Quite literally some of the fastest moving people on the planet, it is a miracle that I could get anyone to stand still long enough to capture them on film. That said, the chaotic frenzy known as Vietnam also has a serene side. Both extremes work to create a photographer’s paradise – check out our take on the country in our latest pictorial here.
I know this shouldn’t be funny – but it is.
Our amazing time in Vietnam is slowly coming to an end. From the traditional hill tribes of Bac Ha and Can Cau to hip Hanoi to magnificent Halong Bay, the North is just as impressive as South and Central Vietnam. Although we are sad to leave, we are more than happy to have explored this diverse region. Follow along in our 4-minute video and see for yourself, why you should definitely be planning a trip to Vietnam in the near future.
Like miners prospecting for that legendary vein of gold, Thomas and I have been scouring Vietnam for culinary treasures. When we finally set foot into Quan An Ngon, I screamed, “Eureka!” – well, at least mentally.
Fodor’s states that Quan An Ngon “just might be the best restaurant in Vietnam.” But don’t expect super-chic poseur portions with vertical stacks, flash-dried mousse, or chemo-cuisine. Nope, this restaurant is all about Continue…
Vietnam would be a dirt-cheap country – if visitors could only pay the local prices. But more often than not, tourists are charged inflated rates for pretty much everything. With this in mind, we had to really kick it up a notch and work the Vietnamese with our superb bargaining skills.
And even with that, we stayed just within budget. I have to admit, we put out a lot more money on upgrades: a deluxe Halong Bay cruise, more polished hotels, and fancy sleeper trains. And our fabulous Food-Venture set us back a bit which, I’m ecstatic to say, was worth every dong. (Oh, dong jokes – we’ve heard them all.)
Overall, Vietnam is still very affordable and there are plenty of things you can get for 20,000 dong or about a buck:
Hanoi is full of cool, cutting edge, trendy little bars and cafes that can stand up to those in any world capital. Less pretentious and better value than similar establishments in other major cities, it’s no wonder Hanoi attracts travelers in droves. And believe me, they are here in droves!
After making some fantastic new friends on our Halong Bay trip, we were motivated to get out there and explore Hanoi’s bar scene a little. Clearly, Hanoi has what it takes to be a trend-setter. And the world is figuring that out very quickly. Over the sound of clinking glasses, toasts can be heard in every language from French to Japanese to Russian to Turkish. Hanoi is the hottest place in Southeast Asia right now (and I’m not just talking temperature.)
Unfortunately for those who love to stay up all night, the government restricts how late things can stay open, so start early and pretend you’re Cinderella.
I guess there are always two sides to an Excellent Food-Venture…
Hanoi is one of Southeast Asia’s most stylish cities. It’s hip, dynamic, walkable, historic, trendy, picturesque and very, very enjoyable. Ten minutes after arriving, we were dedicated fans of Vietnam’s sensationally chaotic capital. Whether strolling through the atmospheric Temple of Literature or squatting on a plastic chair at a corner coffee stall, this place represents Asia at its best.
On day one, I was already in serious panic mode that we had so little time here. (I just might need a year.) Seriously, we would need weeks to explore the city’s back streets, markets, temples, museums, and restaurants. And there are endless possibilities for excursions into the surrounding rural areas. But despite my obsessive need to see everything, each time we step out of the hotel, the city’s cool cafes and coffee houses lure us in and lull us into do-nothing mode as we sit for hours people watching.
Sometimes, while traveling, you discover foods which are so delicious that you will never again be happy without them. Banh cuon is one of those foods for me. The paper-thin rice flour pancake is prepared on a cloth covering a steaming pot of boiling water. Filled with ground pork and diced wood-ear mushroom, banh cuon is then chopped and topped with fried onions and chili.
If you want to eat your banh cuon like a pro, order up a side dish of cha lua, a delicious Vietnamese sausage. And don’t forget to rip up some mint leaves and throw them in with your nuoc cham, the tangy dipping sauce. Yum, my mouth is watering as I write this. I think I’m going to go have another one right now!!!
A cruise through Halong Bay is certainly the highlight of any visit to northern Vietnam. The phenomenal string of jungle-covered karst islands rivals the surreal beauty of similar landscapes in Thailand, Laos, China and the Philippines. To the south of Halong, stunning Cat Ba Island beckons travelers with limitless possibilities for kayaking, hiking, or lounging on white-sand beaches.
Thomas and I had the extraordinary luck to share our amazing Halong experience with a fantastic group of fellow travelers on the Imperial Deluxe Junk. Beautiful suites, excellent food, and great company, what more could we ask for? Our three day trip through Halong Bay and neighboring Lan Ha Bay featured stops at the Hang Sung Sot caves and the national park on Cat Ba Island as well as an overnight stay on the idyllic hideaway of Monkey Island. Our experience was superb.
But don’t plan that trip without seriously doing your homework. Halong is certainly one of Southeast Asia’s most amazing natural attractions, but there’s one major caveat. Vietnam’s most beloved destination is also Continue…
In 2007, Tony and Thomas decided to shake up their routine by traveling the globe and blogging about their adventures. Join us as we explore the world, discover its wonders, and experiment with our own version of contemporary living. More about us here.