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My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary

f you’re curious about the unique Champa culture, you don’t have to travel all the way to Laos or Cambodia to see it. In Vietnam, there’s a special place that keeps the history of this ancient civilization alive – My Son Sanctuary. Hidden in green forests and surrounded by misty mountains, My Son tells the story of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 13th century.Let’s explore the beauty of My Son Sanctuary – a place where the past comes alive and the culture of Champa still shines today.[incredible_toc]1. What is My Son Sanctuary?There isn’t much that can evoke a sense of mystery more than temple ruins and the surrounding jungle in the midst of reclaiming its land. Possibly the most famous in the world is Ta Prohm, the ancient Angkor temple with snaking thitpok tree and strangler fig roots running through its moss-coated bricks, but several more exist around the world in jungle-thick countries like Mexico and India. Just about 500km from Ta Prohm lies Vietnam’s own offering, My Son Sanctuary, formally recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.My Son SanctuaryMy Son Sanctuary is the best-preserved relic of the ancient civilisation of Champa, who existed as a buffer between the mighty civilisation of Angkor and what is now called the East Vietnam Sea. The site is a complex of about 20 ancient temples, tombs and shrines, once standing at over 70 different buildings before warring, abandonment, then further warring lead to their decline. The temples of My Son were built and expanded between the 4th and 13th centuries in worship of the Hindu gods that governed the everyday lives of the Cham people. Statues and motifs of Vishnu, Krishna, Shiva, Ganesh and many more can be found at My Son Sanctuary, with some still remaining fairly well intact considering the fact of their heavy-handed history.The Cham people were forced to abandon My Son Sanctuary after the Cham-Dai Viet War in 1471. The site went undiscovered until a French colonist found them and began restoration efforts to reclaim the overgrown complex from the jungle, which had ensnared many of the buildings with thick roots. Important excavations by Polish archaeologists revealed much more about the Cham people and their practice of worship at the site. My Son became a hiding spot for the Viet Cong during the American War and the site duly received mass bombing, evidence of which is still apparent in its unfilled craters, while the jungle around the main path is declared unsafe due to unexploded landmines. 2. Where is My Son Sanctuary?It is very easy to get from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary, as the ancient Vietnamese trade port is now connected to the ancient temple complex by a road that cuts through the jungle. It takes about one hour to get from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary by car, and just a little longer by motorbike, making it a popular half-day trip from the romantic coastal destination. Historically, My Son Sanctuary was placed close to Indrapura, a major city and one-time capital of the Champa Kingdom, which is now modern-day Da Nang. 3. What to Do at My Son Sanctuary?Despite its long history and UNESCO recognition, English information about My Son Sanctuary is still largely absent, and many independent travellers are left enraptured by the wonders but disappointed by the lack of information about them. Going with a guide on a half-day tour is a great option for getting a full account of both My Son Sanctuary’s various religious sites and the Champa civilisation in general.1.5 to 2 hours around the ancient complex is enough to explore its remaining buildings. You will see the temple towers constructed of red brick, but now showing the scars of time and war in their brown or even blackened current appearance. Detailing on the sculptures of Hindu gods remains well preserved and the unknown substance that has held some of the bricks together for 1,500 years still remains a mystery to scientists and archaeologists.Sa Huynh Champa Culture MuseumAlongside the various religious buildings, My Son Sanctuary features several tombs reserved for kings and the highest-ranking priests of the Champa Kingdom. The contrary level of the tall towers and low tombs create some fantastic photo opportunities, enhanced further by the tree-top mountains around the perimeters that are sometimes half-shrouded in a beautiful mist.There is also a cultural dance reserved for tours coming to this place from Hoi An, where visitors are greeted to the site by colourful dancers in elaborate dress. Traditional Cham instruments are revived for the performance, giving you the sights and sounds that featured in Cham celebrations around My Son and in other important sites throughout their kingdom.Another feature on many half-day trips from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary is the Sa Huynh Champa Culture Museum, which explores the roles of the independent Sa Huynh tribe in the development of the civilisation of Champa through artefacts and personal accounts. Any further research into Cham culture and history can be done at the Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang, just 40 minutes to the north of Hoi An and the location of the world’s largest collection of Cham sculptures. These give great accounts of the Cham people’s artisanal skill in sculpting along with a history of their expansion through Asia and foray into Islam.Check out our best tour of My Son Sanctuary: My Son Sanctuary by Jeep BoatMy Son Sanctuary Half-Day TourHoi An Da Nang Jeep Tour4. When to Go to My Son Sanctuary?Unfortunately for the Cham, much of their kingdom was subjected to brutal rains during the wet season, which did and still does lash the central and south of Vietnam at different times during the year. My Son Sanctuary was exposed to the same dangers of the central wet season, and much of the wear of the buildings is due to vicious rain erosion over hundreds of years.Avoiding these rains should be your biggest concern if visiting My Son Sanctuary; Hoi An’s wet season occurs during the later months in the year, most prominently over October and November. Of course, a lot of time spent at My Son Sanctuary is outside, but cover can be sought within the temples should the skies open up to a downpour.The ideal time to visit My Son Sanctuary is January when temperatures are cool and rain is minimal. There is also a good chance that the mysterious mist will descend from the mountains and create beautiful photo opportunities above the temples and in front of the forested mountains. Another great time to go to this place would be the official dry season, from March to August, when rains are very rare but soaring temperatures can make for sweaty visits, along with a powerful sunshine that beams dangerously from above.My Son Sanctuary5. What to Bring to My Son Sanctuary?• Your camera – In an area as beautiful and enigmatic as My Son Sanctuary, you will be able to fill an SD card full of evocative and truly artistic snaps.• Sun cream – Even during the wet season, My Son Sanctuary can still get a tickle of sunshine. In the dry season, especially over May, June and July, the sun will be in full force, so bring skin protection.• A raincoat – Necessary during the rainy season, a good raincoat will ensure that you don’t have to spend most of your time hiding underneath temple roofs. Doing so for a bit is actually encouraged if possible; the rain that falls on the buildings, mountains and jungles provides an amazingly tranquil atmosphere in a truly ancient setting.• Walking shoes – Tour companies usually spend around 2 hours in the majesty of My Son Sanctuary, meaning that you will be required to do quite a bit of walking, as well as some mild climbing up potentially slippery steps. Bring a good pair of walking shoes to make this much more comfortable.6. How to get to My Son Sanctuary?6.1. On a Private TourFor both the convenience of travel and the information afforded by a professional guide, a private tour is the best option for getting to My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An. Leaving early in the morning, your private car or Jeep will travel along roads flanked by lush jungle, arriving at My Son Sanctuary an hour later in time for the cultural dance. After 1.5 to 2 hours of exploring, you will either return by road or along the Thu Bon River connecting My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An, which is done via boat on tours such as this.6.2. On a MotorbikeIndependent travellers with a sense for adventure can rent out a motorbike and drive the scenic road for about 1.5 hours from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary. Simply park the bike for about 10,000 VND ($0.45) and pay the entry fee of 150,000 VND ($6.70) for international visitors or 100,000 VND for Vietnamese, before strolling around at your own pace. As mentioned before, there is a distinct lack of English information, and solo bikers don’t get the privilege of attending the cultural dance, but if you’re just after photo opportunities in mysterious temple ruins, then this is a good option.6.3. Via Public TransportNot much exists in the way of public transport between Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary, most probably to promote tours around Hoi An. Information on public buses is scant, to say the least, but motorbike taxis can be taken from anywhere around the town. You will have to haggle for the price and be expected to pay a little more if you want your driver to wait for you to explore My Son Sanctuary, but these are always cheaper than car taxis and a thrilling way to see the ancient site.So, on the trip to Central Vietnam, tourists cannot miss My Son Sanctuary and Incredible Asia Journeys can arrange your trip as you expect, contact us to plan now!

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How Long to Spend in Hoi An

How Long to Spend in Hoi An

In 1999, UNESCO officially recognized the town of Hoi An as a World Heritage site. It was the layers of gradually accrued history that brought them here, and a culmination of the food culture, architecture, and beautiful atmosphere of the ancient port town that helped Vietnam receive its third UNESCO designation.[incredible_toc]Since then, tourism has markedly increased in Hoi An and now it is one of the must-see destinations in the country. With all of its various things to do in and around the town, along with the strong appeal of sitting down and taking it all in from a coffee stand on the pavement, it can be quite difficult to know how long to spend in Hoi An.The town certainly has a unique atmosphere that demands proper appreciation over the course of a few days, but how long overall? In Hoi An, time has a more languid pace, as the ancient roots of the city stand frozen, laying out for all to see in its architecture and historical attractions. With this in mind, Incredible Asia Journeys is here to take a look at how many days you should commit to Hoi An.Hoi An Ancient Town1. How Long to Spend in Hoi AnTo get a full feel for Hoi An’s time requirements, we will need to look at some of the various attractions that keep the influx of tourists sufficiently high.• Architecture – The tiled roofs that sit atop timber frame buildings and walls of rain-stripped yellow plaster are the iconic image of Hoi An. The influences from Chinese, Japanese, Western, and other cultures can be seen throughout the town in its residential houses, shops, markets and tailors, while entire Chinese structures exist in the form of exceptionally well-preserved assembly halls used for meeting and worshipping.• Shopping – It’s no secret that Hoi An is a shopper’s paradise now; not for any large mega malls capitalising on tourist money, but for traditional items such as clothes, art and leather, handmade and sold within the town. The tailors are definitely one of the biggest draws for people looking for a bargain, and their preparation times will affect how long you eventually stay in Hoi An.• Cooking and Eating – A visit to Hoi An isn’t complete without trying many of the culinary delights to be found here. Cao lau and mi quang are two of the most popular dishes, both inspired in some way, as most of Hoi an is, by outside influences in Asia and Europe. Cooking classes can reveal some of the hushed secrets of Hoi An’s food, explaining from start to finish the preparation, cooking and even eating techniques employed by the chefs of the town.Cao Lau Hoi An• History – Over 400 years of history saw Hoi An rise from uninspiring backwater to one of the most prolific port towns in the world’s most populated continent. Hoi An’s remarkable rise, and eventual fall brought about by French colonialists deciding that Da Nang was the future of modern trading, can be seen throughout the town. Its return descent back into ‘backwater’ status can be read on the walls of charmingly disheveled buildings, standing this way for 200 years, now containing a new breath of life as gorgeous tourist attractions.• Nature -  Hoi An is generally a very flat land, which creates the perfect conditions for jade rice paddies, farms, orchards, and quaint village paths that run between them all. Aside from farming villages like Tra Que and Cam Thanh, visitors can see a lush coconut forest in Bay Mau, beautiful rocky outcrops at the Marble Mountains, stretching beaches that hug the coast, and idyllic islands floating in the East Vietnam Sea.

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8 Things to Eat in Hoi An – Culinary Perfection in Vietnam’s Cultural Capital

8 Things to Eat in Hoi An – Culinary Perfection in Vietnam’s Cultural Capital

There’s a tendency among tourists to think that the food culture in Hoi An is somehow diminished when compared to other Vietnamese cities because of the huge levels of foreign visitors that come here. Because of Hoi An’s long and active history as a vital port town on the maritime Silk Road, several different cultures have sailed in and out of the town for centuries, gradually leaving marks in the cultural make-up of the city through adding houses, religious buildings, bridges and ultimately, delicious food.[incredible_toc]You will find no shortage of things to eat in Hoi An as the town wears its culinary heart on its sleeves, with middle-aged chefs operating carts on the street, enticing you in with smiles and the attractive smells of their cooking. At even the most high-end restaurants, Hoi An’s food retains its humble roots and offers many chances to discover these around the town. At Incredible Asia Journeys, we’ve compiled this list of 8 things to eat in Hoi An. Famous Food in Hoi An1. Cao Lầu (“cow low”)Legends abound about Cao Lau, its origins, and its practices that are entrenched in the streets of Hoi An. Claims to the original throne of Cao Lau come from China and Japan; the noodles feel very Japanese and the stir-fried pork gives a distinctly Chinese flavor, but as Hoi An was a melting pot of different cultures and their traders, it hardly surprising that this is reflected in a bowl of Cao Lau. What is for sure is that Cao Lau is now unquestionably Vietnamese through the additions of herbs, bean sprouts, and flecks of rice cracker, and any visitor can see that it is now one of the most popular things to eat in Hoi An. The famous myth is that the water necessary to cook it needs to come from the Ba Le well within the town, but given that thousands of bowls of Cao Lau are made every day and there’s never a queue at the well, we’ll take this one with a pinch of salt; not that Cao Lau needs any.Cao LauWhere to eat Cao Lau in Hoi An?Being Hoi An’s regional dish and one that is difficult to find outside of the town, it’s fair to say that you’ll never be stuck for options here. Most restaurants on the street will be able to accommodate your Cao Lau lust, but you can head to Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh (687 Hai Bà Trưng) for assured quality at the street price.2. Mì Quảng (“mee kwang”)Of the two most popular dishes to eat in Hoi An, you can immediately tell the difference between Cao Lau and Mi Quang with one quick sniff. It has more of a seafood aroma than cao lau as it makes use of Hoi An’s abundant waterways in its rivers, estuaries, and ocean. Mi Quang is the culmination of years of fishing tradition, from a time when seafood dominated the port town’s culinary catalog. Ingredients from further afield have made this less of the case, but it’s done nothing to diminish the delectable taste of mi quang and its colorful makeup of pork, shrimp, shallots, noodles, banana blossoms, coriander and red chili in a pork broth.Where to eat mi quang in Hoi An?Again, you’ll be blessed with a similar choice to that of Cao Lau when it comes to finding mi quang in Hoi An. Try Mi Quang Ong Hai – Mr. Hai Noodles (6A, Trương Minh Lượng) for a filling, delicious and local experience.Mi Quang2. Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm (“bun dough mam tome”)If you are yet to try the literal basket of food that makes up bun dau mam tom, Hoi An is a good place to give it a go. The shallow circular tray is iconic of this dish, but you’ll be able to smell it long before you get a chance to see it. It takes a hardy Western nose to break through the pungency of the accompanying mam tom sauce, a paste made of crushed and fermented shrimp, but it’s one of the big lunchtime players of Vietnamese food nationwide and certainly worth a go for a local experience. It contains several cubes (yes, cubes) of noodles which are dipped in the sauce, along with cuts of assorted meat, tofu, and various leafy vegetables.Where to eat Bun Dau Mam Tom in Hoi An?You should be able to smell the shrimp paste from a few streets over, but don’t let that put you off; try Quan Dau Bac – Bun Dau Mam Tom (38 Dao Duy Tu) and ask for soy sauce instead of mam tom if the scent proves too much.Bun Dau Mam Tom3. Cơm Gà (“cerm ga”)It might be hard to imagine how the simplicity of chicken and rice repeatedly makes it onto lists of unmissable things to eat in Hoi An, but centuries of this cheap, hearty meal fueling the traders and crew have put it firmly on the culinary map of the town. Just as Hoi An’s simplicity is its charm, such is the case with com ga, a mixture of not much more than rice, shredded chicken, pickled vegetables and a dipping sauce. It is the spice of the latter that gives this dish a kick, and it makes it one of the spicier things to eat in Hoi An, a town usually noted for its milder spice levels due to the influx of westerners who struggle to handle the heat.Where to eat Com Ga in Hoi An?The basic nature of this dish has naturally given rise to many variations that you can find around town, and the best of these can be found at Long Com Ga – Long Chicken Rice (53/16 Phan Chau Trinh), which caters to the Western palette with less gristly cuts of chicken.Com GaCheck out now Hoi An Cooking Class to learn how to make as well as savor Hoi An specialities4. Sò Điệp (“sar dee-ep”)Another fine example of Hoi An using its fruitful waters to good effect, so diep, or grilled scallops in English, are among the most decadent things to eat in Hoi An, due to the melting effect that happens when they come into contact with your tongue. Topped with peanut oil, crushed peanuts, and spring onions, these scallops have an element of crunch to counteract the almost drinkable scallop meat. Where to eat So Diep in Hoi An? Look out for the piles of scallop shells falling off of plastic tables, subject to the same treatment of discarding waste on the floor of restaurants that is standard practice in Vietnam. One slightly fancier eatery (by which we mean they have table covers) is Purple Lantern Restaurant, which still stays true to its Vietnamese roots by being pretty hard to find. It is located on one of the unnamed roads around An Bang Beach, so it’s best just to look at a map. So Diep5. Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (“ban b-ow ban vack”)More commonly known as ‘White Rose’, this is certainly one of Hoi An’s more Instagram-friendly things to eat. It’s quite easy to see why the French colonialists gave it such a name; white rice paper is cooked while a piece of shrimp lies in a parcel inside, meaning the edges of the paper bunch and rise up around the center to create the appearance of a flower. Toasted garlic is then grated on top and green coriander and red chili are added for color. 15 little dumplings appear to be the standard issue here, all of which require dipping in the accompanying chili sauce.Banh Bao Banh VacWhere to eat Banh Bao Banh Vac in Hoi An?It is common knowledge around Hoi An that, allegedly, one family makes the entire of the town’s supply of white rose and distributes them from their own kitchen and accompanying restaurant, White Rose Restaurant (533 Hai Ba Trung). Whether this is true or just a fantastic marketing ploy, us mortals will never know but check out the apparent home of white rose in Hoi An is worth a go, otherwise you can check out Ms Ly Café (22 Nguyen Hue) to determine if there’s any difference.6. Hoành Thánh Chiên (“Hwine Tine Chee-en”)These fried wontons are one of the things to eat in Hoi An when looking for a more comprehensive dinner. Served as a pre-dinner snack, these small, crispy samosas are full of ground pork, shrimp, scallions, garlic, and vegetables that are dipped into a sweet and sour sauce, an obvious relic of Chinese visitors to Hoi An but now one adapted to the Vietnamese palette. The shape of the wontons is really at the discretion of the chef, and you might find them served to you in triangles, rolls, parcels, or tiny teardrop shapes that resemble the water on your face after you finish your last bite.Where to eat Hoanh Thanh Chien in Hoi An?The vast menu at Morning Glory Restaurant (106 Nguyen Thai Hoc) lists Hoanh Thanh Chien as a starter or a side, but no one will judge you for making a full meal of six or seven plates.Hoanh Thanh Chien7. Bánh Đập (“ban derp”)The rural surrounds of Hoi An are homes to the farms, vegetable gardens, and fruit orchards that feed the town. One such place is Cam Nam island on the other side of the Thu Bon River, which specializes in rice crackers, another of Hoi An’s things to eat before mealtime. Banh dap are two layers of crispy and wet crackers that are joined together and require smashing on the table in order to bring them down to a size that you can fit in your mouth. At the base level, the smashed fragments of banh dap are just vessels for the accompanying anchovy sauce, but some other varieties, including hến xúc bánh tráng (clam crackers), and chè bắp (sweet corn crackers), provide more flavor in and of themselves.Where to eat Banh Dap in Hoi An?Take the trip south across the Cam Nam Bridge to Cam Nam Island, the far south of which is where all of the Banh Dap eateries are. Try any of the shops here, such as Quán Bánh Đập Hến Trộn Cao Lầu Hội An (Nguyen Chi Phuong Street), which have been serving locals rather than tourists for a very long time.Banh Dap Hoi AnOne of the most interesting things to do in Hoi An is to take a food tour to savor the diverse cuisine culture of Vietnamese, thus, contact us to plan your Hoi An trip today to experience this excitement!

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Shopping in Hoi An – What to Buy in Vietnam’s City of Lanterns

Shopping in Hoi An – What to Buy in Vietnam’s City of Lanterns

Hoi An was never made for shopping, but it certainly feels like it is now. The UNESCO World Heritage site lying in the middle of Vietnam was built on a history of trading, born of its advantageous position along the maritime Silk Road. The walls of Hoi An are dripping with history (and a ridiculous amount of rainwater in the wet season) and a building can barely be entered without stepping into a world of a hundred different stories, through maritime, personal and now, retail ventures.The incredible modern shopping scene of Hoi An grew out of the wealth accrued by traders, who plunged their money into the finer things in life, such as tailored clothes, art, and jewelry. The fruits of these ventures are seen today in Hoi An, sitting underneath swinging lanterns and blue skies, waiting for the discerning traveler to find a bargain within their walls. Shopping in Hoi An is now an unmissable experience in Vietnam, one that has garnered worldwide acclaim. Here at Incredible Asia Journeys, we have picked eight of the most fantastic and unique products to take home for yourself or gift to anyone unlucky enough not to be able to make it to this gorgeous and historic town.[incredible_toc]Hoi An Silk1. Tailored ClothesWe’ll start with the obvious here. Despite a history built on maritime trade, Hoi An nowadays is more popular for the tailors that claim to be able to produce any item of clothing you want. The incredibly low prices ensure a steady flow of business from tourists who want to stock up on their 8th or 9th suit before returning home, where they can expect to pay up to tenfold for a very similar item. Most of the town’s tailors are far from the common Asian idea of cheap knock-offs, using a great deal of skill taught over generations that has formed the backbone of Hoi An’s shopping scene.Though suits are a very popular item for backpackers on a gap year before their accountancy internship starts up, really anything that you can think of can be made by Hoi An’s artisan tailors. Simply show them a picture, wait patiently while every corner of your being is measured, select your material and color and sit back for one or two days while the magicians do their thing. If you use a reputable tailor, you can expect a near-perfect replica for a fraction of the price.Tuong Silk TailorWhere to shop in Hoi An for tailored clothes? Where not to shop should be the question. The staggering amount of choice of tailored clothes shops in Hoi An can overshadow the beauty of the town, as competition for customers is fierce and sometimes verbally intimidating. Picking one of the respected tailors might give you a slightly higher price tag, but the increase in quality and the attentive but relaxed service you will receive is worth the price. Head to Tuong Tailor (67 Tran Hung Dao, +84 235 3863 573) or B’Lan Silk (23 Tran Phu Street, +84 510 386 1866) for reasonable prices and a complete absence of pushy service.2. Ethnic Minority ProductsFor the most wholesome of Hoi An shopping experiences, head to some of the shops specializing in selling ethnic minority clothing and products that usually don’t make it to mainstream society. It seems a waste to confine the beautiful colors and geometric patterns of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities’ clothing to the rural enclaves in which they were lovingly and arduously stitched. Hoi An is branching out into new avenues, and now tourists can buy clothing that will certainly set them apart from the crowd.The vivid colors of the various H’mong tribes who reside in the north of the country are well represented here. The rainbow of colorful, patterned dresses and headscarves feature in the photos of so many travelers to Sapa, and they now have a market in Hoi An thanks to shops like.Village Craft Planet in Hoi AnWhere to shop in Hoi An for ethnic minority products? As mentioned above, VillageCraft Planet (59 Phan Boi Chau, +84 909 696 578) is a fantastic service that puts respect and fair trade at the forefront of their business philosophy. They sell everything from clothes and shoes to furnishings and jewelry, all at a reasonable price that goes a surprisingly long way to helping hill tribes around the country with low incomes.3. Tuong MasksIt’s hard to think of a better place to buy one of Vietnam’s most culture-soaked products than in its capital of culture. The history of Tuong masks stretches back over 1000 years and its origins, like many other forms of traditional entertainment like water puppetry, are found in the rice fields. After a successful harvest, villagers would don elaborate and colorful masks (or sit still for upwards of 8 hours while a professional painstakingly painted one onto their face) and entertain the villagers with singing and scandalous storylines, known as Tuong Opera.Of course, Tuong is a very rare form of art in today’s modern world, but Hoi An’s shopping scene has a small corner devoted to keeping the tradition alive. Though delicate and requiring a lot of care in getting home, these brazen and bold masks make a wonderful gift or a fantastic way to scare your kids into doing their homework.Tuong MasksWhere to shop in Hoi An for Tuong Masks? The fantastic staff at The Timing Masks Workshop (66 Bach Dang, +84 235 3959 159) are warm, patient and passionate when taking you through the history of some of the huge array of masks on offer. The owner, Phong Bui, offers workshops that are a great way for kids and adults to learn of a charming piece of Vietnamese history.4. ArtIt is a mix of Hoi An’s beautifully evocative streets and its history of wealthy residents and art patrons that make it the best place to find fantastic art throughout the country. The classical, finely-painted Vietnamese scenes sit alongside more contemporary offerings in the galleries and art shops of Hoi An, meaning you will be spoiled for choice amidst centuries of artistic culture. Smaller pieces are obviously easier to transport home, so small ink-paintings on traditional do paper are among some of the more popular things to buy in Hoi An.Art Gallery in Hoi AnWhere to shop in Hoi An for Art? Given the wealth of choice on offer, there is certainly not one specific place to satisfy your artistic sensibilities. Check out Gallery Dung (93B Phan Chau Trinh) for incredibly intricate ink paintings and postcards for cheap, while 155 Art Gallery (155 Tran Phu Street) provides those idyllic Hoi An motifs of palm trees, bicycles, and ancient house life. Phu Tam Photography (99 Nguyen Thai Hoc) is a great place to buy stunning photos by an internationally acclaimed artist, while Art House Vietnam Gallery (692 Hai Ba Trung) is the mecca for Vietnam’s contemporary artists, who sell their experimental pieces within its walls.5. LanternsIt shouldn’t take you more than one try to guess how Hoi An earned its moniker of the ‘City of Lanterns’. Any riverside stroll at night will be accompanied by the beautiful, calming light of hundreds of lanterns that have been present in Hoi An for centuries, lighting the late-night activities of tradesmen and sailors in the port town. Most tourists become rightfully enraptured by the lanterns and decide to buy several to take home and, if not for restricted luggage space and the delicate manner of the lanterns, they would probably bleed Hoi An dry, such is the love for one of Vietnam’s most beautiful decorations.Lantern Shop in Hoi AnWhere to shop in Hoi An for Lanterns?You can resist the urge to steal the lanterns hanging outside of shops; buying lanterns in Hoi An is very easy and very affordable. The shops aren’t hard to spot either, just look out for the collective blinding glow of hundreds of lanterns hanging in one small area. Places like Dé Lantana Silk Lantern & Lamp (35 Ly Thai To, +84 510 6288 789) offer a range beyond your imagination, with plain lanterns sitting alongside incredibly extravagant ones, all for a price that won’t break the bank.7. Leather ProductsNot far from the world of personally tailored clothing is one of similar depth – leather. A walk down the streets of Hoi An is sure to be one flanked by leather bags hanging outside of doors, enticing potential tourists in with their sleek, smart look that will accompany your new suit most delightfully. Aside from the typical bags, shopping around Hoi An a bit will reveal a whole world of other products such as shoes, notebooks, belts and watch straps. Quality varies wildly between a lot of these shops as a void in supply has harbored the standard cheap products tended by overly-pushy staff. Many of them will be all-too-quick to pull out their lighters and torch their products in a bid to show you that the leather is real. Though it might be, the handiwork might be shoddy and the quality of the leather might just be one tiny step above flammable.Leather productsWhere to Shop in Hoi An for Leather Products?Friendly Shoe Shop (18 Tran Phu, +84 935 211 382) have certainly done their research into what tourists want, as their big pull is the unassertive service that you’ll receive while perusing the shoes here. Along with this is their genuine top quality, one that is matched quite comfortably by Tu-Chi Leather Shop (24 Duong Phan Boi Chau, +84 905 216 515), who have a wider range of leather goods available.8. Kim Bong Wooden ArtOn the island of Cam Kim in Hoi An, you will find a village with a strong woodworking heritage, where wooden figurines, statues and furniture pile up in houses, awaiting shipment around the center of Vietnam. Kim Bong is the name of the village and it’s accessible on several day tours from Hoi An. The artisans of Kim Bong are experienced in the art of shell inlay, used to create incredible scenes with an iridescent beauty on wooden platforms. Once shells are selected, they are cut into various shapes and glued into fitted holes in a circular piece of wood before being polished. The result is a stunning piece of art, full of Vietnamese motifs and made of nothing but natural materials.Kim Bong wood art in Hoi AnWhere to Shop in Hoi An for Kim Bong Wooden Art?Heading straight to the source is really the best thing you can do here for the most authentic product. While there are bound to be several knock-offs, the craftsmanship that goes into a piece of wooden art from Kim Bong is monumental and should be fairly easy to recognize at first glance. A stroll or cycle around Kim Bong will open up the world of shell inlay for you.9. JewelryOstentatious jewelry historically lay at the heart of the good life for Vietnam’s richest merchants in Hoi An. Huge incomes from successful trading were transferred into items of gold, diamond, and pearl, worn enthusiastically by the elite to display their wealth. Things are different now, of course, and Hoi An’s many jewelers are open to the general public, offering quality items for cheaper than you may find them elsewhere. Following the modern traditions of Hoi An, shopping for jewelry is a tailored experience. Simply show your picture to the goldsmith and await the results.Lotus Jewelry ShopWhere to Shop in Hoi An for Jewellery?This is one of the highest-risk ventures in Hoi An because of how hard it is for the untrained eye to tell the quality of precious metals. There are many trustworthy shops, however, if you know where to look. Try Bien Bac Jewellery Shop (55 Hoang Dieu Street, +84 5103 862 353) or Bac Viet Quality Jewelry (10 Pham Hong Thai Street, +84 905 550 062) for pendants, necklaces, rings, bracelets and beyond that can be tailored to your specifications at a fraction of the international price.All in all, from tailored outfits that fit like a dream to glowing lanterns that light up your heart, there’s no shortage of fun finds in Hoi An. Contact Incredible Asia Journeys to plan the trip to Hoi An, you’ll find it all—and probably a little extra you didn’t know you needed!

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Where to Stay in Hue and its Surrounds

Where to Stay in Hue and its Surrounds

Hue’s international renown is finally catching up to its national one. The ancient city in the central region of Vietnam is the focus of many ancient poems and songs, as well as gushing adoration by Vietnamese people from both the north and south of the country for its rich dynastic history, food culture, architecture, a strong sense of religion, the beautiful nature that many things to do in Hue can be found around. Foreign tourists are clocking onto the idea of Hue as a major travel destination in Vietnam’s central regions and it is fast becoming an unmissable 2, 3, or 4-day stop on any itinerary of the country. [incredible_toc]With that in mind, we at Incredible Asia Journeys are here to answer the question of where to stay in Hue. Of course, budgets and preferences vary, but you are sure to find something in this list to facilitate an amazing city or nature break in and around the ancient royal capital of Vietnam.Azerai La Residence, Hue1. Where to Stay in Hue for that Royal FeelingEveryone wants a taste of Hue’s high-class society at least once in their lives. The high-end hotels listed below are some of the best places to stay in Hue to live like a Nguyen emperor or empress.1.1. La Residence Hotel and Spa The opulence of this enormous, pearl-white hotel is matched only by the Imperial City on the other side of the river. This mansion was once the residence of a high-ranking French official but was damaged during Vietnam’s overthrowing of the French and was recently remodeled in an Art Deco style. The colonial-era ceilings, floors, and stained glass windows still remain and the spa, swimming pool, gym, and tennis courts add more than a touch of luxury to this white and green palace.Two wings were added to accommodate more guests than just the French governor, who only needed a modest 10 luxury suites for himself. The theme of warm yellow and burnished brown runs through all the rooms, contrasting beautifully with the white and green of the outside.Address: 5 Le Loi StreetWebsite: la-residence-hue.comTel: +84 234 3837 475La Residence Hotel and Spa in Hue1.2. Banyan Tree Lang Co The Banyan Tree Lang Co finds itself in one of the most beautiful places to stay in Hue, sandwiched quite comfortably between Lang Co Beach and Cau Hai Lagoon. Subsequently, all 49 rooms contain stunning views, either of a crescent bay with untouched sands or a placid lagoon backed by mountains. The architecture throughout remains in touch with the Vietnamese aesthetic, while each villa features huge sliding windows that open up onto a teal pool, in case the water of the adjacent ocean or the largest lagoon in Asia doesn’t quite cut it.Address: Laguna Lang CoWebsite: banyantree.com/vietnam/lang-coTel: +84 234 3695 888The Banyan Tree Lang Co1.3. Vedana Lagoon Resort and SpaAnother royal response to the question of where to stay in Hue, Vedana Lagoon Resort and Spa makes use of the natural beauty of Hue’s Cau Hai Lagoon with gorgeous huts that stretch out onto the water. Crossing the wooden walkway out onto Cau Hai, you will enter the hut to find simple white and wooden furnishings and walls rising from the tiled floor. The big draw is obviously the view across the unblemished lagoon, a wide, gently shimmering surface where slim wooden boats float serenely in front of a backdrop of dramatic mountains.Not all rooms are on the water, but the ones that aren’t are elevated in the hills before it, ensuring that all views of the lagoon are as sweeping as they can possibly be. A large swimming pool along with yoga activities are designed to get you out and enjoy the perfect nature of Hue.Address: Zone 1 Phu Loc TownWebsite: vedanalagoon.comTel: +84 234 3681 688Vedana Lagoon Resort and Spa1.4. Imperial Hotel HueWith a nod to the imperial status of ancient Hue, this gargantuan hotel features gargantuan decorations to provide that regal atmosphere. The entrance and reception areas are modeled after a traditional Vietnamese pavilion, while the dining room is the epitome of utter luxury. The swimming pool and King’s Panorama Bar offer two spaces where entire days can be spent, and its location near to all the major Hue attractions means that you will never be starved of activities.Address: 8 Hung VuongWebsite: imperial-hotel.comTel: +84 234 3882 222Imperial Hotel Hue2. Where to Stay in Hue for a more Modest BudgetThe royal pampering most certainly isn’t for everyone. If you want to get more into the culture of the city, as well as its multitude of natural assets, below is a list of where you should stay in Hue with a mid-range budget.2.2. Hue Riverside VillaThe charm of the Hue Riverside Villa is immediately apparent when stepping through its wooden entrance gate. Though it may not possess the opulence of the royal court, it is the delightful trees, stone paths, and marble white huts topped with thatched roofs that enrapture visitors to this beautiful hotel. Its location at the banks of the Nhu Y River, just as it meets the Perfume River, affords spectacular views and a constantly changing backdrop through the large windows. The furnishings inside are modest and comfortable and the staff are courteous and attentive.Address: 16/7 Nguyen Cong TruWebsite: hueriversidevilla.comTel: +84 905 7716 02Hue Riverside Villa2.3. Midtown Hotel Hue This tall block of a hotel might not be much to look at from the outside, but its interior is decked with many fantastic touches. The most impressive of these is the 12th-floor swimming pool; though not quite a rooftop pool, it does add a touch of elegance to any stay in Hue for an affordable price. The actual rooftop is reserved for the Sky Café, a wonderfully decorated space high into the Hue skyline that offers great views over the Imperial Citadel, Perfume River, and far beyond into the surrounding hills. Rooms feature wide beds and are decorated in a quirky manner, while various colored lights throughout the hotel make it one of the more interesting places to stay in Hue.Address: 29 Doi Cung StreetWebsite: midtownhotelhue.comTel: +84 234 6260 888Midtown Hotel Hue2.4. Alba Spa HotelThis detached, mini-skyscraper in the heart of Hue is one of the most tranquil spots to stay in the city, not just for its pearl-white exterior and interior, but the choice of mineral water spa treatments offered here. The nutrient-rich water used in the Alba Spa Hotel was discovered in a nearby hot spring and is utilized through foot baths and jacuzzis to provide guests with a touch of royal treatment for their stay in Hue. A heavenly dining room with exotic plants is matched in the rooms, where the attempted theme of paradise is certainly achieved to full effect.Address: 29 Tran Quang KhaiWebsite: albaboutiquehotels.comTel: +84 234 3828 444Alba Spa Hotel2.5. Hong Thien Ruby HotelOf the tall, thin buildings throughout the country, one of the best in which to stay in Hue has to be the Hong Thien Ruby Hotel. Prices are cheap and the service is impeccable, but the biggest draw of the hotel is the large, lilac rooms hinted at by the name. The warm walls are matched by the colored furnishings in these long, simple rooms, while balconies and big windows provide a wealth of natural light which most certainly doesn’t feature in all buildings of this architectural style.Address: 35/12 Chu Van AnWebsite: search on booking.comTel: +84 234 3837 399Hong Thien Ruby Hotel2.6. Beach Bar Hue If there’s ever a place to sit and do nothing for hours at a time, it’s probably Beach Bar Hue on an extension of An Thuan beach. Life here is far removed from the pomp and ceremony of royal Hue as the owners realized that not much more is needed in a hotel than a comfortable bed, a few walls, and an incredible beach. It is certainly the latter of these that is Beach Bar Hue’s biggest draws; huts back onto a private section of beach with very few signs of development to spoil the views. Rooms are very cheap and can be made cheaper if you share in a dorm. This is definitely one of the most relaxing places to stay in Hue.Address: An DuongWebsite: beachbarhue.comTel: +84 (0) 917 673 656Beach Bar Hue2.7. Do Quyen Villa 1Between the beach and the mountains, it can be hard to think of where to stay in Hue for its amazing scenery, but Do Quyen Villa 1 provides a fantastic answer in Bach Ma National Park, about 50km to the south of Hue. The villa is named after the 400m waterfall found in the park, while all around it lies fantastic nature in the form of mountains, lakes, and stunning views from cliff peaks. The Do Quyen Villa 1 won’t be the most glamorous place you ever stay; rooms are comfortable but very simple, and you will need your own transportation to reach here, but the nature surrounding it is the main attraction and the serenity felt by one night under the stars of Bach Ma National Park is palpable.Address: Bach MaWebsite: search on agoda.comPlan your trips to Hue? Reach out to Incredible Asia Journeys to get big discounts and great deals!

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Top Historical Things to do in Saigon

Top Historical Things to do in Saigon

Given the vast instability that Vietnam went through during most of the 20th century, it will come as no surprise that Saigon is a veritable mecca of history, both modern and ancient, now that it has emerged as prosperous in the 21st century. Through warring hill tribes, the shifting of dynasties as well as foreign occupation from China, France, Japan, America, and others, Saigon has become synonymous with war. Such a dire association does not affect the life of its residents today, however, as smiles greet foreign visitors and the modern history of their country is openly discussed.[incredible_toc]Subsequently, there are a huge amount of historical things to do in Saigon that span from its most ancient beginnings to its more modern turbulence. At Incredible Asia Journeys, we’ve picked the TOP 8 Ho Chi Minh city historical sites.Ho Chi Minh City in the sunset1. Reunification PalaceThe dramatic finale of the American War took place on the roof of the Reunification Palace, then called the Independence Palace for Vietnam’s success against the French colonialists, newly named in 1975 for the North Vietnamese success against the Americans and the South. TV channels around the world televised the Fall of Saigon firsthand, as a tank crashed through the gates of the palace and a lone soldier claimed the South for Ho Chi Minh, after whom Saigon became named.The Reunification Palace is one of the top attractions in Saigon for history buffs, as it has been the site of such sparring and changeover throughout its past. The rather drab architecture is compensated for inside through many displays and exhibitions, as well as the impressive underground bunker and tunnel system that hid the president of South Vietnam. Information around the palace provides useful knowledge on the contested location and its French, Japanese, American, and eventual Vietnamese ownership.Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City2. War Remnants MuseumIf the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City heralded the end of the war, the War Remnants Museum heralded the start of Vietnam’s prosperous post-war age - and they took no time in building it to admonish the Americans. Just about four months after the Fall of Saigon, the ‘Exhibition House for U.S and Puppet Crimes’ was established, gradually easing off on the Americans in 1990 by renaming it the ‘Exhibition House for Crimes of War and Aggression’ and dropping the passive aggressiveness entirely in 1995 with the ‘War Remnants Museum’.War Remnants MuseumHowever, inside remains a strong current of anti-American mentality, as American and South Vietnamese war crimes are brutally highlighted, while the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong get off pretty lightly. While definitely one of the best historical things to do in Saigon, information on the various crimes committed, should be taken with a pinch of salt. There are many personal accounts of the war as well as of the appalling effects of Agent Orange in Vietnam’s jungle villages, for which America is still paying compensation.3. Notre Dame Cathedral & Saigon Central Post OfficeStepping further back in time to the French Colonial period, two of Saigon’s historical things to see lie side-by-side in the downtown area of the city. The Notre Dame Cathedral is the most impressive of the two, standing as a testament to the push of Christianity in a largely Buddhist or non-religious country. It was completed in 1880 and took 17 years to finish due to all of the materials requiring delivery from France. It is a great place to see the history and influence of the French in Saigon, which was the capital of their Indochina Empire.Notre Dame CathedralAcross the square in front of the cathedral lies the Saigon Central Post Office, another French creation exhibiting some fantastic European architecture. This grand building was finished in 1891 and features both huge, colonial archways and the bright yellow of the Vietnamese color scheme outside. Maps and other such documents provide a good grounding for history buffs, but tours generally don’t take more than ten minutes, as non-post-related options are slim inside. The best time to visit places in Ho Chi Minh City is from late November to mid-April.4. Museum of Vietnamese HistoryIf the garish yellow of the Saigon Central post office appeals to your design sensibilities then you should head directly to the Museum of Vietnamese History, which sports the same vivid color and colonial architecture that had become a staple of French construction by the time this building was finished in 1929. The museum showcases history from a time that very few people know about, from before the televised fighting put Vietnam on the map. There was still fighting, however, as many ethnic groups including the Khmer of Cambodia and the more central Vietnamese Cham fought between each other and others for control over the south of the country, leaving behind over 30,000 artefacts that tell the fascinating story of Vietnam long before its two most famous wars.Museum of Vietnamese History5. Cho Lon - Big MarketA lively, bustling Chinatown in its day, and not too different now. Cho Lon lies in the city’s inner-west, representing the ancient Chinese culture through its many immigrants who moved here during the late 17th century. At that time, Cho Lon was a separate entity from Saigon, and a huge hub for trading (Cho Lon is the Anglicised version of Chợ Lớn– meaning ‘big market’ in Vietnamese), which combined with its neighbor in a city called Saigon-Cho Lon, before it was dropped completely and became another district of the sprawling metropolis.Cho Lon Ho Chi Minh CityA walk around Cho Lon today is a great thing to do in Saigon for those interested in oriental history. Many pagodas, assembly halls, and markets still stand from hundreds of years ago, each bearing distinctive Chinese architecture. Take time to explore Thien Hau Pagoda, a colourful and ornamental dedication to the Chinese Sea Goddess, Mazu. Ong Bon Pagoda and On Lang Assembly Hall are historically interesting places to visit, but it’s the markets that gave Cholon its name, so Binh Tay and Soai Kinh Lam markets are most certainly worth a visit for the historical enthusiast in Saigon.Check out our best tour to Explore Saigon:Discover Southern VietnamBest Ho Chi Minh Tour with Local Floating MarketFoody Tour in Ho Chi Minh and Mekong Delta6. Long Tan BattlefieldThough it is the Vietnamese soldiers who are known throughout the world for the fierce and effective defence of their homeland, there is a special admiration held in the Antipodes for the ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) forces who stood firm against an onslaught of Vietnamese while they were outnumbered around 20 to 1. Long Tan lies about 100km southeast of Saigon in Ba Ria –Vung Tau Province and is the sight of the most heroic, yet most costly battle of the ANZAC.Several of the important historical places in Ho Chi Minh City still remain, including Nui Dat Base, Horshoe Hill and the Discourtesy Rubber Plantation, where the Long Tan Cross Memorial stands as only one of two foreign commemorations allowed throughout the entire country (the other built by the French at Dien Bien Phu). Incredible Asia Journeys provides a daytrip from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Tan Battlefield including a knowledgeable guide and all transportation and food.Click on the link to see the Long Tan - Nui Dat Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City.Long Tan Battlefield7. Cu Chi TunnelsOne of the most famous historical attractions of Saigon, the Cu Chi Tunnels lie about 50km to the northeast of the city and are a reminder of how close the Viet Cong were to the capital of the South while conducting their secret operations underground. Aside from its location, the system itself is an unbelievable labyrinth of tunnels dug below the tracks of tanks that rolled ahead, where the Viet Cong could live, store weapons, treat the wounded and scheme for the eventual demise of their enemies.The Cu Chi Tunnels are the epitome of guerilla warfare at its finest. The conditions that the Vietnamese withstood underneath the earth for days at a time can be partially felt by climbing into the tunnels and experiencing it first-hand. Bear in mind, however, that the tunnels have been expanded by 30% and that venomous animals have been thoroughly removed for the comfort of foreign visitors, so conditions would have been even more horrendous than can be experienced today. Incredible Asia Journeys has several day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels, all of which you can find on our website.Check our best tours to Cu Chi Tunnels:Ho Chi Minh and Cu Chi Tunnels TourCu Chi Tunnels and Cooking Class Full Day TourCu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat TourCu Chi Tunnels by Bicycle and Boat Full Day TourCu Chi Tunnels8. Dan Sinh MarketThe army surplus left behind after the American War was staggering in amount, owing to the fact that the war ran for a huge 19 and a half years and contained many different allies and enemies from around the world. Over 40 years after the end of the war, places like Dan Sinh Market in Saigon are still struggling to shift the mountains of war memorabilia left over, and these sorts of places can be a treasure trove of rare and interesting finds.For collectors, anyway, Dan Sinh Market is one of the top historical places to visit in Saigon for a look at the personal and collective accounts of the millions of soldiers involved in the war. A huge range of items can be found here, including flags, military apparel, medals, books, shell casings and helmets amongst many, many others. Of course, fakes are a constant problem at Dan Sinh, as they are in many Vietnamese markets, so be vigilant or hire a guide to help you sort out what’s worth having from what isn’t.

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What to Eat in Saigon

What to Eat in Saigon

It’s a mixture of the location and history of Saigon that gives it its fantastic food culture. What to Eat in Saigon is a question with more than 100 answers, but there are few places more equipped to answer it than Vietnam’s second city.The big city has historically been a draw for the Vietnamese living in its outlying provinces, who came to Saigon in droves after the war in search of employment. Along with their families, they brought their individual attitudes to food; some from the seafood, rice, and fruit-rich Mekong Delta, some from pancake-heavy Vung Tau, and even a few from as far away as the mecca for Vietnamese food, Hue. [incredible_toc]Food in Saigon is under constant evolution as the city quickly expands upwards and outwards into the shape of an international megacity. Right now, Saigon’s food has a humble but internationally renowned culture, ripe for exploration by even the fussiest of foreigners. Here’s our guide on what to eat in Saigon.What to eat in Saigon?1. Phở (“fer”)We have to start with the obvious here. At this point, Pho doesn’t need an introduction, its amalgamation into popular culture has seen its fame spread to every corner of the globe. It’s the number one answer to what to eat in Saigon, as well as throughout Vietnam food in general for the tourists fresh off the plane, eager to try a local bowl for about a tenth of the price that they could get it for back home. Flat pho noodles sit in a long-broiled broth along with scallions, onions, and either beef or chicken. Differences between north and south pho are manifold; the one in Saigon is usually sweeter and uses bean sprouts, herbs, and a wider variety of meat in its construction.Where to get pho in Saigon?Pho Tau Bay (433-435 Ly Thai To Street) is one of the oldest pho restaurants still surviving today. It was originally named after the owner, Mr. Nhan, but patrons changed it by popular demand to Tau Bay, meaning aeroplane after Mr. Nhan inexplicably started wearing a pilot’s hat to work every day.Pho - A must-try dish when visiting Vietnam2. Bột Chiên (“bot chee-en”)The literal translation of ‘fried flour’ doesn’t do much to get the appetite whirring, but one look at this impressive dish proves that there’s a lot more to it than merely suggested by the name. Served with fried egg, carrots, shredded papaya, and scallions, and fried into one single omelet of intense color and flavor, Bot Chien is one of the best pre-dinner snacks to eat in Saigon. Its appearance is not unlike the popular pre-dinner tapas dish from Spain, patatas bravas, but the tangy flavor of Bot Chien, following the accompanying dipping sauce, is what sets it apart.Where to find Bot Chien in Saigon?Bot Chien is a proud, and relatively simple to make, Saigonese staple food, so you can find it being served from many of the carts lining the streets around the city. One popular local restaurant that sells a plate for about 26,000 VND ($1.10) is Bot Chien Dat Thanh (277 Vo Van Tan), where fans carry the gorgeous smell of the dish along the street, attracting people in their droves.Bot Chien3. Cơm Tấm (“cerm- tuhm”)Along with Com Binh Dan in the north of Vietnam, Com Tam is known as the workers’ meal and famous food in Saigon. Its simplicity means that costs are usually low, but it contains the nutrients that hard-working Vietnamese have been fuelling themselves for generations. Unlike Com Binh Dan, com tam uses non-sticky rice (literally ‘broken rice’ by translation) and it’s not uncommon to see foreigners try to scoop up individual grains with chopsticks, while the locals opt for a much more effective spoon.Its ordering is as simple as its make-up; simply walk into a shop, point to the food that you would like to have with your rice, and sit down with the heaped plate. The option of accompanying food is very extensive, but popular choices include pork, sausage, fried egg, peanut salt, and a staggering choice of vegetables. You must try this dish as one of the signature things to eat in Vietnam.Com Tam Suon Bi ChaWhere to find com tam in Saigon?As fuel for the workers, this is usually the answer to their question of what to eat in Saigon. Thus, it can be found in many places, usually in roadside stalls with all extra options sitting behind a glass cabinet, and next to the steaming vat of rice. Com Ta Ba Ghien (84 Dang Van Ngu) is open from 6 am to 10 pm, which is one of the reasons, along with its fantastic taste, that locals and tourists keep coming back for more.Check our best tours to Saigon to enjoy these delicious dishes:Ho Chi Minh Visiting and Beaches Relaxation 7 DaysHo Chi Minh and Cu Chi TunnelsEssence of Vietnam 14-Day TourFoody Tour in Ho Chi Minh and Mekong Delta4. Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (“hoo tee-oo nam vang”)If you wonder "What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City?", Hu Tieu is a must. This beautifully organized dish might be the most attractive thing to eat in Saigon, but its roots are far-reaching and its ingredients are highly variable. The dish is unashamedly ‘borrowed’ from Cambodia, so much so that they even put it in the name (Nam Vang is the Vietnamese name for Phnom Penh), stemming from the thousands of ethnic Khmer people who live in the south of Vietnam. Hu Tieu comes in many different varieties around Vietnam, but the classic nam vang dish contains lots of pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and crab sticks atop a bed of Hu Tieu, which are thick tapioca noodles.Where to find Hu Tieu Nam Vang in Saigon?It’s hard to refute the popularity of Quan Hu Tieu Nam Vang Nhan Quan (27Q Au Co Street), which offers many different variations on the classic, all immaculately presented.Hu Tieu5. Canh Chua Cá (“cayn choo-uh cah”)Saigon finds itself in a very advantageous position next to the Mekong Delta, a provider of huge amounts of seafood and home to the biggest rice and fruit-producing regions in the country. Seafood often comes in the form of Canh Chua Ca, another Instagram-favourite food with colors spilling out of the bowl. There are bright red tomatoes, green okra, yellow pineapples, and white beansprouts sitting in a yellow-brown broth, topped by a large fillet of some kind of fish, usually snakehead or catfish.Canh Chua CaWhere to find Canh Chua Ca in Saigon?Canh Chua Ca is the perfect food for hot weather, which is perfect for Saigon as there is never anything but scorching heat. On the hottest of these days, you can find locals sharing tables at Nam Son (135 Nguyen Thien Thuat Street), and enjoying the cooling broth with delicious snakehead fish.6. Ốc (“oh-k”)Continuing Saigon’s strong seafood tradition is one of the most sociable foods to eat in Saigon, snails. Once you do away with the notion that snails are generally slimy and unappealing, a world of flavor will open up to you, and there’s no better place to do that than in Saigon. Chefs here have been experimenting with snails for decades and have developed an extensive list that it would be impossible to name in full. Snails with lemongrass, ginger, garlic, coconut, and chili are some of the more popular foods to enjoy in Saigon on a weekend when you will see vast swathes of people crowding plastic tables, swigging beer and joking merrily over piled-up plates of snails.Oc XaoWhere to find Oc in Saigon?Saigon is awash with snail eateries, but for the most convivial atmosphere, head straight to ‘snail street’ – Vinh Khanh in District 4. You will be spoiled for choice here and will quickly get swept up in the amazing atmosphere that is to be found in abundance.7. Bánh Tét Chuối (“ban tet choo-ee”)This rolled banana, black bean, and sticky rice dessert has a similar appearance to sushi, but the taste of the two foods couldn’t be further apart. Just three ingredients and some banana leaves are needed to create Banh Tet Chuoi, making it a favorite of food tours in Saigon; essentially, it is a banana wrapped in rice and black beans, which is in turn wrapped in a banana leaf. These sweet, glutinous treats are a staple food of Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, where many families in the south of Vietnam share them after a filling meal.Banh Tet ChuoiWhere to find Banh Tet Chuoi in Saigon?Because Banh Tet Chuoi is so easy to make, most people just buy the ingredients and make them themselves. You will find some in some shops, as Saigon is a big city, but information about them is lacking online. Get yourself invited to a local Tet celebration and you’ll be swimming in Banh Tet Chuoi!Saigon's rich food culture is a delightful mix of its historical influences and diverse regional contributions. Contact Incredible Asia Journeys now to hop on a Ho Chi Minh City food tour!

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What to Eat in Hue

What to Eat in Hue

Vietnam makes no secret of its love of food, and Hue makes no secret of its role in Vietnam’s culinary development. Food guides in Hue will tell you, lovingly and repeatedly, that about two-thirds of the nation’s dishes can have their origins traced back to Hue, and even more specifically, to the rulers of Vietnam’s dynasties - the kings and lords who dreamt up the most lavish cuisine to satisfy their regal appetites.[incredible_toc] The wealth and resources they were able to put into exploring different ingredient combinations was the catalyst for a full-scale food revolution in Hue and then Vietnam, where a new philosophy and approach to food accompanied new dishes that eventually made their way to the furthest corners of the country.Lotus root salad with shrimp and meatVisitors to the central region of Vietnam are constantly plagued by the question of what to eat in Hue. The hugely popular tourist destination has a hugely popular menu with locals, but a lot of tourists tend to stick to the more reliable meals of pho and banh mi. The food in Hue has been tried and tested since the time of feudal lords, and there is a whole world of culinary excellence open to visitors who want to explore and experiment, just as the kings of Hue did. This is Incredible Asia Journeys’ advice on what to eat in Hue.1. Bun Bo Hue (“bun bar hway”)There’s no other place to start than the eponymous bun bo hue, the symbol, and spearhead of Hue best food colonization of the entire country. The fire-red appearance of some of the broths suggests a spicy dish, but bun bo hue is fairly mild in the spice department (until you add your third spoonful of accompanying garlic chili sauce). It is a meaty concoction, with sausages, meatballs, beef brisket, congealed pig’s blood, and an entire pig’s foot all getting to know each other in the flavorsome soup. What to eat with Bun Bo Hue? Like all dishes coming out of Hue in ancient times, the appearance had to be perfect, so the color was added via lettuce, bean sprouts, banana blossom, spring onions, and the brilliant white of the bun noodles; thick and slippery in texture and delicious in taste.A Bowl of Bun Bo HueWhere to find Bun Bo Hue in Hue?You’ll find many foreigners roaming the streets of Hue wondering what to eat, before settling on the regional classic about 8 times out of 10. Anthony Bourdain did exactly this in his popular TV Show Parts Unknown when he went to a small food stand in Dong Ba Market (2 Tran Hung Dao) to try the city’s specialty. The exact stall is very hard to find, but if you look out for the picture of Anthony Bourdain’s face hanging high above a glass case of ingredients, you’ve found the right place.2. Va Tron (“vah chon”)The presence of many fig trees throughout Hue was the precursor for this salad dish. It represented a challenge for the chefs when their expertise was called upon to cook figs, a notoriously difficult food to work with, but one that they managed to their credit. Va Tron actually contains unripe figs along with lots of meat, lettuce, and sesame seeds, usually served on small rice crackers and constituting the first of what could be considered ‘finger food’ at the royal gatherings where it was historically served.Va TronWhere to find Va Tron in Hue?La Parfum (5 Le Loi Street) is committed to keeping the royal association with Va Tron alive by presenting it like it would have been presented to kings, with some elaborate displays befitting its gourmet price.3. Nem Lui (“nem loo-ee”)Praised around the country for the sociability of its eating, nem lui is a fantastic answer to the question of what to eat in Hue if you are dining in a group. Constructing the dish is half of the fun, as food is presented on platters that require some mild assembly before they are ready to eat. Take your nem (pork skewer), remove the stick, place it in your rice paper along with lettuce, coriander, cucumber, carrot, and papaya, dip it in peanut sauce, and prepare yourself for a taste sensation. Nem lui is one of the best examples of food that started life exclusively in the realms of royalty before it made it down to the most basic plastic tables on the pavement.Nem LuiWhere to find Nem Lui in Hue?Keep an eye out for small stands selling nem lui on the street, of which there are many, but a highly recommended place is Quan Hanh Hue (11-15 Pho Duc Chinh), where locals are the main patrons.4. Banh Khoai (“ban kwai”)Taking the rather appealing appearance of tacos, Banh Khoai is a crispy folded pancake of mushroom, beansprouts, cucumber, onions, shrimp and beef, served with a peanut and garlic dipping sauce. This is one of the few foods in Hue to eat with your hands and is often served alongside nem lui and a beer for the full social effect.Banh KhoaiWhere to find Banh Khoai in Hue?Banh Khoai can usually be found where nem lui is to be found, but it is the specialized food of choice at Banh Khoai Hong Mai (110 Dinh Tien Hoang).Check our best tour to Hue to enjoy these delicious dishes: Central Vietnam Holiday 5 Days5. Banh Trang Trung (“ban chang churng”)This is one of the few foods to eat in Hue that originated in the last century as opposed to hundreds of years ago. Banh trang trung is essentially just the Vietnamese take on pizza, and as with most aspects of modern Western culture, it finds favor most with young Vietnamese people. In typical Asian style, this dish is heavy on crispy rice paper, with scrambled egg, pork pate, shallots, onions and chopped-up sausage sitting on top, covered in a tangy chili sauce. Certainly not the most royal dish to eat in Hue, but a hearty, social, and, most importantly, very tasty one.Banh Trang TrungWhere to find Banh Trang Trung in Hue?This is street-level food at its most street-level. It’s unlikely you’ll find any Banh Trang Trung in the fancy restaurants around the city, but keep an eye out for ladies with steaming carts surrounded by youngsters on the street, in all likelihood, they probably sell Banh Trang Trung.6. Com Hen (“curm hen”)Dipping into the realms of seafood might have been a bit ambitious for the landlocked city of Hue, but Thuan An Beach 14 kilometres to the northwest of the city provided many of the clams and shrimp desired by the richest men in the kingdom. While this may have been a logistical problem in the feudal ages, nowadays the city is awash with beautiful seafood options for rich and poor alike. One of these is com hen, a pile of spicy rice with clams, peanuts, crispy fried noodles, and pig skin, all sitting waist-high in a clam broth and now one of the signature Hue foods & drinks.Com Hen HueWhere to find Com Hen in Hue?You can find com hen spanning the gamut of restaurant menus, but you can’t beat the lovingly prepared (and cheap) street food variety. Head to Ba Hoa (7 Truong Dinh) for a place where locals pack plastic chairs, mostly feasting on this pride of Hue.7. Bun Thit Nuong (“bun tit nur-ung”)This countrywide phenomenon wouldn’t win any prizes for complexity, but it is actually the simplicity of the dish that makes it so charming. Translating to ‘noodles with grilled meat’, you probably won’t be surprised when exactly that is placed in front of you after ordering. Noodles sit in a bowl topped with peanuts, strands of vegetables like cucumber and carrot, and grilled pork meat, accompanied on the side with a bowl of fish sauce.Bun Thit NuongWhere to find Bun Thit Nuong in Hue?As one of the most common things to eat in Hue, you will have no trouble finding this popular dish. Bun Thit Nuong (66 Bach Dang Street) is a local shop just outside of the tourist district, while Huyen Anh Restaurant (52/11 Kim Long Street) serves visitors to the nearby attraction of the Thien Mu Pagoda.8. Che (“cheh”)Che was traditionally the final offering to the kings of Hue, who wanted to leave their royal banquets on a sweet note. The concoction of coconut milk, mung beans, jelly, fruit, and tapioca that make up a bowl of Che quickly found an obliging audience outside the citadel, who developed varieties that were less regal and much more affordable. While the royalty was dining on Che Hat Sen (lotus seed che) and Che Mon Sap Vang (taro che), the working-class Vietnamese were developing Che Bap (corn che), Che Dau Ngu (red bean che) and Che Chuoi (banana che), nowadays comprising one of the most diverse foods to eat in Hue.Che (Sweet Soup)Where to find Che in Hue?As with most sweet things, Che is usually for the young folk of Vietnam food, and you can see several teenagers and curious foreigners hanging out at Che Hem (1, Alley 29, Huong Vuong Street), one of the most popular spots in town because of the variety and flavor of Che here.If you travel to Hue, Incredible Asia Journeys hopes that you can find your favorite dishes from this Hue food guide. Also, don't hesitate to share with us your experience during Hue trips!

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