If you are looking for the ideal weather conditions in which to walk around freely outdoors without being caught out in a monsoon, you’re probably best visiting Vietnam between May and August. This means that once you have sampled the beautiful cuisine, you will be able to turn your attention to the cool mountain regions, emerald green waters, soft white beaches and amazing floating villages – there will be plenty to keep you occupied. So if you are travelling to Vietnam and want to have the perfect authentic foodie experience during your stay, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Observe the locals

Tourists tend to flock to eateries that locals wouldn’t touch, likely due to the bland choices on offer. In order to get the best tasting and most authentic food, you should try to observe the locals and go where they do. Some of the best places to find food might not look like much from the outside, but they are specialists in what they do which is what sets them apart. You will also notice that locals tend to visit the stalls early in the day; this is because the most renowned places will close up shortly after midday when their ingredients are exhausted!

Get professional help

Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming trying to pick out the best options amongst all of the places available. This is why a tasting tour can be beneficial for visitors in your position. There is a tour that is currently running in Hoi An – it is run by an Australian man who helps many westerners get to grips with Vietnamese foods. You can relax a bit more when you sign up to something like this as you’ll know that the food stalls have been tried and tested by many others before you, and some even get checked by nutritionists to ensure that everything is fresh and sanitary before you visit.

Create a checklist of food to try

You will be able to find specialist sellers when it comes to street food, so create a list of everything you want to try and then set out to find it. Number one on many people’s lists is pho, which is the national dish of Vietnam. Its main ingredients include noodles, broth, herbs and chillies. Another popular choice is com tam which is a combination of glazed pork steak, meat loaf, omelette, and sticky broken rice.

Photo by William

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Vietnam is one of the East Asian countries with well-developed traditional medicine which is an important part of the healthcare system in Vietnam. For over the centuries it’s been greatly contributing to the prosperity of the Vietnamese nation and the development of the medicine as a whole. Nowadays it is available to practically everyone. The traditional medicine in general became famous all over the world mainly thanks to acupuncture which is now widely used worldwide.

There is a great difference between traditional Oriental medicine and Western one that not everyone understands. The main point is that the traditional medicine understands the human body as a complex and the balance in the body is of major importance. Western medicine however treats certain organs when they appear to be damaged. The main weakness of traditional medicine is that is only good for prevention of diseases and if you happen to be really sick only western Western medicine can cure you.

As well as traditional Chinese medicine, Vietnamese medicine is based on the concept of energy flow, the circulation of vital energy in the human body – hence to the possibility of exposure to biological hotspots . This theory is based on a couple of well-known methods:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the basis of traditional medicine. Vietnamese acupuncture has shown impressive results. In oriental medicine acupuncture needles of various sizes and lengths are used. Acupuncture is also used during surgery as anesthesia. Acupuncture proved to be of a great help for patients recovering after surgeries.

At the same time, acupuncture can be a carrier of the disease . To avoid any kinds of diseases that can be transmitted via needles disposable needles should be used.

Herbal therapy

Herbal therapy is used in Vietnamese traditional medicine as widely as in Chinese. Vietnam boasts of up to 200 different oriental medicine shops that sell herbs and other natural medicines. It is said that in Vietnam there are more than 3 thousands medical plants. It is third in the world after China and India in the amount of useful medical plants.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is widely used all over the world, but in Vietnam is less common than, for example , in the Philippines. It has a good effect on human musculoskeletal system.

Medical institutions

In each province in Vietnam there are hospitals of traditional Vietnamese medicine. In addition to public hospitals of oriental medicine , there are private clinics and offices that specialize in this area , as well as manufacturers of drugs from natural sources. In total, more than 9 thousand hospitals in Vietnam that are licensed to use the methods of Oriental medicine .

Photo by jepoirrier

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New Discovery

The caves were first explored by Howard and Deb Limbert in 2009. The husband and wife team, experienced cavers from northern England, have mounted several expeditions since then. These trips have led to the discovery of the Hang Khe Ry, one of the longest river caves in the world at 12 miles, and to the establishment of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park where Hang Son Doong is located. A local resident, Ho Khanh was instrumental in helping find the caves. As a boy he explored the area and discovered the cave. Because of the dense forest growth, it was difficult to spot the cave’s entrance and it wasn’t until 1991 did he find the cave again.

World Heritage Site

In 2003, the national park was named as a World Heritage site, mostly in part of the rich forest and network of caves found in it.

In the Vietnamese language the cave is known as Hang Son Doong, with “son doong” meaning “mountain river cave”. Water can flow as high as 300 feet during the rainy season, making certain passages and caverns impassable. During summer and early winter, when the season is dry, the river dwindles into a series of pools and ponds. Many of the caverns can fit a block of buildings forty stories high.

Forest inside a cave

The cave has several sinkholes, areas where the cave’s ceilings have collapsed due to weak limestone support. One can be found 3 kilometers from the entrance, where the light shines through. It allows various species of plants and insects flourish, creating a forest within the caves themselves. Explorers have also noted seeing animals like birds and monkeys living in the cave jungles.

Second entrance

Towards the end of the cave is a large wall of flowstone that hindered explorers from going further. After they were able to get past it, the team discovered a second entrance to the cave.

There is still much to be explored about Hang Son Doong and its network of caves. One can only imagine the natural treasures that can be seen inside.

Note that many tourist websites report that the caves are not yet open for public tours, and caution interested spelunkers to be wary of groups offering tours at a high price. Best contact the Vietnamese tourism office for details.

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1) Hoi An

Recently named one of the most luxurious beaches on earth by Forbes is the popular beach of Hoi An. More than just a beach, this coastline town is studded with old French colonial buildings, rice paddies fields, and 200-year old buildings in the Old Quarter. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once used as a trading post between Southeast Asia, China and Japan. Let’s not forget the beaches, the white sands here are welcoming, famed, and beautiful, so out of all the beaches to go to in Vietnam, this seemed to be the #1 choice amongst globe trotters in the area.

2) Mui Ne

This popular backpacker spot is known, but once you get here you won’t be welcomed by swarms of people. It still maintains a rather nice and laid back feel. These beaches are great for kitesurfers and windsurfers alike due to the nice breeze that comes in on a rather consistent basis. There are restaurants, cafes, and a few bars dotted along the way. The seafood is must try here, especially from the fresh markets that open up at night. There are sand duning adventures and a charming Fairy Stream to see what walking on water might be like.

3) Nha Trang

This beach is super popular with the locals but more and more, the foreigners, especially the backpackers. Here is where you can get nicely acquainted with the colorful and spectacular marine life that’s before you. Take the plunge with any of the scuba schools in the area, or just throw on a snorkel and mask and take the cruise on top of the water to get a feel for the ecological conditions of the Vietnamese coastline. If you are more of a partier, there is a Booze Cruise waiting for you to come aboard and sip (or chug) away.

4) Phu Quoc Island

This paradise is located around the Gulf of Thailand. Becoming more and more known due it’s spectacular stretches of sand and beautiful blue waters, this island is perfect for any getaway, whether it be your and your better half or the whole family. There is a some brilliant snorkeling and scuba diving to enjoy while you are here. The area is protected by a national park and the entire place feels untouched and natural.

5) Danang

Posh resorts, fabulous marine life, and a dash of history awaits here you here in Danang. This was a central fighting area during the Vietnam War and thus has become a popular expat scene to foreigners who never left or came back. The area, although a reminder of history, is now know for it’s awesome surfing, diving, and snorkeling.

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On the customer service side, initiatives have also been made to make Vietnam as friendly as the service personnel of other Southeast Asian countries. In the mean time, Vietnam makes up in staggering sights, French-influenced heritage and tasty but cheap cuisine what it lacks in “hardware.”

Amidst the flurry of preparations to make Vietnam up to speed with Western expectations is a country already bursting with attractions in their almost raw form. Recent surveys of British and Australian long-haul travelers place Vietnam alongside Thailand as their top 10 favorite destinations. It would take awhile, however, for Vietnam to achieve maturity like its neighbor to the west, which is good news for travelers who still like their vacation spots unspoiled.

Mai Chau Valley in northern Vietnam, for example, has only been recently given regional attention after it was listed by Agoda as one of the top 10 freshest destinations in Asia. From the looks of it, Mai Chau Valley has the serene character of rural Bali and the rugged scenery of Chiang Mai – a perfect combination for travelers longing for quiet.

On the subterranean front, the Hang Son Doong is currently the largest cave and barely touristed, what with its inventory completed only recently. In that alone, one can literally get lost!

In the same vein, the just-discovered longest lava cave in Southeast Asia is also Vietnamese. Combined with hundreds of other karstic, barely explored caverns of Halong Bay, Vietnam could easily be a spelunking mecca in the region.

Not to be left behind in the beach scene, Vietnam also boasts of delectable beaches that are nearly footprint-free, save for local fishing villages that live in and around the area.

Throw in French-influenced cultural heritage and flavorful but cheap eats, Vietnam can easily ensnare an unsuspecting traveler to crave for more and linger. Watch this video for a peek into the bustling Vietnamese street food scene.

A taste of Hanoi street food and a strategy to avoid being overwhelmed by the mystery and choice.

A gastronomic tour of Hanoi is enough to waylay a foodie wanderer. There’s still Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, and more. Go get lost!

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Despite its tumultuous history, Vietnam is fast emerging as a hot go-to place for British and Australian tourists, outdoing its more popular neighbor Thailand. Quite obviously, the pound and dollar they bring go a really long way if they were to spend it here, getting (much) more value for every penny spent given the explosion of (less trodden) attractions that are just getting popular in the international travel scene. (Halong Bay, one of the New7Wonders, is just the tip of the karstic iceberg.)

Given this much needed confidence (and economic) boost, the Vietnamese government endeavors to keep up with the demands placed on its tourism infrastructure by initiating projects to improve roads, bridges and airports.

Flights to and from Hanoi and other regional hubs like Bangkok are currently being expanded, along with flights to local destinations like Da Nang and Nha Trang.

Promoting tourism is emergent, and this can be seen by the country’s first ever international tourism fair in Hanoi.

The need for Western standard accommodation is also being addressed, with 27,000 hotel rooms in Ho Chi Minh City expected to be completed by 2020.

Training programs and workshops to improve customer service skills have also been put in place to make the Vietnamese “friendlier” to local and international guests. In a country where English is not yet as fluently spoken (like in the Philippines), the best a service attendant can do is to be receptive of tourist needs and respond accordingly, even it means vigorous hand gestures.

With the government poised to capitalize on their country’s rising popularity among Western travelers, expect that Vietnam is going to give Thailand a run for its money (albeit it will not happen anytime soon). Airports, hotels and attitudes need time to develop, which means that for now, Vietnam is still going to be a raw destination not yet drowned in the trappings of Western homogenization.

Watch this video below for a compilation of must-see places before they get overwhelmed by eager tourists in the coming years.

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Years later when the French was leading the country, they moved the capital back to Ha Noi. When Ho Chi Minh took over, Ha Noi became the capital of North Vietnam and when the country was reunified, it became the nation’s capital.

Arriving in Hanoi

If you’re coming to Hanoi from outside the country, you will arrive at the Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). Several countries offer direct flights to here, including Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.

Taxi cabs outside the exit will take you the the city’s center. While prices are higher than regular cabs, the rates are fixed and saves you the price of haggling. You can also take the public buses or shuttle services from the airport to the city center. However, if you want a hassle free trip, see if you hotel offers pick-up services to and fro the airport.

Travelers from anywhere in the country can take the bus or train. If you’re coming from Hue to Nha Trang, the main Hanoi train station will be your stop. For the longer trip from Ho Chi Minh City, take the Reunification Express.

There is also a train from Nanning, China should you be coming from there.

Getting Around

You can get around Hanoi through several means. Unfortunately, Hanoi has no metro train just yet, but you can take your pick from taxi cabs, buses, motorbike driver, cyclos or car rental.

Buses have fixed routes and rates, which is convenient but may be a little confusing to navigate for the first time visitor. However, there are maps that show routes and stops, which may help. Taxi cabs are also good choices, but be prepared to haggle with the driver for a flat fee rather than rely on the meter. Take note of these reputable services to lessen the hassle: Hanoi Taxi, Taxi CP and Mai Linh Taxi.

You can also ride on the back of a motor, or hire a cyclo but always remember to settle the price first before you get on as many are prone to jacking up the price once you reach your destination.

Old Quarter

It’s impossible not to mention the Old Quarter when talking about Hanoi. Composed of more or less 40 streets, the Old Quarter is the oldest surviving neighborhood in the country and gives you the best look into old Vietnam, but with a modern twist. It used to be a place where artisans converged into guilds, each of which is now the names of the streets. While the place has adapted to modern changes and is now a busy part of Hanoi, it still holds pockets of history and old-world charm. While many travel guides and writers have their own specific recommendations, it is easy enough to just walk around Old Quarter and find a place to dine or relax in.

Water Puppets

Water puppetry is a unique form of Vietnamese entertainment that originated in Hanoi a thousand of years ago. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is the most known of all of these, and the place itself is as interesting as the show. Puppets perform in a shallow pool and are full of random jokes that refer to cultural facts.

Coffee and Beer

Two beverages that you’ll find plenty of in Hanoi: beer and coffee. When it comes to beer, the official “bia hoi” is fresh from the Habeco factory where it is brewed and fermented the whole day. This results in a varying flavor with each vendor, but it still gets sold out by the day’s end.

As for coffee, take your pick from any of the numerous coffee shops that litter the streets. The Vietnamese love coffee, and they tend to make it strong. Sweeten it with condensed milk to balance the taste. Or take your pick from the selection of hot and iced variants. It’s enough to make a coffee lover weep in gratitude.

Experience France, Asian-style

The long period of French colonization has left its mark. Walking around Hanoi you’ll see many buildings similar to what you may find in Paris. However, the best way to experience this combination of cultures is by trying out the food. The aforementioned coffee is a French heritage that the Vietnamese have taken to their own. Many sidewalk cafes offer French dishes with a Vietnamese twist, such as the banh mi, French baguettes stuffed with uniquely Vietnamese fillings which vary on the region. These cafes offer outdoor seats that spill out on the sidewalks.

Historical Hanoi

Of course, it’s not a full trip if you don’t take a look at the places around Hanoi. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is always a popular stop, which hundreds of people lining up each day just to get in for a glimpse of the leader’s embalmed remains.

For a unique stay, check out “Hanoi Hilton”. While its moniker brings to mind luxury hotels, it is in reality the Hoa Lo Prison. The French colonizers used it to keep their political prisoners, and later the North Vietnam used it for prisoners of war. It was during that time that the name “Hanoi Hilton” was coined. While the prison was torn down in the 1990s and is now the site of two high-rise buildings and a commercial duplex, a part of it serves as museum with artifacts from the war era displayed.

Side trip

If you want to get out of the city, there are plenty of places to escape to. Ha Long Bay is probably the most known and offers a fabulous view of the ocean. The Sapa mountain region is a great place for trekking and is home to various ethnic Vietnamese minorities. Visit the oldest ancient capital of the region, Co Loa. For heritage tours as well as captivating natural views, take a day trip to the Hoa Lu in the Ninh Binh province.

There are many stories about Hanoi, its business and the persistence of its people to peddle their wares, it is not something that you should be daunted with. Hanoi is rich in culture and history, and its people will fascinate you to a point. Take your time in exploring it and enjoy the surprises that it will bring.

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Greeting

The traditional Vietnamese greeting is done by pressing the palms of your hands together and doing a slight bow. Since Western influence has become stronger in the past few years, it is perfectly acceptable to shake hands in greeting.

However, traditional Vietnamese sensibilities still hold strong. Shaking hands are accompanied with a slight bow of the head. If you are meeting an older person or a woman, wait for them to take the initiative. If they do not extend their hand in greeting, a slight bow or nod will suffice.

Similarly, shaking hands or nodding in acknowledgement when departing is also accepted.

If you wish to greet someone with a traditional Vietnamese greeting, make sure to have someone teach you the proper way of saying it. Their language is very tonal, and the meanings of one word can change depending on how you say it.

Daily Dealings

For the Vietnamese, it is impolite to point to anything or anyone with your finger. Rather, make a gesture of presentation by using your open palm to indicate what you are talking about.

It is also considered rude to ask someone to come closer by crooking your finder. Instead, extended your arm with the palm down and move your fingers downward.

When you are handing someone an object, use both your hands. Refrain from touching another person’s head, particularly a child’s. Holding hands is also frowned upon, and it is also unacceptable for couples to be affectionate in public.

Home Visits

If you are visiting someone’s home, bring a hostess gift. Items that can be used at home like soap are welcome. If you know beforehand that there will be elderly or children present, bringing them gifts is also acceptable.

As with many Asian countries, the Vietnamese make the practice of leaving footwear outside their homes to prevent dust from tracking in. Do not use your feet to point at anything, especially towards an altar or anything that is considered sacred.

Eating

The Vietnamese eat their food with chopsticks. That said, never poke your chopsticks upright in a rice bowl (or in any dish for that matter). Instead, place them on the side of your bowl or across on top of it. Never tap the sides of the bowl, particularly if you are eating rice, and try to finish everything.

If you are invited to someone’s home to eat, wait for you to be shown where you will seat. Do not sit down until the eldest member of the household does so. Your host will also serve you your food, but if you feel that you have enough, politely cover your bowl with your hand to turn down additional servings.

Business Etiquette

When business people meet each other for the first time, it is considered polite to exchange business cards. Give your business card using both hands, and receive cards in the same manner.

Meetings are set in advance. As with anywhere around the world, punctuality is important. Arrive on time for meetings, and if you are going to be late, let them know.

Saving Face

Like most Asians, the Vietnamese consider saving one’s face very important. Preserving one’s pride and dignity is crucial for the Vietnamese and should be taken seriously. Because of this, most conversations will not involve direct put-downs or agreements in order to avoid conflict or unpleasantness. Foreigners who are not used to this roundabout way of talking may find it frustrating, but will be rewarded for being patient.

Dress Code

Despite strong influences from the West and modern sensibilities, Vietnamese on the whole are rather conservative. Women should wear modest, non-revealing clothing and apply make-up with a light hand, particularly if visiting places of worship or attending business meetings.

Men are expected to don smart casual to business formal clothes when attending corporate meetings or events.

The Vietnamese are on the whole are welcoming and tolerant of foreign visitors. Take time to observe how people deal with each other and follow their footsteps. Knowing that you made the effort to know they do things will endear you more to the locals and may be of help as you explore their beautiful country.

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The topographical variations gives Vietnam more than the usual dry, hot and rainy seasons that most Southeast Asian countries experience.

North Vietnam

The northern part of Vietnam is composed mainly of high mountain regions and the Red River Delta, a flat densely populated area that was once an inlet of the Gulf of Tonkin. Travelers are most likely coming via Hanoi, and are here to view the region’s majestic views, particularly in Ha Long Bay and Haiphong.

The north experiences four distinct seasons unlike most Southeast Asian countries. Temperatures here can drop down to 15°C, and to lower numbers when up in the highlands. The spring season of March to April often has cool and pleasant weather. It eases into chillier temperatures during the autumn months of October to early winter in December. The temperatures vary, but bring along thick coats and some winter gear to ward off the chill.

Summer season in the north is typically hot and wet, so bring along an umbrella and lightweight rain gear during these months.

Central Vietnam

The central region of the country is is divided into the coast and the highlands. The central coast includes the Cham Islands, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue and My Son.

The coastal area is hotter and drier than the other areas when summer rolls in from July to November. Oddly enough, it is also prone to storms and typhoons during these months. When the monsoon months happen from November to March, the area experiences more rainfall than usual.

The central highlands experience the highest amount of rainfall in the entire country. Temperatures are particularly cooler here, especially in two towns, Pleiku and Dalat. Cities that are nearing the southern coastal areas are much warmer the whole year round.

Southern Vietnam

The Southern region of Vietnam is considered to be the country’s busiest area. Here you can find the country’s biggest city, Ho Chi Minh City. It also includes the Mekong Delta, which is called the “rice basket” of Vietnam. Here, visitors can take their pick of the many beaches that dot the area, particularly in Nha Trang and Mui Ne.

This region experiences the typical tropical weather that is associated with Southeast Asia. Its two seasons are mainly dry and rainy, as well as the expected hot summer season. When the monsoon season arrives in May and continues to November, bring along an umbrella as it tends to rain continuously. The dry season happens around February to April, while December up until March brings about the cooler seasons in the area.

Vietnam weather can change unexpectedly despite these regular seasons. Southeast Asia is prone to scattered rainshowers, and Vietnam is no exception. It’s better that you bring along an umbrella or a lightweight jacket to keep yourself prepared. But no matter which season you decide to come in, you will enjoy Vietnam and the wonder treasures that it presents.

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French Heritage

The coffee culture in Vietnam dates back to the French colonial period during the 19th century. The brew quickly gained popularity among the locals, and growing coffee became a main livelihood for the country. Vietnam is second to Brazil as the world’s biggest coffee producers and exporters, with their plantations located in the country’s central highlands.

Uniquely Vietnamese

Despite its origins, the Vietnamese have adapted the brew for their own. Characteristically, Vietnamese coffee is brewed in a single-cup drip brewer called phin. French roast is favored as the ideal grind, and condensed milk is used in place of sugar and creamer/milk. Historically, this is so because milk was hard to come by during those days and spoils easily. Hot coffee is preferred as a morning beverage, while its iced variant is often drank during the warmer hours of the day. Generally, the drink is a mix of strong and sweet that can keep you going for hours on end.

Well known brands used are Highlands Coffee, QCafe and Trung Nguyen a.k.a. the Vietnamese Starbucks. The New Orleans coffee brand Cafe du Mond is a popular choice for the Vietnamese in the United States. When they first came to the country, Vietnamese immigrants couldn’t avail of coffee similar to theirs, and the chicory infused Cafe du Mond was the closest match. Vietnam produced coffees are mostly medium roast and do not have chicory.

How to Prepare Vietnamese Coffee

Blogger Bryan Huy Vu wrote some very concise steps on how to make Vietnamese coffee, thanks to his father who has great memories of drinking this concoction back home in Vietnam. His version is mostly for the iced kind, but can be easily adapted for hot brews. Of course, aside from the coffee and condensed milk, you will need a Vietnamese coffee filter.

High Beam Films has a nifty video tutorial about making Vietnamese Coffee.

If you don’t have a Vietnamese coffee filter, don’t worry. You can make your own version of this brew with a French press or a coffee drip cup and a filter. Of course, the more authentic your ingredients and tools are, the better, right?

Starbucks Invasion

Early this 2013, the Seattle-based Starbucks coffee company announced that they’re opening up a branch in Ho Chi Minh City. While Starbucks is a powerhouse in other parts of the world, the locals are confident that their coffee can hold up against the brand. Vietnamese coffee prices are more affordable and widely available, and make use of beans that create a stronger brew, just the way the locals like it. Only time will tell how this coffee battle will go.

In the meantime, I’m off to try my hand on making these. It’s been awhile since my last cup of Vietnamese coffee. Cheers!

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