. It’s proof of the love of you and your partners.

Place: Han River at Tran Hung Dao Street, Son Tra District, Da Nang City

Final Thought

3 days in Da Nang is perfect for you to enjoy Da Nang because it’s enough for relaxing and discovering famous sights and having some tasty meals. Your vacation will be even more exciting if you have a detailed plan. We hope that our information will be useful for you. Moreover, we wish you a nice and safe summer vacation on one of the six most beautiful beaches in the world (according to Forbes US 2016). If you have any difficulties in planning your trip, please leave the contact details for us on this website.

To have the closer look at the itinerary, visit our tour: Heavenly Danang Bana Hills and Golden Bridge 5 Days

April 13, 2023April 13, 2023

Banh Mi Viet Nam In A Wrap: Everything You Need To Know

On the worldwide culinary map, banh mi Viet Nam has a spotlight among all kinds of bread and sandwich. What makes them different and special like this? Let’s discover the stories of banh mi with Asiapaths

The History of Banh Mi Viet Nam

Define and pronounce Banh mi Viet Nam in the right way

Before exploring Vietnamese bread, maybe you should start with the pronunciation and definition. Banh mi is a Vietnamese word, which means bread in English. It was officially added to the Oxford dictionary in 2011 as a type of Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with cold meats, pate, and vegetables.

To be more clear, banh mi Vietnam is traditionally baked with rice and wheat flour. The bread filling is the most special part of this food: it is filled with various ingredients normally including meat, fresh Vietnamese vegetables, chili, and peppers. Furthermore, having the original name in an international dictionary makes Vietnamese people very proud. It means that we are spreading Vietnamese cuisine throughout the world.

The History of Vietnamese Bread

In the beginning, banh mi was derived from the French baguette because the French wanted to satisfy their culinary needs. Baguette is a type of bread that can be distinguished by its length and its crispy crust. French bread is usually 5–6 cm but up to one meter long. From the 50 to the 60s of the 20th century, with the increase of bakeries and the improvement of ingredients, Vietnamese people improved bread by shrinking 2-3 times and extra ingredients such as meat, pork rolls, pate…

The first banh mi brand was in Saigon. Then, banh mi became the most wanted food nationally in Viet Nam, glued with the childhood of many generations of this S-shaped land. Today, banh mi is a well-known fast food due to its diversity, convenience, and affordability.

For more than 100 years, banh mi had some great milestones. In 2012, Vietnamese bread was awarded the title of “The best sandwich in the World” by The Guardian newspaper 2012. In 2013, banh mi Vietnam was voted by National Geographic magazine as one of the 11 best street foods in the world. In 2017, Vietnamese bread is one of the best street foods in the world” voted by the British travel magazine Rough Guides.

Nowadays, tourists can enjoy the soul of Vietnam in multiple places in the world. Everywhere Vietnamese people live, you can find famous bread in Viet Nam restaurants. In the USA, there is Banh Mi Saigon in New York, Bun Mee in San Francisco, and a restaurant chain of world renown Lee’s Sandwiches in the southern region of America. In Canada, you will see Banh Mi Boys in Toronto and Banh Mi Thi-Thi in Calgary. In Prague, the Czech Republic, everyone can have bread at Banh Mi Ba và Mr. Banh Mi.

Inside A Loaf Of Banh Mi Viet Nam

Exploring the inside of banh mi will make you surprised not only because of the nutritious ingredients but also because of the fulfillment of taste.

The soft crumb inside, the crunchy crust outside

Right on the first bite, you will be impressed by the crunchiness of the loaf but still soft like cotton candy inside. Most banh mi made of white wheat flour will have a yellow appearance, besides some kinds of banh mi such as charcoal, whole wheat bread will give a kind of black or brown bread. Whatever the main ingredients are, there is no huge effect on the flavor and the crunchy texture of banh mi.

The nutritious ingredients

Plenty of ingredients in banh mi will be the most important part of each loaf. The popular ingredients are pork meat, beef, beacons, char siu, fried eggs, spring rolls, or fish balls, … To balance the flavor of meat, there is a wide range of vegetables, like cucumber, onion, and must-have Vietnamese herbs. The herbs can be peppermint, sweet basil, or scallion… depending on the kind of banh mi. Finally, the sauce is the determinant of the taste explosion! The sauce can be sweet, salty, or sour, and usually contains fish sauce, mayonnaise, honey, butter, chili, garlic… Whatever it is, with the appearance of sauce soup, the combination of each bread can be completed magically, which becomes unforgettable for everyone.

One notable thing is: Even when it’s full of input, every restaurant in different regions of Vietnam can have its recipe and keep it a secret. That’s why when you go to Hanoi, you will find the strange taste of banh mi that will represent only Hanoi, unfamiliar with the same kind of banh mi in Hoian. You can find more information in the next part of the blog, so keep reading and stay with us!

The Difference Between Banh Mi Viet Nam And The Others In The World

You’ve known a lot of things about the history and flavors of banh mi, but can you figure out what makes banh mi Viet Nam stand out among the world of sandwiches? The answer is, that Vietnamese people find distinctive ways and rare ingredients to make a loaf of banh mi. For example, coriander is the Vietnamese herb that foreigners hardly can find on Western sandwiches, even in the French – the mother of baguettes. Moreover, banh mi owns numerous versions for respective regions in Vietnam. Banh mi que is the most narrow sandwich with just liver pate and cilantro, used with handmade chili, derived from Hai Phong – a northern province of Vietnam. While banh mi in Hoi An City is famous for its deep flavor sauce and is full of various inputs.

The Difference Between Kinds Of Banh Mi Viet Nam

Banh mi is a street food therefore it can easily hold the unique fusion between each region in Vietnam. In the article Boundary, Asianway Travel will present to you the 3 most famous kinds of banh mi street food. Along with that, if you have a chance to visit Vietnam, please visit these addresses as we mention below to grab yourself the most authentic Vietnamese bread.

Banh mi Hanoi

As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi holds several signature dishes of the country. The filling inside each loaf is not redundant but has some essential ingredients: pate, pork chop, chicken, corn, coriander, and some light slices of spring rolls. The spices are usually butter, mayonnaise, and chili with the same version for Pho. Banh mi Hanoi seems to be simple, and traditional; however, the crunchy bite and the balanced flavor of it can be the memorable mild sweet banh mi.

Banh mi Pho in Hanoi: 57C Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hoan Kiem ward, Hanoi. The price is 30.000 VND per loaf.

Banh mi Hai Phong

The most unique kind of banh mi can be given to Hai Phong. Because of its small size, Vietnamese people call it Banh mi que (Stick bread). The input is even more simple than the banh mi Hanoi: just with pate and chili. But the liver pate is cooked with a nice recipe that is soft, delicious, and sweet. The chili for that banh mi is significantly spicy, so you can feel numbing hot on the tip of your tongue. However, the experience is interesting. Make sure you pack at least 10 pieces of banh mi Hai Phong per purchase, we are sure this is an unputdownable dish for you.

Banh mi que Ba Gia (Spicy stick bread) in Hai Phong: 57 Le Loi Street, Ngo Quyen district, Hải Phong. The price is 3.000 VND per piece.

Banh mi Hoi An

Banh mi Hoi An is famous for its diversity of ingredients. In each restaurant, you can find more than 10 flavors of banh mi: ham, sausages, pork barbecue, cheese… Each banh mi has a medium size but a thick filling inside, so when you take the first bite, you will want to eat more and more. Moreover, due to different recipes, the butter and the sauce are exclusive for each shop, which makes the flavors of banh mi Hoi An even tastier and more numerous.

Banh mi Phuong in Hoi An: 2B Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoi Anh ward, Quang Nam city, Vietnam. The price is around 30.000 VND per piece.

Banh mi Saigon

The most interesting banh mi area can be known here – Saigon. This city is like a world of banh mi because you can find banh mi on every corner of Saigon, especially in multiple glasses cabinets in the street. The nonstop growing speed of banh mi brands here is incredible, which can present the culture of banh mi in Saigon. The ingredients for each loaf of banh mi are not too much different from those in other parts of Vietnam. But it is well known for the diversity of the local needs. With the fast pace of life, Sai Gon citizens usually have banh mi for their breakfast, lunch, afternoon break, or dinner with lemon tea, kumquat tea, or peach tea. Moreover, the unique recipe, and always trying the new formula make banh mi Saigon get more special.

Ma Hai Bread in Ho Chi Minh City: Plenty of cabinets in Ho Chi Minh. The price can be from 25.000 VND per loaf.

How Banh Mi Conquers The World

Becoming one of the most favorite dishes in Vietnamese cuisine, bread in Vietnam gradually appears in many worldwide events and awards. There is plenty of global awards for bread in Vietnam, such as:

In 2017, Vietnamese bread was in the top 10 most attractive sandwiches in the world according to Traveler

In 2017, bread is one of the best street foods in the world” voted by the British travel magazine Rough Guides

In November 2017, during his trip to Vietnam to attend the APEC Summit Week, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also had breakfast with bread on the streets of Da Nang.

In 2018, the CNN page favored Hoi An’s banh mi as “the king of sandwiches in the world”.

In August 2018, the famous American travel magazine Fodor voted Vietnamese bread as one of the 30 sandwiches in the world that people must try.

In the framework of Miss Universe 2018 in Thailand, the image of bread appeared in Miss H’s costume and caused great resonance.

On March 24, 2020, Vietnamese Bread appeared on the Google homepage of more than 10 countries.

Although Vietnamese banh mi is just a portion of ordinary street food, with its delicious taste and constant variation, banh mi has fascinated the whole world.

A journey to have a banh mi Viet Nam

Thanks to the delicious food, Vietnam welcomes millions of tourists annually. More than a dish, banh mi is one of the culinary pride in the cultural identity of Vietnamese people. It would be our pleasure to have you on our vacation. Come and visit our beautiful S-shaped land and enjoy our local meals. Asianway Travel has almost 20 years of experience in inbound tour operations. We are here to give you the most effective customer service and customized trips.

August 18, 2020August 18, 2020

Le Mat Village in Hanoi: Snake Tasting & Unique Snake Festival

Vietnam is not only famous for its diverse and healthy cuisine but also for its quirky and a little scary dishes. If you love adventure, take a ride to Le Mat Village in Hanoi to enjoy the exotic snake menu.

You can also see firsthand the snake farm of local people as well as how they turn snake meat into luxury dishes in Vietnam. Participating in this half-day tour in Le Mat Village, you will understand about the local daily life in Vietnam.

1. The Tradition of Catching and Snake Farming in Le Mat Village

About 7 kilometers from Hanoi, Le Mat Village is famous for its tradition of catching and processing snake specialties. This village is probably home to a greater number of snake-catching people than anywhere in the Northern Delta region. This risky job requires a “secret” that passed down from generation to generation.

From the 1960s to 1990s, Le Mat people caught snakes for providing restaurants or pharmaceutical purposes. In 1993, Vietnam imposed the international convention on the snake-breeding industry and some restrictions to protect the wildlife. After that, snake dishes have been completely eliminated. In 2007, Vietnamese authorities granted Le Mat a ‘craft village’ status as they understand the negative repercussions on the local dining economy. The reconciliation plans between raising snake and meat production are applied to increase the experience for visitors when visiting this village.

2. How to get to Le Mat Village

Traveling by bus is a convenient way to get to Le Mat Village (Bus No 10 to Long Bien Bus Station) for 30 minutes. After that, you can take a walk about a few hundred meters to this village. Besides, you can ask for help from a travel agent to have more enjoyable experiences during your journey to find out the most authentic things in Hanoi.

“With 15 years of experience, Asianway Travel is one of the most prestigious inbound travel agents in Vietnam. Our team comprises of experienced and dedicated travel specialist, tour operators and tour guides who will be by your side during your traveling in Vietnam and Indochina.”

3. Unique Snake Tasting in Le Mat Village

Nowadays, there are nearly 100 snake-farming households. 400 employees in Le Mat village and two large farms specialize to breed snakes and produce snake meat. Local people said that the origin of snakes in Vietnamese dishes began with blood. Snake blood is believed to heal headaches and cure sore throats and bone problems. Besides, snake meat is good for men to boost strength and virility. This quirky specialty attracts over 1000 domestic and foreign visitors to come to Le Mat Village.

Coming to local restaurants, you meet the owners whose arms are filled with many scars made by this dangerous reptile. Snake meat can be processed into 12 different traditional dishes or made based on the customer’s requests. Don’t worry! Local chefs dispel your fear with lots of delicious snake dishes mixing with seasonings and typical herbal leaves. Some appealing dishes you can look for trying that are snake soup meat, crispy snake meat, especially grilled snake skin.

4. Le Mat Village Festival

This village festival happens annually from March 20 to 24 of the lunar calendar which worships the Imperial Citadel of Le Mat village. It is the chance for children and grandchildren to gather and express their gratitude to their ancestors. The descendants take responsibility for offering gifts from the capital to Le Mat village communal house to attend the festival.

Participating in the unique festival, you have a chance to admire the special bamboo snake dancing in the legend associated with the origin of this village. Besides, local people also share their secrets of catching, breeding, treating venomous snakes as well as processing specialties about snake meat.

August 18, 2020August 18, 2020

Discover The Oldest Van Phuc Silk Village in Hanoi

There is no doubt that the traditional silk product in Van Phuc village has become a world-famous national brand. Vietnamese silk went into poetry, music as a unique cultural symbol of Vietnam. Van Phuc silk village enchants visitors with distinctive embroidery lines and decorative patterns.

For many years, local people always invent new weaving techniques to create premium silk products. It makes Van Phuc silk village become one of the most visited Vietnamese traditional villages. Finding a peaceful getaway escape from your chaotic life and learning about the typical Vietnamese village life, Van Phuc village is the best place to go.

1. The history of Hanoi Van Phuc Silk Village

Between 1931 and 1932, Van Phuc gained popularity during an international silk exhibition at the Marseille Fair thanks to its smooth and lightweight silk products. Van Phuc Silk Village is regarded as the cradle of the Vietnamese silk-making industry for over two thousand years. Experiencing the ups and downs of long-lasting history, Van Phuc silk has been asserting increasingly their foothold in both domestic and international markets.

Legend said that Ms. La Thi Nuong lived in Cao Bang province who was a famous person with skillful weaving. She shared her Chinese weaving silk secrets with local people living in the village. She was worshipped as a tutelary deity after she passed away. There are nearly 90 percent of local households which join in silk production with over 1000 textile machinery. Every year, this village creates more than two million meters of silk for the Vietnamese silk-making industry.

2. The characteristics of Van Phuc Silk

For previous centuries, silk has been regarded as an extremely precious commodity representing the aristocracy, the richest, most powerful people. Nowadays, this village has become more crowded with colorful shops stretching out along the street.

This village’s silk is notable across the world because of its natural materials, smooth, various colors, and reputation for durability. Additionally, the decorative patterns are always symmetric, decorative lines are not frizzy that can reach the perfect. To meet the changes and tastes of customers, local people are developing their silk and garment repertoire such as embroidered silks, wrinkled silks, diverse colors, hues as well as updating new techniques in dying and thermo-processing the threads.

3. Experience your half-day tour in Van Phuc Village

Van Phuc Village is suitable for a short trip of your day. It takes about three hours to stroll through the various stalls and stores. Upon arrival, you have an opportunity to explore the working steps to create the premium silks from planting mulberry trees to the processing of silk thread taken from boiled cocoons. Local people will show you how to spin, glue to weave silks and finish the silk wares.

Established over 100 years ago, this peaceful village still preserves its typical features of Vietnamese countryside such as massive banyan trees, wells, communal houses, and traditional fabric looms. Stepping into the ancient Vietnamese village, you feel like being back in time and escaping from the rush of daily life.

August 14, 2020

All You Need To Know Before Visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Your Hanoi trip cannot be complete if you do not visit Vietnamese traditional villages, especially Bat Trang Ceramic Village. The village’s products are highly appreciated in both the domestic and international markets.

What’s more, this village also has lots of amazing activities that are waiting for you and your family to explore. Here is some useful information about one of the oldest Vietnamese pottery villages that we want to share with you. Enjoy reading!

Introduction of Bat Trang Ceramic Village

If you love discovering Vietnam, I believe that you know about the famous Bat Trang Ceramic Products which have been exported in the world. About 13 kilometers from Hanoi, Bat Trang Ceramic Village is the ancient tranquil village that has existed for over 500 years in the Ly dynasty.

Along with making a national brand, Bat Trang Village has been experiencing the ups and downs of Vietnamese history as well as preserving the culturally national spirits. Become a real artisan in one day, why not? Let’s discover more with us below.

History of Bat Trang Ceramic Village

In some historical documents, Bat Trang Ceramic Village appeared on the 14th or 15th of the Ly dynasty. Local people often tell two stories related to the village’s origin. It is said that three Chinese scholars brought their pottery products into Vietnam and taught how to create premium products for local people.

Another story said that many potters and crafters from different areas, especially the Nguyen Ninh Trang family, took advantage of lots of white clay in Bat Trang Village and built the kilns. As time went by, Bat Trang Ceramic Products have been gradually developing until now thanks to its high quality, various styles, and glaze. Bat Trang ceramic products are often daily household use such as cups, plates, pots, worshipping, or decoration. This village’s potters also customize their ceramic products fit with the aristocratic families and religious needs for oversea countries.

Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 20:00

Location: Bat Trang, Gia Lam District, Hanoi City

Some Activities You Can Experience In Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Coming to this ancient village, you will be impressed with a vast selection of colorful items displaying along the alleyways. Have you ever been curious about the production process of beautiful porcelain artworks?

Participating in the pottery workshop: You not only see the skilled hands and meticulousness of local craftsmen but also have your hands-on experience in creating your own real ceramic piece with the dedicated guidance from local artisans. This experience costs nearly VND 10,000, plus VND 50,000 for the artisans to help your ceramic artwork dry, decorate, and glaze as a real Bat Trang product.
Visit the Ceramic Village and Van Van House: This place is filled with more than 400 precious pottery products from the 15th to the 19th century.
Stroll through or join a buffalo tour: This special transportation will bring you amazing experiences when going sightseeing.

Last but not least, the village’s products are also meaningful souvenirs for your loved ones.

Do not hesitate anymore! Let’s explore some our Bat Trang Ceramic Village tour!

> Best Day Trips & Excursion from Hanoi

> Hanoi – Cycling to Countryside

August 12, 2020August 14, 2020

Amazing Things To Do To Get The Best Hanoi Food Experices

Established over 1000 years ago, the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is rich in a unique blend of the East and West cultures with French influence. If you know about Vietnam, you probably know how diverse Vietnamese cuisine is.

You can absolutely search for these quintessential flavors in some narrow Hanoi alleyways without visiting the world-class restaurants. Here are some food experiences that you can go and see for yourself!

1. Dinner with a local family (Hanoi-an family)

This authentic experience is a perfect way to not only help you understand eating etiquette in the daily meals of Vietnamese people but also to enjoy the delicious and healthy Vietnamese dishes. Don’t hesitate to tell if you have a special food request!

The friendly owner of the house also shares with you some interesting stories about Vietnamese history, lifestyle, economy, social issues, and some fun Vietnam facts. Besides, you also see how the typical house in Hanoi is designed.

2. Eggs coffee workshop

Strolling through every Hanoi street, you easily recognize that and Vietnamese people are caffein lovers. More than a normal dripping coffee, egg coffee is the Hanoi specialty in which a creamy soft, meringue-like egg white foam is perched on dense Vietnamese coffee.

This workshop introduces you from the egg coffee’s origin to its formative process to create a special taste. After that, you enjoy your own cup of egg coffee made by yourself and get your certification. You also receive a special gift made by Bat Trang Ceramics from the organizer.

3. Walking foodie tour

Your Hanoi trip will not complete without enjoying a wide variety of Hanoi street foods. Here is a food list that you must try during your walking foodie tour:

3.1. Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

Vietnamese street food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world because of its fresh, light, and gluten-free. Pho is regarded as the “ideal” option for your breakfast or lunch. This iconic soup may be the “unofficial” national dish thanks to its delicious broth that is made from an exclusive blend of herbs.

3.2. Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles)

Have you ever been curious about the savory scent emanating from the clouds of smoke rising from charcoal grills all around the city? This attractive dish comprises charring fatty pork to be served in a broth with white rice noodles, herbs, which was praised by President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain.

3.3. Gỏi Cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

Spring roll is a widely common dish of Vietnamese food that can be found in every Hanoi street. It can also be fried, called “Deep Fried Spring Rolls”, is one of the most favorite dishes on special occasions such as Tet and other family festivities.

3.4. Bánh Tôm (Shrimp Cakes)

Both overlooking Hanoi’s peaceful West Lake and enjoying the crispy shrimp cakes will be your intriguing Hanoi food experience. Generated in the 1930s, this dish linked to the memories of the old-time and nostalgia when local people have to go with a torch at night-time just to manually catch every single shrimp. This simple recipe has just consisted of freshwater crayfish or shrimp, flour, and sweet potato.

Wanting to get a real Hanoi food experience and more, please accompany us to experience our best private food tours.

Read more: Hanoi – Cooking & Street Food Tour Full Day

August 12, 2020August 14, 2020

Explore The Very Best of Hanoi: Try The TOP 5 Greatest Experiences!

Hanoi is renowned for its own charms with the old-world nostalgia and modern development. This destination is intriguing for both your short or long trip to Northern Vietnam. From a cup of intoxicated coffee to fast-paced life in every Hanoi corner, you will feel a separate breath in Hanoi that is different from other destinations.

Are you ready to pack your luggage and start off your trip? Some suggestions below will help you get all the best of Hanoi from sights, sounds, and delectable tastes.

1. Cooking class by cyclo

More than a normal cooking class, you also have a chance to see the bustling Vietnamese local markets run every day by cyclo. Our cooking class is organized at Duong Restaurant situated near a number of famous spots such as Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Dong Xuan market.

This class is run by Chef Duong, one of the most well-known Vietnamese chefs. He stands the 3rd in Top Chef Vietnam as well as has also been a familiar face on Iron Chef Vietnam. He will teach you his unique cooking recipes and the outstanding blend of spices in Hanoi dishes.

2. Motorbike/ Cycling trip

The best way to feel the heartbeat of Hanoi is to immerse in the labyrinth of alleys and back streets that cars and buses cannot approach. Escaping from the narrow space, you are able to breathe fresh air, tap into the tranquil life outside, and the idyllic natural scenery in the Vietnamese countryside.

Along with a fleet of brand new scooters and comprehensive travel insurance, we always focus on inspecting and maintaining motorbikes to ensure your safety. Besides, our professional and experienced tour guides will accompany you every mile and deliver you unforgettable memories throughout your trip.

3. DIY leather workshop

Established in 2014, this cozy workshop allows everyone to experience, to share, and know how to make creative handicrafts. Creating your own heaps of leather stuff for your loved ones as a souvenir, why not?

For a beginner, it takes about 2-3 hours to complete one small product such as a phone case, passport holder, tote bag, and so on. The friendly staff will instruct you dedicatedly to help you make your DIY leatherwork by yourself.

4. Egg coffee workshop

The morning cup of coffee with Vietnamese Noodles became an indispensable habit of local people in particular and Vietnamese people in general. Particularly, egg coffee is the Hanoi specialty in which a creamy soft, meringue-like egg white foam is perched on dense Vietnamese coffee.

This workshop introduces you to the origin of egg coffee, its formative process in creating a special taste. After that, you enjoy your own cup of egg coffee made by yourself and get your certification. Besides, you also receives a special gift made by Bat Trang Ceramics from the organizer.

5. Morning flower market

About 5 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, Quang Ba Flower Market is an amazing spot for buying a variety of flowers and discovering the working life of flower sellers at night. Previously, this local flower market was established spontaneously because of the self-sufficient needs of local people. After 1996, the market transferred to the current location, which is one of the largest night flower markets in the Northern part of Vietnam.

When everyone falls asleep, you can see this flower market “wake up”. Let’s get lost in the strange and colorful beauty of this unique “flower garden”! Purchasing flowers at night sounds weird, right? Don’t worry, we believe you will love it!

Don’t hesitate anymore! Take some notes, save these great experiences in Hanoi for your upcoming trip, why not? Want more things to do in Hanoi than just a city tour and tasting street food?

>> Find more at:

1. Hanoi – Cycling to Countryside

2. How to Make a Perfect Trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh Vietnam

March 26, 2020March 27, 2020

3 Days In Hanoi and Halong Bay: Explore The Beauty of Northern Vietnam

Halong Bay - 3 days in hanoi and halong bay

Not only is the region home to the capital city, but Northern Vietnam is also an outstanding destination. You can immerse in the stunning beauty of turquoise seas, dazzling rice terraces, and divergent cultures. Hanoi and Halong Bay are the unrivaled treasure to explore during your 3-day itinerary in Northern.

Coming up with local experiences in 3 days in Hanoi and Halong Bay seems to be difficult. You do not need to worry, our handy travel guide will be useful for your trip. So, are you ready to explore Northern Vietnam known as a true adventure? Check it out now!

A Glimpse of Your 3-day Itinerary in Hanoi and Halong Bay

Hanoi and Halong Bay are the must-visit destinations in Northern Vietnam. The advisable time to visit two places is in the Spring (from March to May) because of pleasant weather, no rain, and no cloudy sky. Here is a brief of your trip in Hanoi and Halong in 3 days:

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival and discover the ancient capital city
Day 2: Explore Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long on your cruise
Day 3: Relax on Halong bay and come back to Hanoi city

A Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Start off your first adventure in Hanoi city

Arrival at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi. After a short break, we will take a cyclo tour around the old town.

1. Wander around Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake

Located near to Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter is one of the most attractive cultural and historical attractions in Hanoi. Getting lost in Hanoi Old Quarter on your one-hour cyclo tour is the best way to enjoy the bustle and hustle atmosphere here. Starting from the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, you can watch the old-styled houses hidden in a row of colorful shops.

During the 15th century, there are a total of 76 streets (instead of the current 36 streets), in which each street name represents the name of the product the guild was specialized in. The long and narrow buildings called tube houses became a familiar image in the Old Quarter because taxes were imposed based on the width of their storefront. The bustling exchanging activities in markets and craft guilds take place in the east of the city. Also, the craft and agricultural village lies on the north and west of Hanoi city.

2. Enjoy the authentic tastes of Hanoi food

What’s more, you will round-eye with surprise by the fact that there is a whole range of products and dishes you can discover without planning in advance. One day is not enough for culinary exploration but our incentive food list can give you the most wonderful taste buds.

* Vietnamese Noodle (Pho)

Firstly, the melt-in-your-mouth flavor with a reasonable price (about $2) of Vietnamese noodles will make you full all day.

Recommend:
– Pho Bat Dan – 49 Bat Dan street, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District
– Pho Lam – 7 Nam Ngu Street, Cua Nam Ward, Hoan Kiem District

*, Grilled & Fried Fish with Rice Noodles (Cha ca)

Cha Ca involves pan-fried chunks of meaty, fatty skinned fish, turmeric, dill, peanuts, shrimp paste, and rice noodles.

Recommend:
– Cha Ca La Vong – 84 Tran Quoc Toan Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District

*, Grilled Pork & Noodles (Bun Cha)

Lastly, bun cha is one of the national dishes in Vietnam. Do not forget to add fried spring rolls to your portion in order to fill your stomach with your unique local taste.

Recommend:
– Bun Cha Hang Quat – 74 Hang Quat Street, Hang Gai Ward, Hoan Kiem District
– Bun Cha Huong Lien – 24 Le Van Huu street, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District

>> Fun Fact: Bun Cha is famous in the world when Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama sat on little chairs to enjoy at Bún Chả Hương Liên.

3. Watch the cultural show “My Village” in Hanoi Opera House

Constructed in 1911, it is historical and cultural evidence of Vietnam under the ruling French. It is also the biggest theatre in Vietnam where is more appreciated than the theater in France. Specially, A wide range of important musical performances takes place in this French architectural landmark.

Specifically, this show offers you a deep insight into the traditional village life displaying through the new-circus approach. The bamboo trunk is the main acting tool throughout Lang Toi (My Village) with the skillful artists which create the acrobatics, breathtaking juggling, and graceful contortion. Additionally, this stage is combined with more than 20 different traditional Vietnamese instruments.

Address: No.01 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

4. Go sightseeing in the historical landmarks in the middle of Hanoi

*, Ngoc Son Temple

First of all, you will impress with the red wooden bridge (The Huc Bridge) connected with the mainland. Appeared more than 1000 years, this temple is dedicated to the national hero, Tran Hung Dao, who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century. Ngoc Son Temple is also called “Lake of the Returned Sword”. Specifically, it attached to the famous Vietnamese legend of “magical sword” which helped an emperor defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty.

Inside this temple, you admire the traditional architecture of Vietnam pagodas. There is a wide range of large bronze Buddha statues, many ceramic artifacts, and a huge turtle found in the lake weighing apparently 250kg. Especially, it is also an ideal destination for you to rest and enjoy the breathtaking view of the lake.

*, Hoa Lo Prison ‘The Hanoi Hilton’

Known as Maison Centrale, Hoa Lo Prison was constructed during the long struggle of the French between 1886 to 1901. This place is a historical symbol of the Vietnamese patriots’ will and sacrifice for national independence. Furthermore, it also reminds the sufferings of Vietnamese revolutionaries in the 20th century.

You will watch the frightful French guillotine that is used to behead Vietnamese revolutionaries during the American War. The artifacts, the cramped confinement cells are clear evidence of hideous treatment for prisoners during the war. All you see in the current Hoa Lo Prison is just the small part of this complex because the majority of the prison was destroyed to build the luxurious complex – Hanoi Towers.

*, Van Mieu (Temple of Literature)

Near the Presidential palace and Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the temple of Literature is the first university in Vietnam dedicated to Confucius, scholars, and sages. What’s more, this ancient temple offers traditional-style Vietnamese architecture, from the Well of Heavenly Clarity to pavilions, courtyards.

Established from the Ly and Tran dynasties, you will explore historic buildings where thousands of doctors graduated and contributed highly to the education and literature. Their name had been engraved on a stone stele which can be found on the top of the stone turtles.

*, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the most visited destinations you cannot ignore when coming to Hanoi. This huge monumental marble edifice is the final resting place of Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh, who declared the independence of Vietnam.

Vietnamese people call him the Great Father of the country. A tour around Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum only lasts for 1.5 hours, which gives you many historical secrets of Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

5. Have a nightlife on the Walking Street

Your Hanoi nightlife will not be complete without drinking beer on the sidewalk on Ta Hien Street or join in street activities with local people.

It only opens on the weekend (from Friday nights to Sunday nights). Take a short walk along the street, you can immerse in many street art performances and traditional games.

Day 2: Explore the natural wonder Halong Bay on your cruise

Halong Bay – “Descending Dragon Bay” has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000. According to the legend, if Halong Bay is the Mother Dragon then Bai Tu Long Bay is the Child Dragon. Bai Tu Long is more primitive and pristine, with the luxury of having fewer tourists cruising around.

*, How to get to Halong Bay:

About 125km from Hanoi, it takes 2-2.5 hours to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay. There is a wide range of transportations you can use to go to Halong Bay such as a local bus, motorbike, private car, train, or waterways.

Taking a Halong Cruise is nice to admire the majestic beauty of limestone islands on 434 sq km of green-emerald sea. With a 3-day itinerary in Hanoi and Halong Bay, we recommend you to choose a one-night cruise.

Route	Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Island – Ha Long Bay (2D1N or longer)	Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay (2D1N or longer)	Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay (3D2N or longer)
Port	Got Ferry Terminal (Cat Hai, Hai Phong)	Hon Gai International Harbor (Halong City)	Hon Gai International Harbor
Cruises Departing	Paloma cruise, Lan Ha Legend cruise, Emerald cruise	Dragon Pearl Junk, White Dolphin cruise, Huong Hai Sealife, Royal Wing, Dragon Legend, Swan Cruise and more	Au Co, White Dolphin cruise, Royal Wing, Dragon Legend, Swan Cruise and more
Facility	Hotel Style (Sea-view rooms with private bathrooms, spa, gym)	Hotel Style (Sea-view rooms with private bathrooms, spa, gym)	Hotel Style (Sea-view rooms with private bathrooms, spa, gym)
Type of Trips	Private/Shared Cruise	Private/Shared Cruise	Private/Shared Cruise
Type of Boats	Classic Wooden Junk / Modern Luxury Cruise	Classic Wooden Junk / Modern Luxury Cruise	Classic Wooden Junk / Modern Luxury Cruise
Capacity	1-40 cabins	1-40 cabins	1-40 cabins
Activities	Cave visiting Beach & inland activities Kayaking Floating village Fishing	Cave visiting Beach activities Kayaking Floating village Fishing	Cave visiting Beach & inland activities Kayaking Floating village Fishing BBQ

1. Marvel at the pristine and unspoiled beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay

Compared to Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long is more pristine and less-touristy, which is your ideal off-the-beaten-track destination that attracts many adventures recently.

To be specific, what makes Bai Tu Long special is the majestic nature of karsts and limestone mountains rising from the water. The route to Bai Tu Long is quite long with lesser attractions for various activities. However, you can enjoy the fresh air with the tranquil mode throughout your trip.

2. Get the heavenly sight from Thien Canh Son Cave

Situated in the tranquil region of Bai Tu Long Bay, you must climb up 60 steps to enter the cave. Opposite to the unassuming entrance, you will be round-eye with surprise by what is held within. It consists of three main caverns in which each strewn is filled with ethereal stalactites and stalagmites.

You’ll hear about the formation of Thien Canh Son cave as well as the special structure attached to recognizable objects such as lotus flower, a baby elephant. So, it is a good chance for extending your imagination and sense of humor. After finishing your exploration tour, it is nice to step back out into daylight and take some shots.

3. Kayaking on Cong Do Island

According to the National Geographic Adventures Magazine, Halong Bay is one of the top 25 kayaking destinations in the World. Many archaeologists prove that Cong Do Island had been a transit point of goods in the system of Van Don Commercial Port.

Located about 25km away from Bai Chay Wharf, Cong Do Island covers an area of nearly 23.4 sq km that is full of pristine coral reef and tropical forests. With its various winding hollows, it is perfect for your kayaking activity or trekking. Scuba diving is expected to develop in this area.

4. Make “spring rolls” and enjoy the evening activities

Nextly, you take part in one of the most refreshing travel experiences – the night squid fishing. The best time to catch the big-sized squids is from October and lasts till January of the next year, specifically on nights without the moon. However, it also depends on natural conditions and your luck. Do not worry and ask the local experienced fishers, they will help you.

Last but not least, enjoying fresh squids with your family and friends is a reward for your hard work. We make sure that you will love the fancy feeling of the ink line exploding in your mouth. Moreover, you also gaze at the seawater surface sparkling with lights at night.

Day 3: Learn about the traditional fishing village & Come back to Hanoi

1. Watch amazing dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay

Participating in Tai Chi sessions is the best way to start your new day in Halong Bay. It is a martial art with the combination of breathing and slow movements, which helps you to refresh your body and soul, reduce stress as well as improve balance. Additionally, you can breathe the fresh air and witness the amazing dawn of the bay.

After that, you enjoy your breakfast with Vietnamese specialties including Vietnamese noodles, baguette, and coffee.

2. Visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village

You want to wander through the floating villages and understand about the traditional village life of fishermen here, Vung Vieng Fishing Village is your must-try destination. Located 24km from the mainland, more than 160 residents live in Vung Vieng Fishing Village still maintaining traditional features of fishing communities in Halong Bay.

A trip to visit these villages you will gain a deep insight into their simple local lifestyle. They earn from fishing and a bit of traveling. After that, local fishermen will teach you how to catch fishes by using the fishing net as well as control the fishing rod. Experience one day as a real fisherman, why not? Sounds great!

Extend your trip to Ninh Binh or Sapa

If you can spend more time in Northern Vietnam, setting up your trip for the following day is a good idea. Therefore, you can refer more with our best tour as below:

1. Hanoi- Halong – Sapa – 7 Days

About 100km south of Hanoi, “Halong Bay on land” is surrounded by karst limestone cliffs and endless golden rice fields. This legendary land is famous in the world because of historical secrets and a massive system of pagodas.

2. Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh Tour – 4 Days

In addition, Sapa town is another attractive spot with the poetic natural beauty with the diverse culture of the highland tribe groups.