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10 Must Buy Affordable Souvenirs from Vietnam

Ketki Gadre — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 12:09:00 +0000

Wondering which Vietnamese souvenirs to take back home? Here are the best souvenirs from Vietnam that are affordable, lightweight and make for a great gift.

How do you show off if you have really been to a country other than posting pictures on social media? Souvenirs!

Vietnam souvenirs range from beautiful handicrafts to traditional things that you can bring back home. Buying Souvenirs from Vietnam is a cultural experience. So let me try answering some of the common questions.

What is the best souvenir from Vietnam?

Are souvenirs from Vietnam, affordable?

What represents the country most?

Whether you are travelling in the north – Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa and others or in the central region – Da Nand, Hoi An or in the south – Ho Chi Minh city, there is no dearth of places to buy souvenirs.

I present the 10 best and affordable souvenirs from Vietnam that are a must-buy and which will remind you of your time spent in this beautiful country.

SOUVENIRS FROM VIETNAM

Here are the best Vietnamese souvenirs to look out for from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and all the other major towns that you are travelling to.

Vietnamese Coffee

Coffee had to feature as number one on my list, given my eternal love for it! After having Vietnamese coffee in Vietnam, I could fly back just to have a cup of it. This is exactly why it is one of the best things to buy in Vietnam.

Yes, coffee in Vietnam, lives up to its expectations and delivers a punch of being one of the best in the world. That is why it is featured not only my list but many other lists of affordable souvenirs from Vietnam.

Made with signature dark roasted Robusta beans, the strong and bold flavor of the coffee is euphorically balanced when mixed with condensed milk, creating an amazing flavor. Dark roast coffee beans are slowly strained through a traditional Vietnamese coffee press and then mixed with condensed milk or coconut cream or a whipped egg, all intensely flavored for a completely refreshing sip. You may consider picking the coffee press called cà phê phin as souvenir along with Vietnamese coffee.

If brewing coffee is not your thing, there is an option to purchase pre-mix (2-in-1 or 3-in-1) coffee packets available in markets. These packets have the same flavor and will definitely transport you to Vietnam. Just like I do, every afternoon on my office desk! Thank you Amazon gods!

Cost range: 1,90,000 VND for 3-in-1 packets of 50 sachets

90,000 – 2,00,000 VND per kilo for fresh grind

Coffee options to choose from

Vietnamese Conical Hats

Wondering what to buy in Vietnam for taking back home? Then conical hats, locally known as Nón lá are a great choice.

The conical hats are one of the most popular souvenirs from Vietnam as well as an iconic cultural symbol for the local people thanks to its utility dating back to yesteryears. It is a circular cone hat made out of bamboo which is worn by the locals all year round, to protect them from the sun as well as rain. Being an all-season accessory it is durable and light. It comes with a colorful chin strap so that the hat doesn’t fall off when you bend or fly away in wind.

It comes in 3 sizes so you can carefully choose which one is comfortable for you. However, packing them in a suitcase without damaging, is it a bit challenging. It is best to carry it in hand or pick a conical hat keychain souvenir and get the best of both souvenirs!

Cost range: 1,00,000 VND onwards depending upon the product

Fruit Printed Clothes

Shopping in Vietnam is a must no matter how pressed for time you are.

While printed elephant clothes are popular and omnipresent in entire South Asia, Vietnam has an obsession with fruit printed clothes. Unisex shirts, pants and shorts are sold in most markets of all cities in Vietnam. They are particularly popular in Hoi An. The choices in fruit range from banana (this is the most popular choice), pineapple, watermelon and mixed fruit patterns. Women have the choice of a maxi dress in their favorite fruit while men can custom make caps too. Kids wear is also available in these prints.

These prints are available as running cloth in various type of fabrics – cotton, silk, etc. Since getting a tailor made outfit within 24 hours is in fashion in Hanoi and Hoi An, you can buy a fabric and get a custom made dress within a day. This is definitely one of the most unique and fun souvenirs from Vietnam to buy for family and friends.

Cost range: 80,000 – 1,50,000 VND

A local lady in banana printed pants

Lacquerware

Lacquerware is an art which has links to French influence from yesteryears. The intensively intricate art uses resin from son tree. Paintings, jewellery, home art and kitchenware is made in many designs, patterns and colours by local craftsmen. It is said that it takes about 20 stages to produce lacquerware products. Recently, egg shells and nacre (mother-of-pearl), are being used along with resin to prepare lacquerware products.

There are live demonstrations showcasing how these products are crafted and there are dedicated galleries which showcase this art collection. Lacquerware is an amazing art and taking home one of the products is the best souvenirs from Vietnam though it may not be really affordable for all.

Cost range: 2,00,000 – 5,00,000 VND

Lacquerware being prepared in a workshop

Bamboo and Coconut Products

These products top the sustainable gifts department which are not only affordable but unique souvenirs from Vietnam. Kitchenware items easily available are spoons, chopsticks, bowls, and straws made from bamboo. Colourful bowls made out of the coconut shells look great too and look elegant for serving food items.

Don’t be fooled in big markets as sometimes these coconut bowls are fake and are made of plastic instead of coconut shells. Image source: Ha Thai Bamboo Lacquer

Ao Dai Dress

The áo dài is a Vietnamese national garment, traditionally worn by both sexes but now most commonly worn by women. Áo translates as shirt Dài means long.

It is a tight-fitting silk tunic worn over trousers just like a kurta in India but longer. The fabrics now range in cotton, linen and polyester. Ao Dai is available in all major markets and can be custom made by choosing a fabric and getting it stitched to take back home.

Cost range: 5,00,000 – 10,00,000 VND

Vietnamese Silk Lanterns

If you’ve been to Hoi An , you know it is synonymous to colorful lanterns illuminating along the streets. These traditional lanterns are made in silk and they light up the cafes, restaurants, streets and homes in Vietnam. It will be a challenge to stop yourself from buying one of these silk lanterns to brighten your home in your country. They make up for a great Diwali gift too! There are many places especially in Hoi An which run workshops to teach tourists to make these lanterns.

Cost range: 70,000 – 90,000 VND for big lanterns and 25,000 – 40,000 for smaller ones

3D Pop Up Greeting Cards

I find this to be one of the most unique yet affordable souvenirs from Vietnam. These 3D pop up cards are sold on the side of street and they have beautiful and intricate designs all reminding you of Vietnam. There is a variety of designs such as birthdays, congratulations, anniversary to choose from. The great thing about these cards is that they’re flat and won’t take up space in your luggage.

Cost range: 15,000 – 20,000 VND per card

Coconut candy

Although coconut candy is popular along the Mekong Delta, it is on of the best souvenirs from Vietnam that you should not miss out on. The candy is made by with fresh delta coconut at the local facility. Sometime this candy is flavored by adding coconut milk to other fruits such as pandan and durian. The best part is the candy is wrapped in an edible rice wrapper. Ticks the sustainability charts!

Alcohol

If you are a wine lover, consider purchasing sim wine which is made from the purple fruit from the rose myrtle tree. If you are a bit adventurous you may want to try and buy the snake whiskey of Vietnam.

BEST PLACES TO SHOP FOR VIETNAM SOUVENIRS

Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market is the number one choice when it comes to souvenir shopping in Ho Chi Minh city. It is a one stop shop for local handicrafts, branded goods, coffee and other souvenirs. It is one of oldest landmarks of the city offers a great atmosphere that is authentically Vietnamese. Don’t forget to bargain hard as it is a tourist’s market and the costs are on higher side.

Tip: If you buy in bulk, the cost will be a lot less.

Hanoi

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a paradise with cool souvenirs to bring back home. All the souvenirs mentioned above are available in the markets of the old quarter.

Hoi An

Practically, the entire Hoi An old town is a market to buy Vietnamese souvenirs. Since most traditional houses are now converted into cafes and shops, it is easy to be overwhelmed by what to buy and how much.

SOUVENIRS TO BUY VIETNAM: TIPS & TRICKS

No matter where you travel, the rules of shopping and bargaining remain the same. Here are some of the tips and tricks to remember for souvenir shopping in Vietnam.

Buy Local

Make sure that the product you like and buy is locally made. Don’t buy something that you would get in your country or is made in another country. Lacquer and bamboo products are affordable, light in weight and generally locally made. while buying coffee, make sure it is made in Vietnam and not neighbouring countries.

Always bargain!

The shopkeepers know tourists are going to bargain so the prices are generally increased by 50%. So slash the prices by 50% and agree to pay 60-70% of the price. Negotiate hard by simply walking away. If the price is possible for them, they will call you back and give you a counter offer.

If you buy in bulk, they will give you a better discount.

Beware of custom restrictions in your country

While it may okay to sell some stuff in this country, make sure you are allowed to bring the same in your country. Reptile infused alcohol may seem exciting but restricted in your country.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR SHOPPING IN VIETNAM

Avoid buying leather bags, animal based products and artefacts. Try to buy textile-based local products.
Carry a bag while shopping and avoid plastic bags. Vietnam is obsessed with plastics just like the entire South-East Asia and struggling with recycling.
Encourage shopkeepers to pack fragile items in a newspaper instead of bubble wrap.
Be polite to the shop owners. In case you don’t buy anything from there, smile at them and say ‘Cảm ơn’ (thank you) before leaving.

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15 Best Things to do in Hoi An

Ketki Gadre — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 16:50:27 +0000

Planning a trip to Hoi An and wondering what to do in Hoi An? This blog covers all the best things to do in Hoi An, the UNESCO Heritage town.

There is so much more to Hoi An than the lantern lit street and the bougainvillea laden canary coloured heritage houses on the banks of Thu Bon River. Whether you are spending 3 days in Hoi An or a week, there is plenty to keep you entertained.

Hoi An tourism is all about adventure, heritage, food as well as a staycation. Hoi An can be enjoyed by all age groups and there are activities for one and all.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN

Wander Through the Hoi An’s Old Town

Hoi An’s ancient town is straight out of the postcards. Having escaped from bombing during the Vietnam war, Hoi An is well preserved with most of its ancient houses and heritage architecture intact. This is exactly why it is on the list of UNESCO Heritage Towns.

Because of its UNESCO status, more than 800 historic buildings have been preserved in Hoi An, so wandering through Old Town is like taking a trip back in time. 22 historic buildings and museums are open to the public which requires a separate entry. The Old Town is said to date back over 2,000 years.

Beautiful old houses, fancy shops, and art galleries fill the vibrant streets of Hoi An, ready to be explored and photographed. The old town is a must see in Hoi An.

Things to do in Vietnam – Visit the old town

Walk on the Japanese Covered Bridge

Having undergone 7 restorations, the Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the most important places to visit in Hoi An.

The Cau Pagoda, also known as the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An, was built in the 17th century with help from Japanese businessmen. It is 18 meters long and connects Tran Phu Street (Chinese quarter) to Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street (Japanese quarter) across the Thu Bon River.

The bridge, made mainly of red lacquered wood, has a unique blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese culture in its architecture, materials, and decorations. The stunning curved roof, adorned with yin and yang patterns, reflects both Japanese style and Vietnamese culture. While the Bridge was built by the Japanese, the temple is the work of both Vietnamese and Chinese reflecting the perfect harmony.

Japanese bridge in Hoi An

Tour the Tan Ky Family House

The Tan Ky Family House in Hoi An is a really important old building in the Old Town area. Visiting here is like stepping back in time to see how people lived in Hoi An a long time ago.

It was built in the 18th century and belonged to a merchant family. The design of the house is a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and traditional Vietnamese styles. Now, you can take a tour of the house and see the original furniture and things that belonged to seven generations of merchants.

Visit the Fujian Hall Assembly Hall

One of the opulent buildings in Hoi An is the Fujian Assembly Hall, made in the 17th century. The Fujian Chinese community in Hoi An built it, and it’s considered a special place.

The main hall is full of carved figures, and the entrance has carvings of mythical Chinese creatures. There’s also a big courtyard.

Legend says that if you pray in the Assembly Hall, you’ll be lucky in having kids. This is because of the 12 Midwives, which are carved statues for fertility in the hall’s grounds.

Fujian Assembly Hall, Hoi An | Best places to visit in Hoi An

Learn to cook Vietnamese Food

If you’re into cooking, Hoi An has a bunch of classes to teach you Vietnamese food. You can choose full-day, half-day, or short evening classes. Hoi An is famous for its cooking schools, where you can dive into making local dishes.

The classes often include a visit to the market to learn about Vietnamese ingredients. You’ll get to cook things like Cao Lầu, and Phở, Spring Rolls, and Bánh Xèo. Some even come with cool extras like boat rides and market tours.

Noodle making class in Hoi An

Get a Tailor-Made Suit or Dress

Hoi An is famous for its tailoring. There are lots of tailors ready to help you get a custom suit or dress, and you can usually pick it up in 24 – 48 hours. It is one of the unique things to do in Hoi An and there are tailoring shops for every budget.

People, like hotel staff and taxi drivers, might recommend a tailor to earn a commission. So, just be careful of some places that might overcharge you and sell low-quality clothes.

It’s a good idea to do some research before you go. Once you’re there, check out different places, bargain, and check out fabrics. The best tailors will give you great clothes and service, making your time in Hoi An memorable.

Custom made dress in Hoi An

Enroll in a lantern making class

All the Hoi An Instagram posts are about its vibrant lantern-lit streets. While it is one of the most popular souvenirs in Vietnam, it can be extra special if participating in a lantern-making workshop allows you to craft your own piece of this enchanting tradition.

In Hoi An, Vietnam, taking a lantern-making class is a delightful and creative experience. Guided by skilled artisans, visitors can learn the intricate art of lantern making, choosing colors, patterns, and designs to suit your taste.

It’s a hands-on adventure that not only provides insight into the local culture but also leaves you with a unique, handmade souvenir to illuminate your memories of Hoi An. The classes often take place in the charming Old Town, creating a magical atmosphere as you craft your lantern amidst the historic surroundings.

Experience the Central Market

To really enjoy Hoi An, you have to check out the Central Market. It sits by the river and is famous for its fresh fish, fruits, veggies, spices, and silk. The market is busy all day with locals and tourists.

The market also doubles as a food market with food stalls offering local delicacies such as Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Fried Spring rolls, and more. The prices are on the menu, so you won’t get charged extra just because you’re a tourist.

Another interesting and unique drink to try is the Snake Whiskey of Vietnam.

Hoi An Central market | PC: Katie Hunter of Hidden Hoi An

Taste the best coffee

Vietnam is known for its delicious coffee, and Hoi An boasts of some tasty brews. Grab a coffee at one of the many charming coffee shops, some of which have terraces that provide views over town. During the night, lantern-lit streets give a charming and romantic feel.

Most cafes roast their own beans and make yummy coffees. The coffee types change with the seasons, and they pick the beans by hand for the freshest and tastiest cups.

It only makes sense to carry home some coffee as a Vietnam Souvenir.

Cafes in Hoi An | Must try Vietnamese Coffee

Shop for local handicrafts

Hoi An is famous in Vietnam for having lots of pretty things made by locals. Some of these local handicrafts include Vietnamese Conical Hats, Lacquerware, Bamboo and Coconut Products, Vietnamese Silk Lanterns and 3D Pop Up Greeting Cards.

These products are available in the main central market. There are also special villages near the town where people make things by hand. Many are made by local groups and are great as gifts or souvenirs.

Tourists can visit these villages where they can enroll in classes to learn ancient weaving or calligraphy.

Souvenirs from Hoi An Vietnam

Visit the Hoi An Night Market

Most cities in South-east Asia offer visitors to experience the night markets. For the same reason, Hoi An Night market is a must visit.

The market starts getting busy after sunset and a lot of vendors selling knick knacks and clothes. start appearing on the other side of the bridge.

The uniqueness of Hoi An Night Market is the presence of hundreds of glowing lanterns strung up along the streets. The view is extremely magnificent.

If you do not want to walk around, soak at a lazy pace and relax around the riverfront where each street is lit up in colorful silk lanterns, night markets with souvenirs and food stalls.

Hoi An at night

Relax at the Beach

Going to the beach is one of the best things to do in Hoi An and is looked forward to by many international visitors. Cua Dai Beach is the closest beach to Hoi An town. However, due to extensive erosion, the beach is used as a picnic spot by locals.

For the ultimate Hoi An beach experience, An Bang Beach is the place to be. An Bang is a beach with trees about four kilometers from the city center. It has white sand, palapas, sun loungers, and restaurants. Since it’s not overly built up, it’s perfect for relaxing or getting in the water. Visitors can rent lounge chairs from restaurants for 15,000 – 40,000 VND, or they’re free if you buy something. An Bang has amazing views of the Marble Mountains, Da Nang Bay, and Da Nang and Cham Island.

Hoi An also has a surfing community, so you can find classes for surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as places to rent boards. An Bang is definitely a must-visit spot in Hoi An.

Another offbeat beach that has less tourist footfalls in the Hidden Beach. It is located between Cua Dai and An Bang beach. But there are no shacks in case you are thirsty or want to lounge around.

Chill at a beach in Hoi An

Ride in a Basket Boat

The round bamboo made from a basket is called the Thung Chai. It is a boat that goes way back to the time when the French were in charge in Vietnam. Back then, the French taxed the Vietnamese for lots of things, even their fishing boats. To avoid paying taxes, the Vietnamese fishermen came up with the Thung Chai and convinced the French that it was just a basket, not a boat, so it didn’t get taxed.

The local fishermen have been fishing in these basket boats for decades. And it is now a tourist attraction. Even though it’s a bit touristy, one fun thing to do in Hoi An is to take a ride in this traditional round basket boat. Try steering it yourself, and you’ll see it’s really tricky not to spin around in circles because of the boat’s shape.

Explore the countryside on Bike

Many of the best things to do in Hoi An can be reached by bike, and cycling through the picturesque town and surrounding countryside is always a great way to explore Hoi An.

If you don’t want to set off on your own, there is a free bike tour available to get you acquainted with the countryside of Kim Bong and Duy Vinh. Kim Bong is a carpentry village known for making everything from budget-friendly knick-knacks to thousand-dollar statues. You can meet artisans along the way and even enjoy a boat-making workshop.

Bike ride in paddy fields of Hoi An

Enjoy the Water puppet show

Water puppetry is a special kind of folk art linked to Vietnam’s history. In Hoi An, watching a water puppet show is a must because it’s really unique. The show has different parts, all carefully put together and performed by skilled artists. They prepare everything, from the story to the water stage, puppets, lights, and sound system.

I really loved this amazing performance and strongly suggest it to anyone visiting Hoi An or other cities in Vietnam.

Water puppet show in Hoi An

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR HOI AN FOR ONE DAY

Visit the My Son Ruins

An hour away from Hoi An is the remains of the old capital of the Champa Kingdom, called My Son. It was a religious and political center from the 4th to the 13th centuries. My Son Sanctuary is a special place because it follows Indian Hinduism, not Buddhism like many other sites in Southeast Asia. The temples there were built for Hindu gods like Krishna, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Even though it’s smaller than other famous ruins like Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka or Angkor Wat, Cambodia the ruined buildings surrounded by plants are really beautiful and definitely worth a visit. There’s a flat trail you can walk to see the best parts. Make sure to go to My Son early to avoid big crowds and the hot weather.

You can hire a private driver to take you to My Son, but the easiest and most affordable way is to join a guided tour from Hoi An.

Cham Islands

If you like snorkeling more than just chilling on the beach, you should book a boat tour to the Cham Islands nearby. There are eight small islands in this UNESCO Biosphere reserve, and they offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in Vietnam. The biggest one, Hon Lao, has a pretty white sand beach, calm clear water, and a few places to get drinks and food.

These islands are about 25 minutes away from the Vietnam coast. Most boat trips to the Cham Islands last about seven hours, from 8 am to 3 pm, and you get to do a bit of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.

Golden Hand Bridge

Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge has become very famous on Instagram. It is set high in the mountains outside of Danang. It has the appearance of two stone hands rising out of the ground to hold a golden bridge that overlooks the valley below. You can see why it’s a popular place for photography.

What most people don’t realize is that this bridge is just a single attraction in a sprawling theme park known as Sun World Ba Na Hills. You’ll find everything from a French wine chateau to a German-theme beer hall.

The different areas of the amusement park are linked by soaring cable cars. There is also a three-story “fantasy zone” full of rides, arcade games, and even a rock-climbing wall. Sun World Ba Na Hills is both weird and impressive, and it’s definitely a fun day trip from Hoi An if you have time for it!

Golden Bridge, Places to visit near Hoi An

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR HOI AN TRAVEL

How to reach Hoi An?

By air

Da Nang airport is the closest to Hoi An. Although it has very few international flights, the domestic flights are pretty good. I flew from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An and our flight got delayed by over 4 hours and I reached only at midnight!

From Da Nang airport there are 2 options to reach Hoi An – by bus or hire a private car. I chose later and requested our Homestay to do it for us at an extra $25 one way.

By train

There is no railway station in Hoi An and one needs to get down at Da Nang and then take a bus/ taxi to Hoi An. Da Nang Railway Station is connected with domestic trains from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang etc. Online train booking and payment is possible but does not give you a reserved seat number as in the case of India.

By Bus

Hoi An is well connected from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang, Dalat, etc. through direct bus service. It is comfortable and cheap.

Local transportation in Hoi An

The town is small enough to be explored on a bicycle/bike and most tourists do just that. It is an extremely bicycle-friendly town and at many places, motorbikes/cars are not allowed as it is a heritage town.

Bicycles are available at most homestays/hotels or can be rented from the old town. They are also available with restaurants. If you are feeling lazy, you can opt for this chauffeur driven shaded bicycle!

Local transport in Hoi An

FAQs for BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN

What is the best time for Hoi An travel?

Hoi An has a dry season from February to May. This is the best time to visit the town since its weather becomes pleasant with moderate temperature, low humidity and less rain. The months of May-June are also quite beautiful to plan a visit as well. I went in August and the humidity was sky high with high temperatures. It did get uncomfortable during the day but the nights were pleasant. However, the heat from lanterns made it humid again in the old town.

Hoi An has two seasons – the wet season and the dry season. The rainy season runs from about September to January, and the dry season stretches from February to August. Contrary to popular trends, the tourist season in Hoi An actually coincides with the rainy season because of the hot summers.

What to wear during Hoi An travel?

Since it is a hot and humid country, anything which is comfortable to you should be worn – preferably cotton t-shirts and shorts which will give ample protection to your skin. The country is liberal in terms of what you prefer to wear however you will be required to cover your shoulders (scarf is not allowed) and knees while visiting temples of Vietnam.

How long to spend in Hoi An?

I stayed for three days but could have easily stayed for another 2 or 3. There’s so much to do in and around Hoi An, with many popular day trips available. Visitors can easily enjoy a week in Hoi An without feeling bored.

What to eat in Hoi An

Hoi An is a popular tourist spot, offering a variety of cuisines like Italian, Indian, Moroccan, Malaysian, and more. Just check Tripadvisor ratings, and you’ll find plenty of options. Don’t miss trying traditional dishes like Pho, Banh Xeo (a crispy turmeric pancake), Banh Mi (a baguette sandwich with cold-cuts and secret sauces), and Cao Lau (a Hoi An specialty similar to Pho but without broth).

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, there are many choices. Along Le Loi street in the old town, every other place is a café or restaurant, offering great vegetarian options. I had delicious pizza at ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ for lunch and enjoyed dinner at an Indian restaurant called Baba’s Kitchen. Both are highly recommended!

When and Where is Hoi An Lantern Festival?

The Hoi An lantern festival takes place on a full moon night every month, where the town shuts off all the (electric) lights, and people light up paper lanterns to float in the river.

Best things to do in Hoi An

WHERE TO STAY IN HOI AN, VIETNAM

Some of my suggestions are:

Hostels: Bed Station Hostel, Tribee Cotu Hostel

Homestays: Volar Homestay, Puravida Homestay

Hotels: A Tran Boutique Hotel, Basil Boutique Villa

Luxurious Resorts: Anantara Hoi An Resort, Sea’lavie Boutique Resort & Spa

Choose a home stay in Hoi An and get free bikes!

VEGETARIAN FOOD IN HOI AN

Vietnamese food is really good! With so much delicious food, you’ll never be unsure of what to do in Hoi An because there’s always something interesting to eat. Whether it’s from street food stalls or five-star restaurants, Hoi An offers the tastiest treats in all of Vietnam.

Unfortunately, the vegetarian versions of Vietnamese food are very few. Being a vegetarian you might have to stick to Margarita pizza or Indian cuisines (there are a lot of Indian restaurants in Hoi An). However, check-out the must-eat dishes in Hoi An that offer vegetarian and vegan options.

Vegetarian Bowls at The Fishermen

Vegan and vegetarian wraps and bowls are great tummy fillers as well as healthy. The Buddha bowl with avocado, brown rice, black beans, satay sauce, sweet potato and mushrooms is delicious.

Vegetarian buffet at Ba Dam

Ba Dam is the most affordable vegetarian restaurant in Hoi An. The food is served buffet-style, allowing you to choose what you want, and then it’s dished up for you. The menu includes a variety of options like morning glory, pulled jackfruit, sweet corn fritters, fresh spring rolls, and sautéed vegetables.

Indian Food at Baba’s Kitchen

If you are craving Indian food or want some spicy food or simply looking for some sure shot vegetarian options, Baba’s Kitchen is a great choice. They serve authentic Indian food like dal, rice, paneer, roti and other dishes. They will make it less spicy on request.

Vegetarian spring rolls at Ấm Vegetarian Restaurant

Ấm Vegetarian Restaurant serves delicious fresh spring rolls and pad Thai. Most of the dishes can be made vegan, on request.

Spring rolls in Hoi An

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN

Ride the bicycle instead of a car/motorbike and burn the calories you’ll gain from that amazing Vietnamese food.
Walk at night. The streets can be very busy and navigating them with a bike can be a pain
If you are at leisure, choose traveling by train across Vietnam. It is pretty convenient, cheap and comfortable.
Try not to participate in lighting the paper lanterns in the river at night. Those lanterns burn out soon and the paper remains there for days making the river look dirty aesthetically and smelly.
Do not dispose of garbage on the streets and in the river and keep the sanctity of UNESCO intact.

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10 reasons to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ketki Gadre — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 16:04:00 +0000

Vietnam is a treasure trove of cultural experiences, heritage towns, beautiful beaches and lip-smacking delicious food. While every city in Vietnam has something to offer, here are the reasons to visit Ho Chi Minh city.

During my visit to Cambodia, I decide to hop on to its neighbouring country and check out some of the places to visit in Ho Chi Minh city.

Thanks to travel to Vietnam guide I read quite a lot about Ho Chi Minh City and finalized a 2.5-day visit to Ho Chi Minh City but only after I spent time there, I understood my mistake.

What mistake you ask?

Being the amazing place that it is, there are many things to do in Ho Chi Minh city and one needs to stay there for atleast 4 days to cover the highlights.

Here’s are 10 reasons why you should visit Ho Chi Minh city!

WHY VISIT HO CHI MINH CITY?

Vietnamese coffee

If you know me, coffee being on top of this list would be no surprise. I hereby admit that Vietnamese coffee has spoilt me for all other brands in the world – no exaggeration. Whether you are in Ho Chi Minh City or any other place, you are likely to find coffee carts, shops, roadside vendors every 100 meters! The cafes are also so well decorated that you can actually go coffee hopping. I wonder why there are no such tours yet for that. And boy, I did!

Vietnam’s answer to Indonesia’s famous Coffee Luwak – The weasel coffee. Yes it is exactly what you think it is and so yum (and rustic :P)

History of Vietnam

As the name suggests, the War Remnants Museum documents the brutality of the Vietnam War through photographs. With the in-depth text of brutality, the museum depicts the effects of chemical warfare it has caused over generations. It also exhibits the history of how and why it started and how various nations came together to oppose it. The museum, one of the most popular in the country attracts over 0.6 million visitors every year and hence it is must visit.

Spectacular Architecture

Ho Chi Minh City boasts of some of the most impressive architecture like Notre-Dame Basilica, Opera House and the Saigon Central Post Office. Other than these, there are many French colonial landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Phuong Nam Mansion, etc.

Affordability of Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is well-known amongst backpackers and budget travelers for its super affordable accommodation, food and local travel – what everyone wants. On an average, a filling meal will cost you around $4-5 and accommodation for a night around $20-25 per person. City travelling can be cheap if you choose to ride the city bus or walk. With the upcoming metro, local conveyance would get a major face lift.

Shopping in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City has a number of small and big markets for all shopping needs. Tourist favorite Bến Thành Market famous for souvenir shopping as well as high-end shopping with all big brands in Diamond Plaza are all in here to make a choice. Bargaining happens a lot in all small and local markets. And if you are not in the mood to bargain just go to fixed price store right outside the market periphery. You will get the same stuff in half price for sure. Thank me later.

Wondering what to buy from Ho Chi Minh city? Here’s a handy guide: Souvenirs from Vietnam

Vietnamese Food

For all the daring gastronomic, there is much to rejoice and devour some of the most bizarre yet inventive food. I say bizarre as I am from India and in our dictionary, this food is probably not palatable. From deep-fried frogs, barbecued rats, fertilized duck eggs and fermented scorpion wine, you will find any and everything in Ho Chi Minh city. Being a vegetarian there was no way I was going to try any of that but I got plenty of vegetarian options (Indian curry – lots of Indian restaurants and pizza). However, the husband tried some scorpion wine and it tasted good (according to him).

Fantastic Nightlife

There are many exciting & fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night. If you still have energy left after all the day walking, head over to the many amazing pubs in District 1. The vibes are amazing to enjoy a few local beers and dinner. I stayed in District 1 area on a Saturday night and could hear blaring music from a night club till the wee hours of the morning. It is certainly a good option to spend a weekend in Ho Chi Minh City and dance those worries away.

Yummy Beverages

Bia Hoi is the local freshly brewed beer found in Ho Chi Minh City. If you are not in the mood for alcohol try something else like coconut water, strawberry tea, soda, etc. in one of the many street food markets.

Tunnels and more

Cu Chi Tunnels are the most intricate tunnel systems consisting of nearly 200 miles of tunnels connected to each other. Situated about 50 km from Ho Chi Minh it is one of the must-visit places. Know the amazing tactics that the Vietcong guerrillas adopted during the war to defeat the American forces.

Try going in one of these tunnels and crawl out of another side to understand how the military forces spent their days and nights living in them. Our guide informed that these tunnels have been widened twice in order to accommodate tourists of all sizes! Tip: Do not go in if you are claustrophobic.

Walking streets

Nguyen Hue Street is a 60m wide pedestrian strip that extends from Saigon river to People’s Committee Building which has Ho Chi Minh statue. With wide space to walk, this walking street is a breather from the otherwise fast-moving traffic. The entire street is lined by high-end fashion stores and good cafes.

All in all, Ho Chi Minh is an absolutely amazing city to spend a few days. I loved it so much that I tried convincing my IT professional brother to look for a job here so I can visit often. I hope he takes me seriously.

Are you convinced to check out Ho Chi Minh city? Here are some things to know before going to Vietnam.

BEST TIME TO VISIT HO CHI MINH CITY

Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh city is winters and spring (December to March). This is the best time to visit the town since its weather becomes pleasant with moderate temperature, low humidity and less rain.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS TO VISIT HO CHI MINH CITY

Try their local food – it is cheap and helps the local economy, rather than opting for a restaurant chain.
Please, please please use dustbins. Of all the places i visited in Ho Chi Minh, district 1 which boasts of maximum tourists was the dirtiest with litter on roads.
Use public transportation or take the group tour option. Trust me, it’s economical and who knows you may make some friends on the bus.

Read More from Vietnam:

Hanoi and Halong Bay

Temples of Vietnam

Snake Whiskey of Vietnam

Hoi An Guide

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The Perfect 3 days Hoi An Itinerary

Ketki Gadre — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 04:29:00 +0000

Wondering what to do during 3 days in Hoi An and want to make the most out of it? This Hoi An itinerary will guide you through what to do in Hoi An for 3 days.

Yellow houses draped in pink bougainvillea creepers, colourful silk lanterns on streets, wooden shops selling the best of clothes, traditional Vietnamese dishes being served, innumerable heritage halls and pagodas, beaches for a swim, and so many other things. This is Hoi An, painting a gorgeous picture.

This UNESCO World Heritage Town is at the top of many visitors’ to-do lists when they travel to Vietnam. Follow this 3 days Hoi An itinerary on your first time in Vietnam.

ALL ABOUT HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

Visiting Hoi An ancient town is one of the best things to do in Hoi An. So whether you are visiting for one day or 3 day in Hoi An, you are bound to visit the old quarter. Before heading to the Hoi An Itinerary, here is everything you need to know about Old Quarter.

Entry Fee to Hoi An Ancient Town (Old Quarter)

All visitors are have to pay entry fees to enter the old quarter. The one-time entrance fee is 80,000 VND ($3) for domestic visitors and 120,000 VND ($5) for international visitors.

The revenue generated from ticket sales is used for preservation and management of relics and heritage houses in the old quarter.

Hoi An Old Quarter Map

Hoi An Entry Fee Validity

The entry fee is valid for 24 hours. The ticket has 5 pieces, and on entering each attraction, the ticket checker will cut one piece of your ticket. Visitors can choose any 5 places among the 21 attractions. In case you want to see more than 5, you need to buy another ticket.

Where to buy Hoi An entry tickets?

There is a total of 11 ticket stalls located around the Hoi An’s Old Quarter and it is very easy to spot them. Along with the entry tickets, you will be given a map which shows all the places of interest in Hoi An.

Attractions to visit with Hoi An entrance fee

21 attractions in Hoi An old quarter include Japanese Bridge; Hoi An Old Houses such as Tan Ky Old House; Phung Hung Old House, Quan Thang Old House; Chinese Assembly Halls such as Fujian (Phuc Kien) assembly hall, Trieu Chau assembly hall; Hoi An Museums such as the Museum of Trade Ceramics, Museum of Folklore, Museum of Sa Huỳnh Culture, etc.

3 DAYS IN HOI AN ITINERARY

While making my travel plan to visit Vietnam, Hoi An was really not my list till a friend shared her pictures and stories. I only had 9 days in Vietnam so I divided them 3 each for Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An and Hanoi. I knew I would be going bonkers in HCM City and Hanoi trying to cover most places of interest and hence squeezed Hoi An between them. It geographically made sense as it was in the middle of the country! So, my reason for choosing Hoi An was a relaxing vibe.

I did not make use of any guided tours or apps. I chose the places which would interest me and walked/biked to them. I divided my Hoi An Itinerary based on cultural activities, adventure activities and relaxing activities.

I got a free bike from my homestay which I took around with myself for 3 days!

DAY 1: Ancient Town and Explore the cafes

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Ancient Town on a bike or walk

My favorite thing to do in Hoi An was simply exploring the streets on foot and sometimes on a bike! Walking makes one discover beautiful and colourful alleys. I loved going through the many Heritage sites and historic buildings in town.

The Japanese bridge, Tan ky house, Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, etc. are some of the must-visit heritage properties and pagodas in Hoi An. The extremely popular Japanese Bridge which is the iconic symbol of Hoi An is stunning with an ancient shrine located on the bridge. Built by the Japanese community in the early 1600s, it holds amazing architectural details that reflect perfectly in the river stream below.

Japanese bridge in Hoi An

Chill at the cafes

Vietnamese coffee is a big deal in Vietnam and you must explore this culture by simply relaxing in one of the many open cafes and drinking tons of coffee. Vietnamese coffee is generally served cold and has many variations like Vietnamese Egg Coffee, Vietnamese Coconut Coffee, etc. My favorite was the Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk – Cà Phê Sữa Đá.

Souvenir shopping

There are ample things to buy in Hoi An – whether it is a custom made dress, coffee, Vietnamese snake whisky or lanterns – the options are unending.

Souvenir shopping in Hoi An

DAY 2: Shopping, Classes, Boat ride

Get a custom-made dress in Hoi An

Vietnam is extremely popular for getting a custom made dress in the quickest time possible. Hoi An has become a tailoring destination in the world. There are over a hundred shops available wherein one can choose a fabric, choose a style and voila in 24 hours there is a custom made dress to go! It is the perfect souvenir from Vietnam to carry home.

All of this is at a reasonable price but be prepared to spend time as this entire process is quite overwhelming – it can get super confusing choosing the one design and the one fabric. Here is the perfect Hoi An Tailor made shopping Guide.

Lantern making class

Lantern making in Hoi An is one of the must-do activities. I personally did not attend a class but a lot of travellers prefer to attend one and take home a self-made souvenir from Vietnam.

Hoi An is defined by the presence of lanterns. The locals believe that hanging lanterns in front of their houses will bring luck, happiness and wealth to the family living in the house and of course they look ethereal hanging in all the shapes and sizes so it’s a double whammy!

Coconut boat tour / Bamboo boat tour Hoi An

Bamboo boats are being used by locals for fishing and going about their everyday activities for years. These boats are woven with bamboo tree fibres and are extremely portable to use. These locals now run a boat tour for travellers to experience their everyday life.

Water puppet show

Water puppetry is a unique folk art form which is associated with the long history of the wet rice civilization of Vietnam. Water puppet show in Vietnam is one of the must do activities and is best in Hoi An. The water puppet show includes various pieces which are well arranged, performed by professional and experienced artists under a thorough preparation of content, water pavilion, puppets, light and audio system.

I thoroughly enjoyed this extremely stunning performance and will highly recommend this to all those visiting Hoi An or any other cities of Vietnam.

Water puppet show in Hoi An

DAY 3: Biking, Beach, Night tour

Biking around the rice fields, villages and riverfront

Soak in the lazy pace and relax around the riverfront or have lunch on one of the boats. The paddy field is all around Hoi An near the highway and it is therapeutic to stroll amongst the green pastures.

Bike ride in paddy fields of Hoi An

Visit the beach

Cua Dại, Han My and An Bang are some of the many beach options near Hoi An. The town boasts of a beautiful stretch of tranquil beaches against a backdrop of mountains. The beaches are a favorite spot of the locals where it is enjoyed as a family picnic place.

Tour the Hoi An Ancient Town at night

Touring the old town is one of the best things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam at night as 3 days Hoi An itinerary is incomplete without that. Soak in the lazy pace and relax around the riverfront or have lunch on one of the boats. The old quarter turns magical at night! Hoi An comes to life in the evenings with each street lit up in colorful silk lanterns, night markets with souvenirs and food stalls.

This is a wonderful opportunity to take up an evening cruise on the river to behold the beautiful sight. Paper lanterns with candles are sold here and visitors can buy them and leave them in the river. Though that sight is wonderful, I will discourage you from doing it. Check out sustainable tips at the end of the post for the reasons!

Hoi An old town at night

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR HOI AN

Then you can consider these one-day trips from Hoi An:

Cham Islands: for snorkelling, diving, visiting a pagoda and the local fishing villages.
My Son Sanctuary: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 4th to 13th centuries and is now believed to be the longest inhabited archaeological site in Indochina. Tours can be booked anywhere in the city centre or you can take yourself on a motorbike. You can bike the whole 43km from Hoi An to My Son.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Experience the joy of seeing making plates, bowls, ornaments and clay whistles live.

MUST TRY FOOD IN HOI AN, VIETNAM

Hoi An is a tourist town, all kinds of food is available – Italian, Indian, Moroccan, Malaysian, etc. Just check out the ratings on Tripadvisor and you are good to go. The main traditional dishes to try are Pho, Banh Xeo, a crispy savoury turmeric pancake, Banh Mi, a cold-cuts baguette sandwich with secret sauces, and Cao Lau, a signature dish of Hoi An, which is essentially all of the contents of Pho but without the broth.

If you are a vegetarian or vegan there are many options to choose from. In the Le Loi street in the old town, every alternate place is a café or restaurant and there is no dearth of good vegetarian eating options. I ate at the ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ restaurant which served amazing Pizza for lunch and had dinner at an Indian restaurant called Baba’s kitchen. Yum! Highly recommend both.

WHERE TO STAY IN HOI AN

There are all sorts of options for staying in Hoi An – luxurious 5-star resorts by the beach, charming hotels in old town and homestays near the town. The range in price and what it has to offer is never-ending. I stayed at the beautiful Volar Homestay for 3 nights which included breakfast and free bicycles. The homestay was extremely comfortable with all modern amenities, huge space and a balcony which opened to fields. Some of my suggestions are:

Hostels: Bed Station Hostel, Tribee Cotu Hostel

Homestays: Volar Homestay, Puravida Homestay

Hotels: A Tran Boutique Hotel, Basil Boutique Villa

Luxurious Resorts: Anantara Hoi An Resort, Sea’lavie Boutique Resort & Spa

Choose a home stay in Hoi An and get free bikes!

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR HOI AN ITINERARY

What to wear during Hoi An travel

Budget for 3 Days Hoi An itinerary

Overall Vietnam is quite cheap for food and accommodation. On average, decent accommodation in a homestay, food and getting around the city will cost you around $50-70 per day. Check a guide for Hoi An on a budget.

How long to spend in Hoi An?

I spent 3 days but could have easily spent another 2 or 3. There is a lot to do around Hoi An and there are many popular day trips from Hoi An. So visitors can easily spend a week in Hoi An without getting bored.

How to reach Hoi An?

By air

Danang airport is the closest to Hoi An. Although it has very few international flights, the domestic flights are pretty good. I flew from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An and our flight got delayed by over 4 hours and I reached only at midnight!

From Da Nang airport there are 2 options to reach Hoi An – by bus or hire a private car. I chose later and requested our Homestay to do it for us at an extra $25 one way.

By train

By Bus

Hoi An is well connected from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang, Dalat, etc. through direct bus service. It is comfortable and cheap.

Local transportation in Hoi An

Bicycles are available at most homestays/hotels or can be rented from the old town. They are also available with restaurants. If you are feeling lazy, you can opt this chauffeur driver shaded bicycle!

FAQs FOR HOI AN IN 3 DAYS

Is Hoi An safe for solo traveller/Female traveller

I read about highway robberies late at night between Da Nang and Hoi An and I was scared, more so when my flight HCM city got delayed. But once I reached, there was nothing to fear. The highway was not as deserted as claimed and very safe in the car.

The shops and restaurants close by 11pm so the town does look deserted but other than that I found it very safe. Even for a solo traveller.

Best time to travel to Hoi An?

When is Hoi An Lantern Festival?

The Hoi An lantern festival takes place on a full moon night every month, where the town shuts off all the (electric) lights, and people light up paper lanterns to float in the river.

HOI AN TRAVEL TIPS

Restaurants close around 9:00 pm so early dinner is recommended. So does the old town. Life starts early and ends early in Hoi An.
Be careful with your money conversions. Don’t forget this is a tourist town and there are chances of getting duped
Watch your belongings closely at the night markets.

SUSTAINBLE TIPS FOR HOI AN ITINERARY

Go for that bicycle instead of a car/motorbike and burn the calories you’ll gain from that amazing Vietnamese food.
Walk at night. The streets can be very busy and navigating them with a bike can be a pain
If you are at leisure, choose travelling by train across Vietnam. It is pretty convenient and cheap and comfortable.
Try not to participate in lighting the paper lanterns in the river at night. Those lanterns burn out soon and the paper remains there for days making the river look dirty aesthetically and smelly.
Do not dispose of garbage on the streets and in the river and keep the sanctity of UNESCO intact.

I hope this guide on 3 Days Hoi An itinerary was helpful for you to plan a trip. Drop-in a comment if you have any questions!

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Best Things to do in Hanoi

Ketki Gadre — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 13:14:00 +0000

Wondering about the Hanoi attractions or best things to do in Hanoi during Vietnam trip? This blogs covers everything that can be done in 2 days in Hanoi including places to visit in Hanoi at night.

I was warned by a lot of friends that my timing to visit Hanoi may not be a good due to rains. But I was determined to go and hoped that my I am do as many possible things to do in Hanoi would give a sneak peak into the cultural side of Vietnam.

After 3 days each in Ho Chi Minh city and Hoi An which was nothing less than amazing, I had high expectations from 2 days in Hanoi.

We reached Hanoi from Da Nang airport just before lunch and hopped on into the car towards old quarter to our hotel. We did not have a fixed itinerary but wanted to have a package for city tour and Halong Bay.

So after a nice vegetarian Indian meal (Blessings to the Pakistani who made it) we started exploring the area for tour operators who could give a good package. We finalized it and when we got out to explore the neighbourhood, it started pouring. And it kept on pouring till wee hours of night so much so that we had to buy umbrellas and yet skip dinner and survive on some snacks!

The next day it was cloudy but no rain which was sigh of relief as we waited for our tour bus to arrive. Here are the favorite tourist attractions in Hanoi.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN HANOI

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

We started with Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum as it tends to get crowded in later hours. Popularly known as Uncle Ho, Ho Chi Minh was the first respected president of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh mausoleum was inaugurated in August of in 1975 which houses perfectly preserved remains in tight security.

The Mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh's body is preserved

There is clear pathway which leads visitors to the Mausoleum. Once you reach there visitors are expected to be very disciplinary and walk in a steady pace. You can only whisper if you must and are not allowed to smile, or put your hands in your pockets. Food, water bottles, jewellery and electronics items including mobile phones are prohibited. All these belongings must be handed to the guard before entering the mausoleum and you can have it after you are to leave from the complex.

Tip: children under three years are not allowed to go inside the mausoleum.

Once you enter the mausoleum in a never ending puzzle pattern, you reach the Ho Chi Minh’s preserved body neatly resting in glass casket. The room is dimly lit, and visitors have only a short time to look at it (just like Indian temples, haha).

The entire complex is quite big, and there are many other things to see other than Mausoleum like Ba Dinh Square, The Presidential Palace (which you can see only from a distance), Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda. The entire visit will easily cost you about 2 – 2.5 hours but it is totally worth it.

Entry fee: 40,000 VND/person

Timings: Tuesday – Thursday 07:30 – 10:30, Saturday & Sunday 07:30 – 11:00

Dress Code: Anything that covers your entire body. Shorts, skirts, tank tops, and hats are not allowed.

One pillar Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda

As soon as we left from the Mausoleum, it started drizzling and it continued to do so till be reached Tran Quoc Pagoda. According to me it is one of the most stunning temples in Vietnam.

It just seemed these 2 days in Hanoi would be full of rains! Tran Quoc Pagoda is a symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism which is built in an intricate way. It is a masterpiece of Vietnamese sculptural art, with a tranquil backdrop. The temple is spread over 3,000 square metres and the main pagoda of the temple is 15 metres tall and has eleven levels. A gemstone lotus sits proudly symbolising the Buddha at the top of the tower and there are many carved statues on the walls.

In the pagoda’s garden stands a Bodhi tree, which is attached to a past story that in 1959, Indian President Rajendra Prasad offered the Pagoda a bodhi tree as a gift. The plant was grafted from the holy bodhi tree where Sakyamuni sat in meditation and achieved enlightenment in India 25 centuries ago. Today, the tree green and luxuriant, shading over part of the pagoda’s yard.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem lake is an idyllic destination for tourists and locals in Hanoi. Watch the locals go about their daily activities . Some locals do exercise near the lake, others commune to work and prepare for the coming busy day. You can just sit by the lake and take in the city’s vibe.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature was built as a place of learning and is known as Vietnam’s first national university. In earlier times, students at this university studied literature, poetry, and philosophy. The university closed in 1779 and is now used a quiet retreat to read, walk in the courtyard or spend time in meditating by the locals and tourists alike.

The Temple of Literature has five different courtyards, which has gardens, ancient trees, topiary animal sculptures, and ponds.

Entry fee: 10,000 VND

Timings: 8:30 – 11:30 and 13:30 – 16:30 everyday except Mondays

We spent the evening at Hanoi’s Old Quarter having coffee, dinner and shopping for souvenirs and looking at the traffic go by.

A meek effort at slow shutter speed shot at the Hanoi Old Quarter

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR HANOI

Halong Bay

Second day was all about Halong Bay! It was really difficult to pick a boat tour for the day as there are a zillion options giving 3 to 5-star rating services and 2 days at Halong Bay or even 3 and 4, up to a week! We were low on days so had to choose a day tour. We started pretty early at 8 am from the hotel wherein we were picked up from our hotel doorstep. Thank god there was no rain but it was extremely humid.

After a couple of more stops to pick more tourists from their hotel, we started out in the van and stopped halfway to visit crafts workshops, where you can buy marble stone sculptures, plaque paintings, and hand-embroidered items. They are extremely overpriced. However, it acts as a good loo stop. We started again and reached Halong pier at around 12:00 PM.

Waiting lounge at Halong Bay pier

We waited in the lounge till our tour operator got us our tickets. We were lead to our boat after crossing through a long street of shops selling souvenirs. Few minutes into the boat, lunch was served. Being a vegetarian we did not have many options but they did manage to get us some noodles and peanuts. We enjoyed the food with breathtaking scenes of the limestones in the bay.

The first look of Halong Bay!

We stopped at Thien Cung cave. It is hard to tell what it would contain looking for its exterior but the beauty of stalactites and stalagmites formation inside the cave is mesmerizing. Our tour guide showed us possible formation of shapes like those of animals and gods and it was an amazing session.

Stalactites and Stalagmites cave

We got into the boat and made another stop after a while. Here there were options of 45-minutes of kayaking or a bamboo boat around the islands and water tunnels. We chose the bamboo boat wherein the boatwoman paddled us into this tranquil portion of Halong Bay. It was so peaceful and untouched. It was here that I thought we could have stayed in Halong for probably one more day. The emerald water and the huge cliffs just kept us in awe!

We came to our boat and it was time to head back to the pier. We returned to the Halong pier at 5:00 pm and boarded the bus and reached Hanoi at 8:30 pm.

Bamboo boats and Kayaking in Halong Bay

Ha Giang Loop

If visitors have more time on hand then Ha Giang Loop is one of the adventurous and amazing journeys they can participate in. The Ha Giang loop is an awe-inspiring adventure that takes travelers through the remote and rugged landscapes of Northern Vietnam. The loop can be completed in 3-5 days depending upon each traveller.

Generally done on motorbikes, this iconic motorbike route offers an unforgettable journey, showcasing stunning mountain passes, vibrant ethnic villages, and breathtaking natural beauty making is one of the best things to do in Vietnam.

SHOPPING IN HANOI

Like Hoi An, all cities in Vietnam are popular for their clothes and how quickly they are custom made. There are many shops selling ready made Vietnamese garments too in Old Quarter. Since I get my clothes stitched in India and the dress are similar, I did not want to indulge in shopping. If shopping is still on your mind, here are some of the must buy souvenirs from Vietnam.

MUST TRY FOOD IN HANOI

Vietnam is super popular for its food and coffee. Must try is the Pho (beef soup), spring rolls, Bun Cha, Banh Mi and green papaya salad all available as street food and in fancy restaurants. However if you are a vegetarian like me, there are a lot of options in the same restaurants too. Just tell your tour guide and he will make sure you get good vegetarian option. There are many Indian restaurants too. Just keep an eye open and you will find authentic thali meals. For more authentic food, check out this food guide.

HOW TO GET AROUND HANOI

Not just Hanoi, but the entire country is notoriously known for its bike traffic. Check this guide for how to get around Vietnam.

Final Verdict for Things to do in Hanoi

Overall, our visit to Hanoi was good, though I wish we had given it more time and also had travelled in non rainy season. Hanoi city needs atleast 2 days in total and I would highly recommend 1N2D Halong Bay tour so that you do not regret later. Plan your trip accordingly. Wondering what else can you do in Hanoi? Check out a guide on 25 things to do in Hanoi.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR BEST THINGS TO DO IN HANOI

Try the local food – it is cheap and helps the local economy.
Do not throw your waste at heritage sights and in the Halong Bay waters. There is enough plastic in it which is an eye sore for the locals and tourists who come to enjoy the nature..
Use public transportation is not a great option so best is to take the group tour option. It is economical and who knows you may make some friends on the bus.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate link, meaning that if you make a booking using this link I get some bonus at no additional cost to you which keeps my website up and running.

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The most stunning temples in Vietnam

Ketki Gadre — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 13:40:23 +0000

Visitors flock to Vietnam every year to view the beautiful landscapes, experience the culture, educate themselves about its history, and, of course, witness the stunning architecture of its temples. Temples in Vietnam are special and there are tourists who travel just to visit them.

If you’re interested in visiting Vietnam, it ‘s best to go between April and November, as those are the driest months. Take advantage of the glorious weather, and make sure to see its beautiful temples in the best conditions you possibly can. Listed here are some of the temples in Vietnam that are must-visit:

The Jade Emperor Pagoda

This vibrant and colourful temple is one of the most famous and culturally important in the whole of Vietnam. It was originally built by a community of Cantonese Toaists back in the 20th century. It holds historic carvings of Kim Hua, with scenes of women and their children – an ode to the goddess of fertility. You’ll also find an altar dedicated to Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy.

Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda (sometimes also referred to as the Tortoise Pagoda) in Ho Chi Minh City. Wondering more about Ho Chi Minh city? Here are 10 reasons to visit Ho Chi Minh city.

Visiting hours: The temple is open to the public between 7am to 6pm

Tip: Consider taking a tour guide along to learn as much as possible

The Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a popular Vietnamese temple in Vietnam, situated in the capital city of Hanoi. It was originally built as a university dedicated to Confucius, all the way back in 1070.

It was built to attract wealthy scholars – as education was once only accessible to the wealthy and royal. Because of this, it now stands as one of the most beautiful and picturesque temples in the whole of Vietnam. Its traditional Vietnamese architecture is surrounded by tranquil courtyards – featuring the names of successful students of the past, carved into stone turtles.

Visiting hours: 8am to 6pm

The Van Thuy Tu Temple

The Van Thuy Tu Temple is known as the whale temple – and just as the name suggests, it is dedicated to the most impressive mammal – whale. In Vietnamese culture, whale is considered as a holy animal, worshiped in a multitude of different ways. It is estimated that there are over 100 whale temples in Vietnam, and Van Thuy Tu Temple is the oldest and largest and is located in Phan Thiet.

Visitors can see a range of historical artifacts – from whale skeletons, fishing boats and Nguyen Dynasty relics – as it was built way back in 1762. It was erected to commemorate the ancient story of the Lord Whale, who earned his title by saving a team of fishermen from bad weather.

Visiting hours: 7am to 5pm

The Tran Quoc Pagoda

The Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of Hanoi’s most popular historical landmarks. It is said to have been built in the 6th century as ‘An Quoc’, but it was renamed ‘Tran Quoc’ following renovations in the 17th century which were largely overseen by Emperor Le Huy Tong.

It is one of the liveliest temples to visit as a tourist. Apart from its museum of historical artifacts, the main pagoda is often used to hold special events for devotees, such as the celebration of Buddha’s birthday, and the famous Tet Festival.

Visiting hours: 7.30am to 6pm

The Giac Lam Pagoda

This beautiful Buddhist temple was built in 1744, and in 1988 gained status as an important historical site according to the Vietnamese Department of Culture. This temple is truly breathtaking and tranquil, with gorgeous gardens to lose yourself in. Of all the temples on this list, this is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a peaceful experience. Its ceremonial hall is a huge attraction, thanks to its famous statue of Amitabha Buddha.

Just like the Emperor Jade Pagoda, Giac Lam Pagoda is situated in Ho Chi Minh City. It is open from early morning, allowing you to experience its beautiful scenery in the morning, noon and night.

Visiting hours: 5am to 8pm

Sustainable tips for visiting temples in Vietnam

Most of these temples in Vietnam are ancient heritage sites of historical importance. Visitors must respect the structures by not sitting on them.
Do not harm the temple structure by carving or writing on it.
Wear respectable clothes while visiting the temples in Vietnam. Cover your shoulders and knees. You may not be allowed to enter otherwise.
Do not litter temple premises and maintain its sanctity by keeping it clean.

Disclaimer: This is contributed blog post and may contain affiliate and commercial links.

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Snake Whiskey of Vietnam: Have you tried?

Ketki Gadre — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 09:21:02 +0000

Downing a drink is accepted as a regular activity in modern society these days, as professionals, tourists and party goes enjoy a glass or two of alcoholic beverages. The reasons of drinking are many – to unwind, to relax or to forget the chaos and there is always that one drink that stands out in the list of others for each one of us. Whiskey, often touted as the gentleman’s drink, never goes out of fashion and it is said there is always room for some more. But what about Snake Whiskey, well let’s find out.

In the countries of South East Asia, freshly brewed beer or wine is more popular. Found for as cheap as 80 cents per beer can, tourists and locals are often found enjoying these in most places.

But, if you fancy bizarre culinary adventures in a new country and want to tick off weird foods and drink off your list there is a special whiskey in Vietnam – The Snake Whiskey. Of the many things one could do with venomous snake, Vietnam infuses it with alcohol for a tasty snake poison alcohol mix. Snakes are widely believed to possess medicinal qualities and you can find this drink advertised for health all over the Southeast Asia.

If snakes are not your thing, you can choose a bottle of scorpions, geckos or even lizards in whiskey or rice wine. People of Vietnam and other South East Asian countries believe that the more lizards or geckos in one drink, the more energy you can absorb. It has also been widely believed that this drink prevents evil spirits from doing you harm. Alcohol doing all that, c’mon what else do you want?

On my recent trip to Ho Chi Minh city, I inquired about the preparation, storage procedure and ill effects from the venom. In a normal bottle of whiskey or wine, an entire venomous snake – sometimes still alive is inserted. The bottom of the bottle is later fixed so as not to spill the contents. The whiskey or wine is left there to steep for several months while the ethanol absorbs the “essence” from the snake and breaks down and denatures the venom.

It is later sold in malls, touristy roadside stalls and shopping centres. They are marketed as show-stopping centre pieces with full-hooded cobras with a scorpion tail in its mouth or other reptiles. A 200ml bottle of snake whiskey would cost approximately US$ 10-12. Be aware as you will probably not be allowed to carry these bottles home as souvenirs thanks to customs at airport.

Even if not sustainable, snake whiskey is certainly a bizarre bucket-list delicacy. Do you think the benefits are worth it? Will you try it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This article was originally written for and published by La Vida Travel Cafe, Ahmedabad.

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