A Mother Dragon and her children descended from heaven to protect the people of Vietnam from invaders. By spraying jade and emeralds into the sea, an impenetrable wall of islands blocked the enemy fleet. The dragon family then decided to live on Earth. These majestic limestone mountains now grace Ha Long Bay, which means “descending dragon” in Vietnamese. This is an appropriate legend for a fierce people who never welcome invaders. However, for the traveler, the Vietnamese are incredibly hospitable. You will find magic in the flavors of a humble bowl of noodles just as easily as a dragon-shaped ridge high above rice fields in Ninh Binh. Vietnam is a dream with cultural gems to be discovered just around every corner.

ADVENTURES

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Get dropped off at a remote island where you can explore caves and peaks at your own pace.

Cycling by Rice Fields

Explore the countryside by Hoi An through rural roads, rice paddies, and small villages.

Coconut Boat near Hoi An

Take a spin on a traditional coconut boat out on a small river.

MUST SEES: HANOI

Hanoi is a modern city, overflowing with energy. Vehicles and people constantly move in all directions. Most sidewalks are packed with vendors, food carts, and scooters. You must dart in and out of the street to keep moving. As you’re on the move, you’ll dodge scooters, bikes, cars, and trash bags.

Train Street

At Train Street, the railroad tracks are extremely close to the cafés. Buy a coffee to secure a front row seat. After spotting the front of the engine, the cars soon rush by mere inches from your face.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Walk the one-mile perimeter to observe fascinating urban scenes. To the north, there’s a footbridge to Ngoc Son Temple. At night, there are many restaurants and groups of elderly women dancing in groups to different types of music.

MUST SEES: HOI AN

Hoi An is located in Central Vietnam by the Thu Bồn River before it empties into the South China Sea and Pacific. From the 15th to 19th centuries, it was an important trading port in Southeast Asia for foreign traders. It’s a charming coastal environment of river, seashore, dunes and islands.

Old Town

The architecture reflects a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French influences. The colorful homes are  packed side-by-side along pedestrian streets. Once a place frozen in time, tourism has changed this sleepy town.

Lanterns

Hoi An is a town of lanterns. Bright paper lanterns drape vivid walls. After sunset by the river, vendors sell small lotus-shaped lanterns with candles. Each boat has glowing orb lanterns. The river is a magically mystical realm of color and light.

Rooftop Cafés

Be honest, at Faifo Coffee, you’re here for the rooftop views of Old Town. Channel your inner influencer and head to the third-floor roof. Take selfies of the best views of the timeless buildings. The walls are bright yellow and the roof tiles are round.

Japanese Bridge

Early Japanese immigrants built this bridge linking key areas of the Old Town. At the center of the bridge is a temple.

MUST SEES: NINH BINH

Ninh Binh is a region overflowing with natural and cultural attractions. Due to its proximity to Hanoi, it’s easy to visit from the capital. Ninh Binh is the ultimate spot to launch some epic side quests.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Walls of Buddha statues and 500 large arhat statues line a long corridor. A hulking gilded bronze Buddha sits inside Tam Thế Hall. The 13-story stupa tower holds relics from India. At the Bell Tower, see the huge bronze bell from many angles.

Trang An

Float through a tranquil river on a rowboat by mountains, caves, and pagodas. Trang An, known as Ha Long Bay on Land, has limestone mountains rising along the shore next to emerald waters. The green peaks are separate round monoliths.

Hang Mua

Climb to the crown of Ninh Binh for stunning views of Tam Coc’s rice fields. There are 500 steps total, 300 to a pagoda and 200 more to the dragon statue on Lying Dragon Mountain. It’s worth it for the sensational views of wayward mountains.

MUST SEES: HA LONG BAY

Ha Long Bay embodies the Vietnamese creation myth of Heaven and Earth. The unbelievable natural scenery has a divine scattering of rocks between sky and sea.

Ha Long Bay

There are over 1,600 round jagged mountains climbing out of the water. As you sail through the bay, you’ll see amazing ever-changing mountain landscapes and overlapping ridgelines.

FOOD

Cha Ca La Vong

Cha Ca is Hanoi’s famous catfish dish. Catfish is grilled tableside with a tangle of dill and scallions, seasoned with turmeric and galangal. The sizzling fish is served with vermicelli, peanuts, chilies, and a pungent shrimp paste, which brings the funk.

Bun Cha

In Hanoi, sample Bun Cha, a bowl of grilled pork, a plate of rice noodles, and a mountain of fresh herbs. The tender pork belly is caramelized and smoky. Toss perilla, cilantro, garlic, and red chilies into the bowl and sip the sweet and savory broth.

Cau Lau

Cau Lau is a signature noodle dish from Hoi An. Its thick rice noodles have a firm and chewy texture. The broth is seasoned with soy sauce, five spice, and chili. The noodles are served with pork, rice crackers, green leafy vegetables, and herbs.

Egg Coffee

Egg Coffee was invented at Café Giang in Hanoi. A cup arrives in a hot-water bath. A yellow egg layer floats on top and is rich and thick – like a foamy custard. The sweetness of the egg and the light bitterness of the coffee is a taste sensation.

Banh Mi

Madame Khanh has the best banh mi in Hoi An. They have a really soft baguette that’s just crusty enough. The ingredients play so well together. Grilled pork, sausage, pâté, egg, pickles, carrots, chilis, soy, and secret sauce – don’t miss out!

Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo is a golden crispy crepe filled with savory goodies. Grab rice paper, add lettuce/herbs to form a wrap, then add pickles. Place a grilled pork skewer in the crepe, and roll it all up. Dip it in spicy peanut sauce and enjoy the crispy textures.

Mi Quang

At Mi Quang 92 in Hoi An, the bowl is a literal pot of gold! Rice noodles are thick and chewy. There’s great depth of flavor in the broth from pork and shrimp. The sliced pork is juicy and tender – so good! The sesame cracker is super crispy.

Ca Phe Sua Da

Ca Phe Sua Da is coffee with condensed milk. The dark-roasted coffee is brewed with a metal phin that rests atop the cup. After it has dripped and stirred into ice, the coffee is strong, sweet, and rich. You can also add coconut cream or salt foam.

Pho

The hot broth is clear and flavorful. It doesn’t overpower you with seasonings. With slices of rare beef and thinly cut brisket, it’s also rather hearty. The soft rice noodles are very comforting. For spiciness, select the appropriate squeeze bottle.

Chè

Hanoi’s Loc Tai House serves excellent iced che and other hot desserts. You’ll enjoy a great mix of fresh fruit, puddings, jellos, beans, and nut pastes. As a bonus, the interior is a beautiful traditional home with elegant stone masonry and woodwork.

Mango Cake

Disclaimer: There’s no mango in a mango cake. Its shape resembles a mango. It’s really a mochi snack with a chewy rice flour wrapper. The crunchy peanut, sugar, and salt filling is just sweet enough. They also have a deep fried version.

Nuoc Mot

In Hoi An, watch someone ladle the sweet elixir into cups of ice while bees swarm the bowl. The bees are drawn to the sweet honey. The herbal tea is said to have healing and restorative powers. Who knows? On a hot day, it tastes like a refreshing iced lemon tea.

LOGISTICS

L’HÔTEL du LAC

A quirky hotel right in the center of Old Town. There’s modern Asian artwork throughout. It’s a vibe in a hectic city. The staff really makes sure you have a great time in Hanoi. At night, their rooftop bar has great views of the city skyline.

Renaissance Hoi An

From the beach, it’s 20 minutes to Old Town Hoi An. Fortunately, there’s a shuttle service. The suite is amazing! There’s a guest bathroom, living room, balcony with sea views, master bedroom and ensuite bathroom.

Regions

Africa | Antarctica | Asia | Australia | Caribbean | Europe | Middle East | North America | South America