Incredible foods in street Hanoi

Banh cuon (stuffed pancake)

To taste the best banh cuon in Hanoi, drop by 14 Hang Ga Street. The street kitchen is noted for serving silky-soft pancakes, made from steamed rice liquid. Pork, field mushrooms and wood ear are minced and stuffed inside those smooth pancakes, which are topped with crunchy fried shallots. Sugar, a squeeze of lime, garlic, chilli are in some fine fish sauce. Chopstick some fragrant herbs with a piece of stuffed pancake and dip them into that washy fish sauce. You are having the Vietnamese concept of flavor and texture balance – herbal, soft and crisp, savoury and sour – in your mouth...

Visitors come to Hanoi, Vietnam to experience the hasty lifestyle, which blends modern and traditional traits, in the capital of a developing country, historical sites and artless landscapes.  In those tiny spaces, every kind of dish is offered, ranging from the country’s most famous export, pho (noodle soup) to crispy nem chua ran (fried crumb-coated pork mince) dipped in home-made chilli paste. Let this article outline some must-try street treats for you, food explorers.Surely, they will not want to miss the crucial part in the culture of a city – thecuisine. But incredible food in the capital isn’t found in luxurious restaurants or airless opulent dining rooms, it’s about vernacular specialties served fresh and quickly, often on the street or in some improvised living room eateries.
>> Read more guides: vietnam best time to visit

Xoi Yen (sticky rice)



Xoi is a dish as old as the country, made from steamed glutionous rice sometimes with corn, green, black bean or peanut . Xoi Yen, the best sticky rice restaurant in Hanoi, is at 35B Nguyen Huu Huan. The restaurant mainly serves white, yellow (color of saffron) and corn sticky rice with a wide selection of toppings – roasted, caramelised pork, sausage, pate, salted shredded pork,… Crunchy fried shallots will come in every bowl except you say no. That’s just perfect to line your stomach before a round of bia hoi.
Banh gio (pyramidal rice dumpling)



This can be found on countless food stalls on Hanoi streets. Most of them are procured from some main manufacturing premises so you can expect equal quality. Banh gio has soft and rich crust thanks to gravy blended in the primary ingredient of the crust, rice powder. The center of banh gio is somehow typical, can be found in many types of cake in Vietnam cuisine – mixture of minced pork, wood ear, and sometimes, field mushrooms. Served with gio, cha, sliced pickled cucumber, the dish is a perfect fit for breakfast or afternoon snacks.
Com Tam (Broken rice)



This is the queen of street food in Hanoi. The traditional Com Tam is served with pork skin or steam egg, grilled rib pork. Nowadays, a variety of toppings going with Com Tam such as shrimp, grilled chicken and fried fish…

>> The food in old quarter is excellent quality and is beautifully presented. The prices are very reasonable.
Pho



You mention street food and expect Americans to think of portable, on-the-move kind of food. Pho is street food and you are supposed to appreciate it taste often of the side walk, by choice or inside the restaurant. Pho is flat rice noodle, immersed into rich beef or chicken bone broth. Secrets lies in the broth, which is about textures and layered flavors. A bowl of pho will be garnished with bean sprouts and other kinds of fragrant herbs. Some addresses for you to explore the taste of Pho: Pho Suong – No.1 Alley 26, Nguyen Hong Str.; Pho Bat Dan – 49 Bat Dan; Pho Vui – 25 Hang Giay.
Nem Chua Ran (Crumb-coated grinded pork)



Extremely popular among young people in Hanoi, yet nem chua ran is a new dish that has been around for almost 10 years. For 45,000vnd (about $2) you have a plate of 10 pieces that can be enjoyed by two.This goes perfectly with beer and offers you a good start for a hangout night.
Street side BBQ



Do Nuong Lau 61 Quan Su is the destination. Owned by Ms Bich Lien, Vietnam’s first TV chef, the barbeque shop is well-known for its secret dipping sauce – nuoc sot me – a combination of tamarind sauce and fish sauce. The barbeque supplies are diversified comprising pork, ribs, octopus, pig organs, chicken, fish, sweet potato, okra,…Those come in fresh ans raw form on plates straight to your table and wait to be grilled on the Bep Than (cooking coal) in front of you.
Bun Cha



We are talking about the quintessential Vietnamese dish, Bun (vermicelli noodle) Cha (fatty grilled pork). The dish is served with a warm bowl of sweet and sour washy fish sauce, containing Cha and a plate of white and cool noodle. The rich of fatty meat are never too much once paired with the freshness of fragrant herbs. A big American may need two portions to fully satisfy his stomach since the amazing smell of that BBQ meat is so irresistible. The address to try is 1 Hang Manh Str. Make sure to come early to avoid lunchtime rush.
Bun Ca (fish noodle soup)



Bun ca has the tomato base which is mildly sour. Depending on the shop you go in that a slice of pineapple can be found on top of a bowl of bun ca. the sour of the tomato broth and the sweet from the fruit create an ideal base for the star of the show – crispy fried fish. Chopped into bite-sized piece, fish are fried until its exterior are totally crunchy. After a sip on the soup, you’ll be hooked! Places to come and get you bun ca: 243 Xa Dan – bun ca Huong Quynh.
Bun Rieu ( Crap paste noodle soup)



Hanoi offers a wide selection of noodle soup. Bun Rieu has its own unique flavor. The crab in the soup comes in the form of a paste on top of the bowl. Other remarkable toppings are yellow fried tofu, cha la lot (fried leaf-wrapped pork mince), beef. You may have no idea about the dish the first time you come to a Bun Rieu shop but you might just be a real fan when you leave. Place to try Bun Rieu: 7B Ly Quoc Su Str.

>> Give tourists a comprehensive view of Ho Chi Minh city and the unique tips when visiting HCM. We will suggest you: what to do in ho chi minh.

You can find high-end restaurants in modern cities all over the world. But here on the street, you are experience real soul of Hanoi. It’s fun and of much help if you are kind of on a budget.

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What wines drinks in Vietnam

Glutinous rice wine (Ruou nep)

Ruou nep is the traditional beverage of people in the Mekong Delta. Making glutinous rice wine is a really exhausting process. Glutinous rice after being cooked and cooled will be fermented with yeast and put into a jar sealed by a banana leaf for 3 to 5 months until harvesting. Ruou nep is divided into two types based on its consistency including the thicker version and the less viscous one. The thicker one is used with the spoon and the second one may be used as a beverage. This wine has brown-red color, attractive smell, and sherry-like favor.

A bowl of glutinous rice wine

Wines play a crucial part in the spiritual and cultural life of Vietnamese people. There are three main kinds of Vietnam wines: fermented rice-based alcoholic, plants and animals-based alcoholic, and pharmaceutical beverage.
Each country has something to be proud of, while Scotland is proud of whisky, France is famous for cognac, South Korea is well-known for Sochu, then Vietnam is also proud of various kinds of traditional wine such as: party wine (ruou can), ruou nep, ruou thuoc, ruou ran,…
>> The food in old quarter is excellent quality and is beautifully presented. The prices are very reasonable.
Ruou can (Stem wine)

People in Tay Nguyen drink stem wine in festival

Ruou can is one of the most popular wines of Central Highlands of Vietnam. This wine is made of rice or cassava mixed with different kinds of herbs then fermented without distillation. Ruou can is regularly put in a large jug and served with a long cane tube.
Ruou can is drunk in special occasions of people in the mountainous area such as festivals and weddings,…when people gather around the jug and enjoy this wine.

>> Vietnam's bustling largest city sets the cultural and economic pace for the country. The War Remnants Museum shows the Vietnam War through Vietnamese eyes. >> vietnam best time to visit
Ruou ran (snake wine)

Snake wine

Snake wine is another kind of Vietnam wines that is worth mentioning. Snake wine is made of a whole snake infused in rice wine. There is no need to worry about the poison of snake since snake’s venom will dissolve under the effect of ethanol.
Ruou thuoc (Pharmaceutical liquor)

Pharmaceutical wines made from various kinds of animals

This kind of liquor is made by distilling the mixture of rice alcohol, herbs, and medical animals or plants. Many rare species such as bear, dear, scorpion, etc are the ingredients of this kind of wine.

>> Don't miss the impressive Jade Emperor Pagoda. >> things to do in danang

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What drink in Vietnam

Visiting Vietnam, no one can miss enjoying tasty street foods, but it will be a big mistake if you throw away the chance of trying delicious and diverse beverages right there. Vietnamese cuisine has long been famous over the world for its unique and great features.

Vietnam is the heaven of tropical fruits. Vary from regions to regions, we can find countless types of different fruits over the country that are no other things but great ingredients of superb smoothies.

>> The food in old quarter is excellent quality and is beautifully presented. The prices are very reasonable.
Now, it’s the time for us to take a very quick look at the list of 3 must-try Vietnamese drinks right below here:
Smoothies

Dragon fruit smoothie

Vietnam is the heaven of tropical fruits. Vary from regions to regions, we can find countless types of different fruits over the country that are no other things but great ingredients of superb smoothies. In addition to that, the way that local people combine those ingredients into a glass is also a work of art. So, don’t forget to have at least a drink of fresh dragon fruit, jackfruit, or custard apple, perfectly mixed with ice and yogurt or condensed milk.

>> Give tourists a comprehensive view of Ho Chi Minh city and the unique tips when visiting HCM. We will suggest you: what to do in ho chi minh.
Sugar cane juice

Vietnamese sugar cane juice

That’s not as sickly sweet at all as you’d thought. Due to the perfect combination of freshly-squeezed sugar cane juice, ice, and a bit calamansi juice, this kind of drink has a crisp grassy flavor and so pleasant smell that’s really refreshing on a dog day. Usually, sugar cane juice is cheaply sold by street vendors that you can find very easily at every corner of the country.
Artichoke Tea

Vietnamese Artichoke tea
>> Useful information for tourists who want to travel to vietnam including attractions, tour packages, hotels, transportations >> things to do in danang
Artichokes are commonly grown in Dalat due to its cool climate, but packets of artichoke tea can be easily found in the supermarkets across the country. However, the taste of these instant ones is never as good as artichoke glasses’ sold by street vendors as they know the way to create an unmistakable for their drinks. There are 2 main versions of Vietnamese artichoke tea. The first and most common one is made from the artichoke flower, served with sugar and ice, creating a sweetened yellowish version. The other one is refined from the artichoke stems, making an intensely bitter black type. According to many pieces of research, artichoke tea has detoxifying and liver-cleansing properties that’s very good for people’s health.

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Foods Hanoi - Tasty dishes 24 hours a day

Nộm bò khô (Dried beef salad)

Nom bo kho is a popular snack of street foods in Vietnam. A mixture of thin slices of dried beef, julienned strips of green papaya, carrot, and flavor of herbs will be soaked with sugar, oil, garlic, vinegar, salt, and chili for one hour then dried off. A bowl of nom bo kho gives you an unforgettable experience of wonderful aroma and taste.



Where to eat: 25-27 Ho Hoan Kiem Street.

Price: 30,000 VND

When you think of Hanoi, Vietnam, the first thing that comes to your mind would be the 36 meandering streets of the Old Quarter. Hanoi Old Quarter is considered the culinary paradise where you can easily get the extremely tasty dishes 24 hours a day. Here are some of finest foods in Hanoi Old quarter that you should try out.
Phở (Rice noodle soup)



This tasty dish can be eaten at anytime of a day and costs about 40,000 – 60,000 VND. A bowl ofpho bo (beef noodle soup) or pho ga (chicken noodle soup) will give you a feeling of remedy that warms your soul. Pho in Hanoi Old Quarter has an extraordinary taste coming from the delicious broth and smooth and fresh rice noodles. This dish requires skilful culinary technique of combining rice, meat, bones, vegetables, herbs, etc. Pho may be served with fresh chili, chili sauce, lime, vinegar or quay (fried donut sticks).
>> Vietnam's bustling largest city sets the cultural and economic pace for the country. The War Remnants Museum shows the Vietnam War through Vietnamese eyes. >> vietnam best time to visit
Recommended address: 49 Bat Dan, 2 Ly Quoc Su, 25 Hang Giay, 23 Hang Muoi, 32 Le Van Huu.
Bún chả

Bún chả

Bun cha is regarded as the BBQ of Vietnamese people. It is made of slices of pork and pork patties grilled over hot coals then put in a tasty and sweet bowl of soup and served with bun (rice vermicelli) and herbs. You may add lime, fresh chili, and vinegar to increase the taste of soup for this dish.

Try it at: 43 Hang Buom, 1 Hang Manh, 34 Hang Than,67 Duong Thanh

Price: 30,000 – 40,000 VND
Hoa quả dầm (Seasonal mixed fruits) in To Tich street

Just take a walk in To Tich Street, you will see a dozen of mixed fresh fruits shops. This kind of dish tastes really good with the combinations of small pieces of fresh fruits, condensed milk, ice, and coconut milk. There are various kinds of fruits such as strawberries, watermelon, mango, plum, dragon fruit, pineapple, avocado, etc.

The colorful and tasty mixed fruits with condensed milk
>>Don't miss the impressive Jade Emperor Pagoda. >> things to do in danang
The fresh flavor of fruits harmonizing with sweetness taste of milk and ice creates a delicious glass of hoa qua dam.

Price: A glass of hoa qua dam costs 20,000 VND

Grilled birds at 05 Ta Hien Street

This shop on Ta Hien Street has been opening for ten years and become a stop of not only teenagers in Hanoi but also foreign visitors. In the center of Ta Hien street, the smell of grilled birds permeates the air.

Bird after being marinated salt and sweetness will be roasted on charcoal. This dish is really tasty since its meat is tender, aromatic, and sweet.



Open time: from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Price: 35,000 VND/4birds

This shop has modest area and tables, hence, if you see a seat, take it immediately!
Nem chua rán (Fried fermented pork) in Tam Thuong alley

The mixture of beef, pork skin, and roasted then crushed rice will be fermented for about 2 – 3 days then fried. This dish has really attractive fragrant. It will be crispy outside after being fried in a hot pan. Fried fermented pork can be served with different fruits such as cucumber, mango.

Recommended address: Tam Thuong alley, Ta Hien street.

Price: from 50,000 – 70,000 VND/10 pieces.

>> Go to the frenetic Ben Thanh Market for food, flowers or frogs. Tour through the Mekong Delta, past rice paddies and houseboats. >> what to do in ho chi minh
Chè thập cẩm (Mixed sweet soup)

Ingredients making “che thap cam”

This soup is an amazing mixture of many sweet flavors. It is a combination of many ingredients such as beans, milk, cooked fruits, glutinous rice, and sugar, etc.

Recommended address: 95 Hang Bo, 31 Dao Duy Tu

Price: 15,000 – 30,000 VND


Caramel Pudding

The delicious caramel pudding

There is nowhere in the world that you can find delicious caramel puddings like those in Hang Than. The fat in chicken egg and milk blending with bitter and aromatic coffee make a perfect caramel pudding. It’s going to be smooth, fresh, pure and tasty. This dish is so delicious that you just want to eat more!

Recommended address: 29 Hang Than, 33 Nguyen Khac Nhu
Price: 7,000 VND/sole caramel – 15,000 VND/mixed caramel

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Banh mi - traditional food in street - Hanoi

Banh mi Pho Hue

Banh Mi Pho Hue

It can be stated that this place has made its mark on the hearts of the Ha Noi people. This traditional banh mi vendor sells banh mi with pate, ruoc, butter and cha.

Every ingredient is relatively simple, nothing too complicated, the crispy crust, the ruoc to moisturize and the pate for flavor.

Banh mi Pho Hue can be taken away to anywhere in the city and still the retains the flavor and the crisp. This makes Banh mi Pho Hue the number one and only choice for many people throughout the years. For them, it still tastes like it did decades ago.

You can try this sandwich at 118A Hue Street for 25,000VND.

Banh mi is a Vietnamese traditional dish. The word banh mi alone just means a piece of bread, but as the Vietnamese sandwich gets more and more popularity among visitors from all around the world, the word Banh mi just becomes a common name on its own that needs no translation. Everybody in Ha Noi loves a good banh mi, and finding a tasty banh mi in Ha Noi is a priority of the masses. We are taking a look at a few places with the best banh mi in Ha Noi.
Top things to do in HaNoi VietNam

>> SaPa travel guide with the best attractions, reviews, photos, map, hotels and budget tips and things to do in sapa vietnam

Banh mi Master Chef

People lining up for Banh mi from the Master Chef himself.

Although recently opened, this shack quickly catches the attention of the masses thanks to its originator, Minh Nhat – The first winner of Vietnam Master Chef.

The banh mi shop is personally run by the Master Chef himself, as he is the one who hands out the sandwiches to customers. Because of that, ever since the opening day, the banh mi shop has made the street busier than it should be. Employees, students, and locals all gather to the shop. No one is afraid of lining up just to see the celebrity and savor his creation.

>> The food in old quarter is excellent quality and is beautifully presented. The prices are very reasonable.

Banh mi by Minh Nhat

Apart from the decoration, Minh Nhat banh mi shop also has a wide variety of sandwiches to choose from, along with different combos for savings. A banh mi can go for 32,000VND, but choosing combos might get you more value for your Dong.

Banh mi Master Chef can be located at 27 Nguyen Du or 13 Hang Khay.
Banh mi BBQ Ba Nga

The best BBQ sandwich in town can be found in 31 Quang Trung in the vendor of Ba Nga. The meat is beautifully seasoned, perfect for savor with or without a banh mi.

The place is packed every day when students end classes. And for passing by pedestrians, just the scent of the meat just makes it irresistible.
Banh mi BBQ Chua Lang

Little do people know that the vendor is run by male students from Foreign Trade University.

The banh mi shop is 69B Chua Lang attracts a large amount of young people in Ha Noi. The meat is flavorful, nicely seasoned and the sauce is rich. You can smell the deliciousness from miles away.

The shop is set to serve the students from Foreign Trade University and Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. So expect the low cost and the simplicity in the atmosphere. A normal sandwich can go for 17,000VND, very tempting.
Banh-mee – Fancy banh mi in Ha Noi

The banh mee menu

Probably the first “fancy” Banh mi restaurant in Ha Noi that really dedicated to the design of the place, instead of treating the food as merely takeaways like other banh mi vendors. Small as it might be, the place looks amazing.

>> Useful information for tourists who want to travel to vietnam including attractions, tour packages, hotels, transportations >> things to do in danang

What they serve in Banh Mee

The menu includes tradition banh mi of Vietnam but served in a modern and classy manner. Prices range from 25,000 to 38,000VND. Banh-mee can be found at 12 Dang Tien Dong or 18 Au Trieu. In Dang Tien Dong, the customers are mainly students while those in Au Trieu are foreigners.

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Bun cha - Popular street food

Bun Cha can be found at every corner of Hanoi, but most famous places should be 29 Cau Go, 67 Duong Thanh, 34 Hang Than, or Hang Manh Street, etc. All of these places are located in the Old Quarter, which are so convenient for you as hanging around the heart area of Hanoi.
Price
>> Useful information for tourists who want to travel to vietnam including attractions, tour packages, hotels, transportations >> things to do in danang
As a street food, Bun Cha is very affordable and considered one of very familiar foods to the local people. Commonly, a set of Bun Cha often comes with prices of VND30,000 – VND50,000 (about $1.5 – $2.5).
Traveling around such an awesome place of countless tasty street foods and famous specialties like Hanoi is a great chance for you to try out so many kinds of mouthwatering dishes that can be found nowhere else on the earth.

A set of Grilled pork vermicelli soup – Bun cha Hanoi
>> The food in old quarter is excellent quality and is beautifully presented. The prices are very reasonable.
Among so many famous food choices like Pho, Cha ca, Bun dau, etc, what should you try first? Honestly, I recommend you having Bun Cha or Vietnamese Grilled Pork Vermicelli Soup, which has been considered a distinguishing characteristic of Hanoi cuisine. But what makes it a must-try one while traveling around the 1000-year-old capital?
How is Bun Cha’s flavor?

The sizzling grilled pork and broth – Central parts of Bun Cha Hanoi

As always, the Grilled Pork Vermicelli Soup or Bun Cha Hanoi is served with a plate of rice vermicelli or called as “Bun” in Vietnamese, the sizzling grilled pork, steamy broth and a lot of herbs as well. The perfect combination of exotic scent and flavor of “Cha” (the sizzling grilled pork), a unique type of sweet and salty broth, and special local herbs might really surprise you right from the first bite. In addition to the sizzling grilled pork, this food’s broth is also a central importance. Ideally, it needs to reach a perfect balance of 4 main flavors, consisting of saltiness from fish sauce, sweetness of sugar, spiciness of chili, and sourness from vinegar, combining with slices of carrot and green papaya. The herbs and veggies not only make your dish much tastier but they are also good for the digestion.
>> Give tourists a comprehensive view of Ho Chi Minh city and the unique tips when visiting HCM. We will suggest you: what to do in ho chi minh.
Best places to have Bun Cha

Hanh Manh Street – Street of Bun Cha Hanoi

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Cost for renting a car - car rental

The major advantages of renting a car include independence, convenience and flexibility as you can create your own schedule. On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages, mostly because of the notorious traffic system in Vietnam and high cost of renting. Below are some instructions and tips for you while using rental car.
Car rental is a great alternative when you want to visit any place that you like or is inaccessible to public vehicles. This is also a pleasing choice when exploring destinations with various attractions, which are distant from each other such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Dalat.
>> more guides: hanoi ho chi minh mausoleum
Cost for Renting a Car in Vietnam

In Vietnam, compared to other modes of transportation, renting car is quite expensive. This is largely due to the affordable and available public transportation system that runs within and between provinces.

The fee for renting a car ranges from VND 500,000 to 10,000,000 per day (about $25-500), depending on the type of car you choose and how luxurious it is. There are many types of cars for you to choose from, but the most common one is 4-seats and 7-seats cars. Customers are responsible for fuel cost, which is rather high compared with Vietnamese living standard (as of June 2011, it is $1 per litre).
>> see more : old quarter
Payment for car rental is usually made in cash directly to the agency. Some agencies might ask you for advance payment or a small deposit.

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About car rental

Car rental is a great alternative when you want to visit any place that you like or is inaccessible to public vehicles. This is also a pleasing choice when exploring destinations with various attractions, which are distant from each other such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Dalat. The major advantages of renting a car include independence, convenience and flexibility as you can create your own schedule. On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages, mostly because of the notorious traffic system in Vietnam and high cost of renting. Below are some instructions and tips for you while using rental car.
>> more guides: hanoi ho chi minh mausoleum
Cost for Renting a Car in Vietnam

In Vietnam, compared to other modes of transportation, renting car is quite expensive. This is largely due to the affordable and available public transportation system that runs within and between provinces.

The fee for renting a car ranges from VND 500,000 to 10,000,000 per day (about $25-500), depending on the type of car you choose and how luxurious it is. There are many types of cars for you to choose from, but the most common one is 4-seats and 7-seats cars. Customers are responsible for fuel cost, which is rather high compared with Vietnamese living standard (as of June 2011, it is $1 per litre).
>> see more : old quarter
Payment for car rental is usually made in cash directly to the agency. Some agencies might ask you for advance payment or a small deposit.

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Vietnam - How to rent a car

It is quite easy in Vietnam to rent a car. All required papers are your passport and driving license.

Normally, car rental agencies in Vietnam will ask you for international driving licenses if you do not have a Vietnamese driving one, and they might accept your native driving licenses in common languages such as English, French. These licenses will be copied and kept by the agencies for reference. After signing the rental contract, the agencies might require you to pay some money as deposit. This could be 50 to 100% of the total cost of the contract or an exact pre-determined amount in cash.
>> more here: things to do in danang
Most of Vietnamese car rental agencies are located in big cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City where the demand for car rental car is quite significant. Below are some credible rental car agencies that you should know:

Thanh Hung Group

Address: 104-106 Nguyen Van Cu, Hanoi

Phone: (043) 8-213-213

>> get here: hanoi ho chi minh mausoleum
Truong An Company

Address: 57 De To Hoang, Hanoi

Phone: (04) 7300-5791



Tuan Linh Company

Address: 73 Dong Da Lane, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Phone: (083) - 862-2600

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Renting a car

The first thing that you have to be aware of is the quality of the car that you rent. Rental cars were used many times by many unprofessional drivers with the thought that “That is not my properties so I don’t have to take care of it carefully”. Therefore, checking the car conditions before renting it is essential for you to avoid accidents or unexpected dramas. Also, spending time to come to showroom of the agencies to find your best match is highly recommended.
>> read more: hanoi ho chi minh mausoleum
One more thing you have to be aware of is the traffic in Vietnam. The fact is that the traffic system in Vietnam is very complicated which can intimidates even the most skillful and careful drivers. Therefore, driving a car in Vietnam can be extremely challenging.
>> readmore: old quarter
To make the matter worse, the buzz of motorbikes, and other cars, with an intense level of honking can make the experience more stressful than it should. If you don’t feel confident in your driving skills, hiring a chauffeur from the agencies is a wise option since many agencies offer drivers with their rental cars. Additionally, the local drivers are familiar and experienced with the locations, so you will reach your desired destinations faster and safer.

>> further reading: vietnam best time to visit

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Most buses in Ho chi minh city

Most buses in Ho Chi Minh City have their terminal at some major depots like Ben Thanh Station, Cho Lon Station and Mien Dong station. There are a number of buses that run past tourist attractions inside the city such as:

#147 (Cho Lon Bus Station – Tan Son Nhat) and #152 (Trung Son Resident – Tan Son Nhat): These two route have stops at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, and with these buses, you can easily get to the center of the city. Bus#147 will head to Cho Lon area while bus #152 will go to the Ben Thanh Market, a short walk from Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area.
>> more guides: vietnam best time to visit
#11 (Ben Thanh – Dam Sen Park): buses on route 11 start from Ben Thanh Station and head to Dam Sen Cultural Park, one of the most interesting playgrounds in Ho Chi Minh City. It takes about 40 minutes for the whole trip with the price of 3,000 VND

#30 (Tan Huong Market – Suoi Tien Resort): this route runs a long distance from Tan Binh county, cross the center of the city and head to the north east of the city. Along the route there are many tourism destinations such as Suoi Tien Resorts or Hung Temple. You can catch this bus in many stops in downtown area like Vo Thi Sau or Pham Ngoc Thach.
>> further reading: what to do in ho chi minh
#19 (Saigon – Trung Linh – National University): This route begins from Ben Thanh Market, head to the center of the city and cross the Saigon Opera House. Then it comes to Highway 1A before heading to the National University.

Buses in Ho Chi Minh city might not be as crowded as those in Hanoi, but the problem is the quality of the cars and degrading services. Moreover, the distances between the bus stops and tourist destinations are pretty far, aggravated by the long time it takes to wait for a bus. That makes this type of public transportation not the best choice to explore the city. Also, Ho Chi Minh City Bus are often named by the beginning and end points, so check your bus number carefully before getting on it.

The bus system in Ho Chi Minh City covers most tourism destinations within and nearby the city with 152 routes. Buses in Ho Chi Minh City can be realized by the white cover with a light green strip. The price for bus ticket fluctuates between 3,000 and 10,000 VND, depending on the distances and the type of buses.




photo by charles haynes from Flickr under Creative Commons terms.
>> read more: old quarter

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Hanoi Bus in vietnam

Hanoi public buses drop passengers in the stationary points on the streets, and fortunately many of them are located near or even in front of the famous and attractive tourism destinations in Hanoi such as Hoan Kiem Lake, The Old Quarter, Hanoi Train station (Ga Hanoi), Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and The Literature Temple.

Each bus has a number in red, centered in a white circle and made visible in the front sign of the bus.The price of a bus ticket in Hanoi is from 5,000 to 10,000 VND depending on the distances between the departure and the end point.Travel by public bus has become popular in Hanoi now due to the cheap price and availability. Buses in Hanoi can be recognized by the typical cover with 3 main colors: white, red and yellow (see the picture below).  Ticket will be handed out by a collector and you have to pay him in cash. If you plan to travel by bus, make sure you carry smaller bills.

>> read more here: what to do in ho chi minh


Here are some important bus routes in Hanoi:

#07 and #17: These two are the public buses that stop at Noi Bai International Airport, the most important gateway in the North of Vietnam. The #7 bus will cross the Thang Long Bridge and head to Cau Giay, while #17 buses go to the Old Quarter via Chuong Duong Bridge.

#33 or #02: These buses will bring you to the area near Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and from those areas, you can wander along the tree-filled boulevards like Dien Bien Phu or Le Hong Phong, before heading to Ho Chi Minh Complex.
>> more info: old quarter
#09: This bus will drop you at Hoan Kiem Lake and from that point, you can explore the lake’s areas and the Old Quarter on the downtown. These buses also stop at some checkpoint in Le Hong Phong and Dien Bien Phu Str., so that you can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the areas nearby.

However, the problem you might encounter while get on a bus is that it is very crowded at peak hours. You should always keep one hand to cover your purses or place your backpack at the front, since crowded bus in Vietnam is an ideal place for pickpockets.

Also, as the bus approaches your intended destination, try your best to make the way to the back door, take a deep breath and prepare for a fast move because bus drivers in Hanoi are notorious for stopping at a stop for a very short time. You will need to be prepared to get out of the bus as fast as you can if you don’t want to miss the point. If you are unsure when to get off, ask either the driver, the ticket collector or the fellow passengers. As intimidating as it sounds, travelling by bus in Hanoi is a truly local experience.

>> More guides: vietnam best time to visit

More about → Hanoi Bus in vietnam

How to take bus from hanoi to other places

However, if you do not mind keeping an eye on your belonging full time, sitting among strangers who hardly understand what you are talking about, just head for the terminals!


You can even hire a motorbike if you are confident enough of your riding skill. However, if you have already been tired of waiting for check-in at the airport or train station and wanted to save a few bucks, bus can prove to be a smart alternative.
Hanoi is well-connected with other provinces throughout the country. There is a wide range of choices when it comes to transportation if one departs from the capital city: plane, train, and bus.
>> read more: old quarter
BUS TERMINALS IN HANOI

One of the most exciting ways to get acquainted and understand more about the locals’ life is to join them in their ride between provinces. If you want professional services and precise schedule, pay an extra amount of money to book ticket for an open tour at your travel agent.

There are six main bus terminals in Hanoi which located at essential gateways of the city:

Giap Bat terminal (Ben xe Giap Bat): No.6, Giai Phong Str., Hanoi.

This bus terminal mainly focuses on the routes to provinces in Southern Vietnam like Danang, Buon Ma Thuot or Ho Chi Minh City. However, from here you can still have bus going to other provinces in Northern Vietnam like Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa.

My Dinh terminal (Ben xe My Đinh): No.20, Pham Hung Str., My Dinh, Tu Liem, Hanoi.

Bus departing from this terminal will go to Northern provinces like Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Lang Son, Hung Yen, Thai Binh, Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh.

Gia Lam terminal (Ben xe Gia Lam): No.9, Ngo Gia Kham Str., Long Bien, Hanoi
>> see more: what to do in ho chi minh
This bus terminal mainly focuses on the routes to Northern provinces like Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Lang Son, Hung Yen, Thai Binh, Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh.

Luong Yen terminal (Ben xe Luong Yen): No.3, Nguyen Khoai Str., Hanoi. Bus going to Hai Phong can be found here.

Nuoc Ngam terminal (Ben xe Nuoc Ngam): No.8, Giai Phong Str., Hanoi.

This bus terminal focuses on the routes to provinces in the Central like Nghe An, Ha Tinh.

Yen Nghia terminal ( Ben xe Yen Nghia): Thanh Xuan, Ha Noi.

This is the newest and modernist terminal in Hanoi, opened since 2009. You can take bus going to Hoa Binh, Son La, Thai Nguyen from here.

>> further reading: vietnam best time to visit

More about → How to take bus from hanoi to other places

Travelling by bus in vietnam

The price depends on the distance of the route and type of seats chosen. Tourists can ask their travel agencies to purchase ticket in advance, or even book ticket via phone or Internet by themselves.

If you are stuck on the very first steps such as how to find a bus or which route to go, stay calm and read the following guide.

In Vietnam, bus is the cheapest and most convenient means of transportation for foreign travellers, since the bus system has been well-developed and covered almost every part of the country.

Interprovincial buses

>> more: what to do in ho chi minh

Notice that Internet booking bus ticket is not very popular, only applicable to a few large bus companies like Hoang Long. If you depart from minor provinces and there is no direct route to your intend destinations, it is advisable to catch a bus to major cities (Hanoi for northern provinces, Hue or Da Nang for central area, and Ho Chi Minh City for southern provinces) and then change the bus there.

Local buses

In Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and some major tourism destinations, there is public bus service for people both local and foreigners. Those buses also departure from major terminals before heading to other streets. In other provinces, we also have buses run by private companies. Passengers can catch bus at bus stops scattering around the province and buy ticket directly from the conductor. Although the ticket is very cheap (under VND 10000), the service is not very high (you may have to stand if the bus is too crowded, the bus may not have air conditioner, or the conductor cannot speak English). However, local bus is one interesting way to understand more or make friends with local people.

Bus travel tips

• Only buy bus tickets from registered booths of large companies inside the terminals. Some prestigious names to mention are Hoang Long, Viet Thanh, Sinh café, Hanh Café and Mai Linh. Avoid waiving bus along the way for your own safety reasons (those buses may run around the cities until it collects enough passengers, which may take hours)

>> hanoi ho chi minh mausoleum

• Ask the price before hopping on or you may be overcharged. Normally, ticket price is the same to everyone.

• Bring along with you a piece of paper and a pen to write down your destination or questions, as language barrier can cause difficulties.

• Keep strict eye on your luggage and wallet, especially if using public and local bus.

• Do not hesitate to ask the conductor, the driver or even your fellow passengers if there is anything making you confused. Vietnamese are very friendly; they will be more than willing to help you.

>> further reading: things to do in danang

More about → Travelling by bus in vietnam

Savico Mega Mall - largest commercial center

Shopping
Famous fashion and cosmetic brand names like Adidas, Converse, Vera, Etude House…can be found on the first floor of the building, while qualified electronic, high-tech products like 3D TV, HD cameras, and prestigious domestic computer center Tran Anh are available on the second floor.
The supermarket Big C, sitting at the basement of the buildingand drawing ten thousands of customers every day, offers numerous choices for daily household products and abundant groceries.
Dining
Savico offers customers a wide range of fast food restaurants including KFC, Lotteria, Pizza Hut, Hot wok and so on. For seafood lovers, elegant Seafood One on the third floor is really a good choice. The spacious restaurant with huge glass wall offers great view over the town: it is a wise choice for wedding reception or business party also.
Entertainment
>> things to do in danang
Mega Fun center with exiting games promises to give children and their family enjoyable experiences. In special occasions like Christmas, Tet or International Women’s Day, vibrant live music shows and exhibitions are held at spacious area in front of the major block. As planned, Savico Mall will soon include a modern cinema which will be an added bonus to the shopping center.
Location & Getting there
Located in the less populated area of Hanoi (at 7-9 Nguyen Van Linh), Savico is easier to access to than other major malls like Vincom, which is also an advantage when it comes to parking and relaxing shopping experience. At the same time, the close proximity to the city center (only 5km far from Sword Lake) makes Savico an ideal get-away for families and shoppers on weekend.
Treat yourself to some fine dining and luxury shopping at Savico!
>> vietnam best time to visit
Officially opening at the end of 2011, Savico Mega Mall is the largest commercial center in Vietnam with the total area of about 60,000m2. As the most modern shopping center in Long Bien District, Hanoi, Savico Mall provides capital citizens one more choice for shopping and entertainment besides the already over-capacity run like Vincom, or The Garden.
Savico shopping center features a big blog consisting of three floors and one semi-basement which is dedicated for shopping, dining and entertainment, a smaller one for car display, together with a spacious area for parking, event organizing, interlacing with green trees and elevated water tank.

>> what to do in ho chi minh

More about → Savico Mega Mall - largest commercial center

Ben Thanh Market Saigon

Built in 1870 by the French, the market was initially called Les Halles Centrales before being renamed Ben Thanh in 1912. From a wet market created by street vendors by the early 17th century, Ben Thanh has experienced many ups and downs throughout it’s history, and is now the oldest surviving market and one of symbols of Ho Chi Minh city. That makes it a must for any visitors travelling to this 300-year-old city.
Today, because the market possesses one of the most crucial locations in District 1 (the intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao Avenues and Le Lai Street), transportation is extremely convenient and trade is bustling. In the morning, you can find almost everything from dry food to clothes for a reasonable price. The market atmosphere can sometime be a real hustle and bustle, but it is an exciting experience after all. However, always remember that bargain is a must in any Vietnamese market.
>> hanoi ho chi minh mausoleum
Being a bustling market in the daytime and a social center after sunset, Ben Thanh Market is absolutely a must-see attraction of the most dynamic city of Vietnam.
Believe it or not, even though you have spent years shopping at several malls and commercial centers that shopping has become a boring and ordinary task to you, exploring an Asian market is always an exhilarating experience. Visit Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and you will understand. Being a bustling market in the daytime and a social center after sunset, Ben Thanh Market is absolutely a must-see attraction of the most dynamic city of Vietnam.
Past and Presence

From late afternoon until late night, the shops inside the market are closed, but several restaurants are open outside on the surrounding streets. These small yet interesting restaurants can offer you a variety of choices: bubble teas, grills, seafood, etc. When you are tired of eating, stand up and take a walk along the neighborhood which has in no time transformed into a night market full of lights and glamour.
Ben Thanh Market is possibly the most well-known symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, showing up in a large number of publications, movies, online articles. Why it is so? Because your trip to Ho Chi Minh City cannot be completed without a visit to Ben Thanh market to experience the “real Vietnam”!
What can be found here
>> vietnam best time to visit
Ben Thanh is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests dishes freshly made to the order. Here, one can taste various kinds of local dishes like banh xeo, banh cuon, banh beo, cha gio, hu tiu… In the evening, while all stalls inside the market are closed, sidewalk restaurants around the market open and make it extraordinary lively area. One of the most recommended foods by tourists is deep fried whole fish, so remember to try it at least once when you dine here. Besides, one can also taste seafood and enjoy cool beer at cheap price (only $1-2 for a beer only). One advice for tourists is not sitting deep into the crowded food tent to avoid the heat.
Curious about what the locals eat, wear or use daily? Just come here and find out the answer. From clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry to kitchen ware, grocery, sweets, and great Vietnamese coffee… every thing that Saigonese need for their daily life can be found here. Taking a look at things for sale here, seeing how people make transactions or which kind of goods is purchased most by the locals, one can learn much about the local life and get useful experience for shopping in Vietnam also. For the ones who are keen on shopping, here is exactly the place you are looking for.
Besides goods for daily use, tourists can find here variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs. Just pick up some cute fridge magnets or delicated small piece of lacquer, one has got small gifts for friends and family at home or something to remind him/her about the trip to Ho Chi Minh city. “I live in Bangkok, the land of markets, but I still found this market rather interesting. It sells items slightly different from what I get in Thailand. Fascinated by the coffee bean/powder and knick knack shops. My sons bought a fridge magnet each with famous Vietnamese landmarks on them. I don't normally purchase souvenirs when I am overseas but landed up with some nice pieces of lacquer from one of the shops”, a tourist from Bangkok said. Here is some advices for an idea of what to buy when you are in Ho Chi Minh City.
More: Shopping Guide in Ho Chi Minh City
Travel Tips
>> things to do in danang
Though quality of goods is quite good but price here is often inflated up to two or three times than the initial. Hence, one should “go at least three or four stalls to compare the prices, and see how cheap you can bargain the items down to”, Peter Stevenson, a tourists from Gold Coast, Australia shared.
Another tip is go shopping in the market before 8am for “morning price” that is a little lower than the usual for the same good. “Cool” price at the beginning of the day is for easier first transaction which is believed to bring about good luck to the sellers for the rest of the day.

More about → Ben Thanh Market Saigon

Reunification Palace - famous historical witness in Ho chi minh city

Since its construction, the building has gone through several renovation.  A major work was undertaken from 1962 to 1963, which made the President change his office temporarily to Gia Long Palace, which is now the location of Ho Chi Minh City Museum. Much political turbulence led to the come and go of several South Vietnam President, until 1975 when the war officially ended and Vietnam became one country.
Visitor information
The Reunification Palace is open all the week from 7.30 AM to 11.30AM and 1.00PM to 5.00 PM. Entrance ticket is VND 20,000 (about $1). Guided tours in English are also available. Getting there is extremely easy by taxi, motorbike or walking, as the palace is so well-known and right in the center.
>> old quarter
Like Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi, Reunification Palace (formerly known as Independence Palace) has stayed in the mind of many generations of not only Vietnamese but also foreigners. It is known as the famous historical witness which passed through the two fierce wars against the French and American colonists. The palace was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City and designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu. As Vietnam was split into North Vietnam and South Vietnam, the building served as presidential home and workplace. Today in most locals' minds, the palace is remembered vividly as a marked end to the war, just like the fall of Berlin Wall, as the North Vietnamese tank crashed its gates on April 30th, 1975.
>> vietnam best time to visit
Like Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi, Reunification Palace (formerly known as Independence Palace) has stayed in the mind of many generations of not only Vietnamese but also foreigners. I
Location and History

Its current address is at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City - right at one end of Le Duan Street. It borders other 3 streets: Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street in the back, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street on the right and Nguyen Du on the left.
A witness of history
Reunification Palace’s architecture is a blend of traditional ritual and modern architecture, typical of the 60s’. However, the design of the complex is not as appealing to tourists as all the historical events related to this building. Wandering around its rooms, visitors may be reminded of various important moments in the past of Vietnam, especially the war command room with its huge maps and old communication equipment, as well as the basement labyrinth. The building now functions as a museum, where visitors can view the F5E fighter plane which bombed the palace on 8thApril 1975 and tank 843 which led the final assault through the palace gate at 11.30AM on 30th April 1975.
>> what to do in ho chi minh

More about → Reunification Palace - famous historical witness in Ho chi minh city

Reviews about Ho Chi Minh City Airport

Although being the largest airport of Vietnam, Tan Son Nhat Airport still has space for improvement. Still, numerous passengers who have visited this airport all appraised that this could be the best airport in term of services and infrastructures in Indochina peninsula.

Goods:

- Many passengers comment that the staff and officers at this airport are nice, intimate and courteous which is much better than at its counterpart Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. From immigration officers, security guardians to other staff, all of them keep friendly and helpful manner to each passenger they meet. Especially with international passengers, they are nicer and more courteous to show the hospitality of Vietnamese to foreigners.

- Spacious and airy hall for passengers to rest and wait for their flights, therefore guests do not feel too noisy and uproarious staying at this airport. There are also numerous comfortable couches and chairs for passengers to take a shot nap or sleep before the flights.

- Custom and flight procedure here are extremely rapid so passengers do not waste a lot of time stand at security court and check from head to toes. No fingerprints checking, fast immigration checking and stamping, and passengers can pass security gates fast.

- Common comment of passengers after being at Tan Son Nhat Airport is that the place is always clean. The housekeepers do a great job in keeping all halls, terminals and other areas in quality hygiene standard.

>> what to do in ho chi minh

Bads

- One negative point of Tan Son Nhat Airport is the taxi service at the main entrance of the airport. There are many taxi companies operating at this area, but many of them are low in quality but charge customers higher than other, and even higher to foreigners. Passengers should only choose to travel by reputable suppliers like Saigon Air Taxi, Vinasun Taxi or Mai Linh Taxi.

- Another issue at this airport is there are plenty of petty thieves who take advantage of negligence of passengers to steal valuable items from them. The security team at the airport cannot cover all area, so each passenger should be a guardian themselves to keep an eye on their luggage.

- Also there are various shops and kiosks with famous brands are at this airport, kinds and diversity of products here are pretty low. There are only some model of products for each type of goods, and furnishing of shops here is totally nor as attractive as other shops outside

Read more:
>> vietnam best time to visit

More about → Reviews about Ho Chi Minh City Airport

Air-china meals review

Each in-flight meal served during trips of Air China is a combination of Chinese and Western culinary style, which is carefully selected based on seasonal variation and healthy standard. Besides, the airline tries to renew its menu every month in order to present the diversity of Chinese foods and refresh the appetite of passengers.


Hot meals are only available to passengers on flights lasting more than one and a half hour and coinciding with meal time. In-flight meals of Air China are of acceptable level rather than upper class with Western style of pastries and fruits, while passenger may have better and wider options for lunch and dinner cooked by professional chiefs.

Additionally, meals are also differentiated between classes that higher ones may receive higher quality dishes and drink. For passengers having special order, please remember to announce the airline in advance to book for your option.

In-flight meals of Air China are often commented as very filling; some passengers even complain that it’s overloading for them with 2 meals during 12 hours flight. However, this may be good news for someone with large appetitie.

Useful infomation: >> what to do in ho chi minh

More about → Air-china meals review

Frequent flyer program - Air China flights to Vietnam

The Chinese airline has its official name of Air China Limited and is flag carrier of China. The airline is also proudly to be listed as the tenth largest airline in the world in term of the fleet size. Although Air China doesn’t possess as huge number of passenger as its two biggest domestic competitors, it is still the most profitable airline that has largest market value in the world.


Air China currently provides very limited flights to Vietnam and they land only in Ho Chi Minh City. Also, most of these flights are indirect flights that have a transit point in Beijing. There is only one route from Beijing to Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, but the flights on this route also need to stop at Shenzhen Airport before reaching Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The flights on this route only operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 19.00 (Beijing time) and the lowest fare for one adult in the Economy class is around 365.63 USD for one way trip and 538.37 for a round trip.

>> old quarter

Established: 1988
Logo: red artistic phoenix
Key people: Kong Dong – Chairman; Cai Jianjang – President
Fleet: 285 in service and 258 orders, consisting of all state of the art models of Airbus and Boeing.
Alliance: Star Alliance

International routes

From its three main hubs: Beijing Capital International Airport, Chengdu Shuanhgliu International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Air China carry its passengers to an extending destination network of 47 cities from within Asia to Middle East, Western Europe, North America and Australia. Furthermore, the cooperation with Star Alliance allows the airline to expand its network to a shocking number of 1,160 international destinations of 181 countries.

Domestic routes

Thanks to the possession of 285 aircrafts in service, Air China is in capable of transporting its domestic passengers to 91 destinations inside the country. Below is the domestic route map of Air China:

Frequent flyer program

The frequent flyer program named “Phoenix Miles” of Air China is the very first program to be launched in China. Passengers may receive free trip and upgrades by earning mileage by travelling on Air China and its alliance. Owners of Silver and Gold VIP card may have the priority to get 25% mileage bonus while Platinum card owner receive 50% mileage bonus.


Further readings
>> vietnam best time to visit
>> things to do in danang

More about → Frequent flyer program - Air China flights to Vietnam

Vietnam railway timetables and tickets

Following are the timetable and ticket information for North-south trains and Hanoi - Sapa trains. We will keep them updated as frequently as we can. If you want to see what train berths and seats image click here.

sapa vietnam

For a map of Vietnam railway from North to South, see Vietnam Railway Map and System.

Train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi



Specific Train Routes:

Trains Departing from Hanoi

Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi - Hue
Hanoi - Danang
Hanoi - Nha Trang
Hanoi - Sapa

Trains from Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang
Ho Chi Minh City - Danang
Ho Chi Minh City - Hue

Trains Departing from Hue

Hue - Ho Chi Minh City
Hue - Nha Trang
Hue - Danang
Hue - HanoI

Trains Departing from Da Nang

things to do in hanoi vietnam

Danang - Hanoi
Danang - Ho Chi Minh City
Danang - Nha Trang
Danang - Hue

Trains from Nha Trang

Nha Trang - Hanoi
Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City
Nha Trang - Da Nang
Nha Trang - Hue

Hanoi - Sapa Trains

Hanoi - Sapa Train Information
Royal Express Train
Ratraco Express Train
Hara Express Train
Livitrans Express Train
King Express Train
Orient Express Train
Sapaly Express Train


Further readings
hanoi ho chi minh mausoleum

More about → Vietnam railway timetables and tickets

Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh city train station

HANOI TRAIN STATION

Address: 120 Le Duan Street, Hanoi
Tel: (+84-43) 825-3949
Ticket Hours: 7:30 - 19:30  

things to do in danang

Hanoi Train Station has many alternate names – Tran Quy Cap, Hang Co or Le Duan Train Station (since this place use to be grass selling area for horse). It was established in 1902 by the French Colonial, originally to serve the French Government in transporting coal and other minerals to Haiphong port, and from there to deliver to France. After 1945, the station became the place to transfer soldiers to the South.

In 1976, Hanoi Train Station was rebuilt the last time and now become one of the most important stations of Vietnam Railway System. Now it has 2 areas: Area A (located on Le Duan street) is for the Thong Nhat railways, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh city. Area B (located on Tran Quy Cap street) is for others railways (to North highlands, for example). Nowadays the station are modernized and upgraded with free Wifi, and railroad infrastructure sees frequent maintenance services. Read more about Hanoi train station.

More:

Train from Hanoi to Hue
Train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Train from Hanoi to Nha Trang
Train from Hanoi to Danang

HUE TRAIN STATION

Address: 2 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Hue
Tel: (+84-543) 822-175
Ticket Hours: 7:30 - 19:30  



Hue Train Station lays on the straight railways from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, built by the French Colonials in 1906 to transfer goods from the South to the North, and vice versa. This is a historical place, where patriots used to connect together through the secret areas around the station. In 1945, the station earned the name Tran Cao Van station, and from that time to 1975, the Station has carried thousands of young people to the South to fight for the Liberation. Nowadays Hue Train Station, based on Bui Thi Xuan Street, is one of important station of the country, a big transit point of the Center of Vietnam.

old quarter

More:

Train from Hue to Hanoi
Train from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City

HO CHI MINH CITY TRAIN STATION

Address: 1 Nguyen Thong Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (+84-83) 843-6528
Ticket Hours: 7:30 - 19:30


Ho Chi Minh City Train Station is located in District 3, the most crucial economic and social center in the South of Vietnam. Its location makes this place an important node in the North –South railways system of Vietnam. The station serves more than a million passengers and thousands tons of goods annually, and this number is expected to increase rapidly in the foreseeable future. Back to the past, this station has been built on the base of the former Hoa Hung train station since 1978 after the North and South of Vietnam had been integrated. The construction of the new Saigon train station lasted for 5 years until 1983, an after that, this train station has become the main hub for train in the area that serves both people and goods. At present, Ga Saigon (Ho Chi Minh's train station) is also the most modern train station in the South of Vietnam, with high quality facility and well equipped waiting room. These services do not only aim to satisfy the passengers, but also reflect the accelerative development of Vietnam’s railways industry.

hanoi ho chi minh mausoleum

More about → Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh city train station

Train from Hanoi to Sapa

The best way for tourists to travel to Sapa - one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam - is to travel by train, thanks to its advantage of both time and money. Departing from Hanoi station during night time, the train arrives at Lao Cai station, a city adjacent to Chinese border, in early morning and vice versa. (Starting in early 2015, travelers can also visit Sapa by taking day bus. One way travel time is approximately 6 hours).

what to do in ho chi minh

To meet the needs of tourists, service providers have upgraded the train with full amenities such as air-conditioner, clean bathroom, and comfortable beds with different names for each type of cars. When you hear Sapaly Express or Livitrans Epxress, they are not actual trains but just different cars attached to the same train operated by national railways.


Sapa Train


Luxury four berth cabin from Hanoi to Sapa and back

Generally, it can be divided into three types of cabins: 4-berth cabin, 6-berth cabin and soft-seat cabin. Tourist trains also run VIP cabin where the upper berths are removed, allowing for more space and privacy for just 2 people. The price per person in a 4-berth room ranges from $35 to $45 and 6-berth cabin is between $20-$25. A return ticket can also be bought right from Hanoi. Children less than five years old will not be charged any ticket fee and will share beds with their parents.

Train Schedule Fare:


From Hanoi:

Depart Hanoi Arrive Lao Cai Fare

Orient Express 9:40 pm 05:25 am $40

Fanxipan Express 9:40 pm 05:25 am $42

Livitrans Express 9:40 pm 05:25 am $38

Pumpkin Express 9:40 pm 05:25 am $35

Sapaly Express 10:00 pm 06:15 am $45

King Express 10:00 pm 06:15 am $35

Hara Express 10:00 pm 06:15 am $35


vietnam best time to visit

From Lao Cai:


Depart Lao Cai Arrive Hanoi Fare

Orient Express 8:15 pm 04:15 am $40

Fanxipan Express 8:15 pm 04:15 am $42

Livitrans Express 8:15 pm 04:15 am $38

Pumpkin Express 8:15 pm 04:15 am $35

Sapaly Express 9:05 pm 05:15 am $45

King Express 9:05 pm 05:15 am $35

Hara Express 9:05 pm 05:15 am $35



Each ride takes approximately eight to nine hours per way. There are also two morning trains that depart at 6:10 and 8:20 and arrive in the afternoon at 15:40 and 17:05 though it is not recommended that you take these trains as they make many stops along the way.


Lao Cai station is about 38 kilometers from Sapa, which takes about one hour going by bus or by car. The bus cost from Lao Cai – Sapa is $2-3 and ticket is available for purchase at the train station gate. Normally the bus stop is right in front of Sapa church, but tourists can also ask the bus driver to drop them off at their booked hotel.

For information and booking a train to Sapa, you can visit:

sapa vietnam

More about → Train from Hanoi to Sapa

Taking night train in Vietnam

Believe it or not, more than half of your trip time will be spent on transportation. Using night train or overnight flights will thus become a great solution for those who have a short holiday. Popular train routes from Hanoi to Sapa, Hanoi to Hue and Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi all offer night train options. It is mostly a comfortable trip and relatively safer than using coach or open tour bus, though the price can be higher.

vietnam travel guide

Currently, Vietnam Railways System (VRS) monopolize on all routes. The North-South train (formally named as Tau Thong Nhat or Reunification Railways) stops in almost all provinces, except for the Central Highland area. VRS also collaborates with private businesses to organize luxurious cabin option to tourists travelling from Hanoi to Sa Pa. There are almost every price level for your pocket and travel needs.

Safety and Security

There is no major warning about safety on train. However, if you go with a budget option of travelling overnight with a soft or hard-seat, hold on tight to your valuable possessions instead of placing them on the compartment above your head or under your seat. Pickpockets get in and out of the train, in between the stations. With the berth option, the only concern is about the level of noise from next door cabin- you never know who you share your compartment with.

vietnam best time to visit

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All-in-one guide to travel insurance

In many countries, purchasing and showing proof of a purchase for a travel insurance is a must as you apply for your travel documents. As you get a visa for Vietnam, you are not required to present one. But do you need one? The answer is YES, you will greatly benefit from a wisely picked travel insurance. And how to figure out which one is the best in the pool of insurance offered? We will tell you right now.

Travel Insurance is highly recommended for your trip to Vietnam
(Photo from http://www.worldinhabit.com)

The necessity of travel insurance

You can just skip this section if you already know how important it is to get travel insurance. For those who are still skeptical, read on.

There are things that could happen on the road, or even before you hit the road, to any one, in any country or territory and at any time. Following are some of the most popular scenarios: someone from your family gets sick and you need to cancel your non-refundable packaged tour; a sudden typhoon swept through the tropical island, making your flight and hotels cancel; get caught in the hospital for an injury (and in Vietnam, hospitals for foreigners usually charge an outrageous amount of money) and have to pour all of your previous savings into one treatment.

This is not to say Vietnam is an unsafe place to visit, but that anything can happen and it is better you get yourself prepared. Getting insurance sometimes will save you thousands of dollars, but in the least it gives you peace of mind. You know you are protected to a certain extent.

What types of travel insurance there are?

Thanks to Vietnam’s readily available tourism activities, you will find yourself anywhere from flying, taking cruise trips, staying at a high end resort, going kayaking on the bay or even simply crossing the streets. Fun as they may sound, some may be more prone to risk than others.

Currently in the insurance market, there is both individual and comprehensive plan for you to choose from: flight and trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance, medical evacuation insurance, baggage coverage insurance, excess valuation, to name a few. Depending on your particular trip and preference, you may find one that best suits your interest.

How much your insurance will cost you will depend on the number of days you travel, the destination you will be travelling (Vietnam is generally listed as a safer place, and costing less money for insurance, some other countries), and the types that you choose.

Below is a closer look at the different types of insurance:

Trip cancellation: If you book your flight with, Expedia or Orbitz or even directly from the airlines website such as Air Asia, chances are that you will be asked whether you want to purchase a flight or trip cancellation insurance. Unless you are 100% sure that you will make it for the trip, it may be wise to purchase one. This flight cancellation insurance starts from $13 and will be an excellent deal in case your flight or trip gets cancelled.

Flight Insurance: Flight insurance will help only in the case the plane crashed which is unheard of the history of flights to Vietnam. Plus you can always combine this insurance type with the comprehensive plan mentioned below.

Baggage Insurance: You won’t be a happy traveller as you land and find out that you lost your baggage or your 2 trolleys were totally damaged. Most airlines will provide only hefty reimbursement in case of lost luggage. Baggage insurance will be necessary if you travel long distance.

Travel Health insurance: Your national health care insurance will not cover your trip to Vietnam in particular. The Australian Reciprocal Medicare Agreement only entitle Australian nationals to get discounted treatment while in the UK, New Zealand, Sweden, Italy, among others, but Vietnam is not currently on the list. Canadians with OHIP coverage will too bear the full cost of medical expense while abroad. For US citizens, some private health insurance may cover basic needs for your travel but no company will assist you to evacuate or repatriate back to the homeland with your existing plan. With the evacuation or medication pack, you will be aided in case of injury or death and flown back to your home country. The annual premium starts from $250.

Other insurances available for your consideration are: Adventure travel, Credit card coverage, extreme sports insurance, to name a few.

Instead of going with individual coverage you may also purchase insurance plan:

Vacation plan: this is the most popular type of all travel insurance. Vacation plan includes trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, loss or delays of luggage, and some over coverage depending on the insurance providers.

Specialty plan: this includes evacuation plans, accident plans, which cover the emergency evacuation and often-sold on annual basis. The insurance will cover transport and any emergency medial costs associated with the occurrence while you are abroad.

Travel medical plan: Travel medical insurance will focus on your health only so do not expect them to cover your baggage loss or trip cancellation. The coverage under this plan will include your medical expenses while abroad and emergency evacuations.

When to get your travel insurance?

It is best to get your travel insurance as you start your booking process: reserving a flight ticket, making deposit for a package tour to Vietnam or paying for your cruise trips.

Where to start looking for travel insurance?

Below are some of the more prestigious travel insurance providers by countries:

Canada: Travel Guard, Kanetix (www.kanetix.ca), Manu Life (www.manulife.ca), RBC (http://www.rbcinsurance.com/travelinsurance/index.html)

US: Travel Guard, (http://www.travelguard.com)

UK: travel guard, Tesco Bank, Barclay (www.barclays.co.uk)

Australia: Travel guard, World Nomad, Travel Insurance Cover (www.travelinsurancecover.com.au)

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Around the Old Quarter Hanoi

Ever wonder how to get around Hanoi Old Quarter? Below are a comprehensive list of what you can use to discover old city:

>> Vietnam best time to visit

1/ Taxi:

Taxi is inexpensive and abundance in Hanoi Old Quarter. Make sure you get on a taxi that has a brand and a phone number. Although there are cases of taxi scams reported in the past, it happens rarely during the day. The most trusted taxi brand is Taxi Group (painted white with red and blue line). Costs: $50-75 cents/ km.

2/ Bus:

There are buses that connect Hanoi Old Quarter with the rest of the city. The most noted ones are:

- Number 9: connection to Hanoi Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (depart from bus stop near Hoan Kiem Lake)

- Number 14: connection to East side of the West Lake (depart from bus stop near Hoan Kiem Lake)

- Number 31: connection to Giap Bat Bus station (depart from bus stop near Hoan Kiem Lake)

- Number 17: connection to Noi Bai Airport (depart from bus stop near Dong Xuan market)

- Number 23: connection to Temple of Literature (depart from bus stop on Ly Nam De street)

If you want to experience the most local way of life, taking a bus is the best idea. Make sure you print out a bus map in advance. Ticket costs: 7,000 VND (about 30 cents)

3/ Train:

There is no train line inside the city

4/ Walking:

Hanoi Old Quarter is not the most pedestrian-friendly city in the world, but walking is the best way to explore the Old Quarter. Walking from one end to another in the Old Quarter takes about 30 minutes.

5/ Cyclos:

Cyclo normally only does trip around the Old Quarter and to nearby attraction such as Temple of Literature but not longer than that. It is an enjoyable way to slowly swallow in the beauty of the city. Agree on a price before you set to go.

6/ Electric car:

Several electric cars run tours around the Old Quarter. Sometimes it does not have fixed schedule but wait until it gets full, or you can pay full fare to charter the car. These cars will take you around the Old Quarter to highlighted streets.

7/ Cycling:

Hanoi Old Quarter is not the best place for cyclists. Way too many motorbike and honking will just make a ride not a recommended thing to do.

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5 things must do while in Old Quarter Hanoi

Ha Noi Viet nam Old Quarter definitely has so many interesting cultural places for you to visit, even by just spending time walking around the Quarter, you can have a grasp of the local’s life hundreds of years ago.

Try one of the many treats along the way

Bia Hoi at Ta Hien corner

Discover the vibrant market scene at Dong Xuan market

However, since travelling time is always never enough, here are some handy suggestions about top things to do if you decide to visit this unique quarter but don’t have a lot of time:

1. Watch water puppet show

This should absolutely go on the top of your list! The water puppet show, a tradition dated back a thousand years ago, never fails to surprise audiences by the deeply cultural content and the artistic performances by the wooden puppets that seem to have a soul inside. The fascinating combination of many different kinds of traditional arts, from the colorful puppets made of wood dancing beautifully on the water surface, to the orchestra playing traditional instruments that you cannot see anywhere else in the world, is sure to blow your mind away!

2. Walk through Dong Xuan Market

If you want to immerse yourself in the everyday life of the local people, one quick way is to walk around Dong Xuan Market, an indispensable part of their life for over a hundred of years. There are many kinds of goods on display, so you can definitely buy something as a gift for yourself as well as for your family and friends.

3. Drink Bia Hoi at Ta Hien

After a day of walking around the Ha Noi Old Quarter, it’s a good idea to spend some time sitting down enjoying Beer Hoi, a kind of homemade beer, on Ta Hien Street. Sipping beer on the sidewalk on small plastic chairs and tables full of people, you enjoy a buzzy atmosphere feeling like you are truly a part of this vibrant city.

4. Visit a temple

As a prevalently Buddhist country, there are so many temples and pagodas around the Ha Noi Old Quarter, each conceals an interesting story and has a unique architecture. Visiting a temple helps you understand not only about the religious life of the local people but also about their beliefs and values through the stories.

5. Try a food vendor

Last but not least, your trip to Ha Noi will not be complete if you don’t try some food vendors here. Modestly located on the sidewalk, food vendors offer you high quality local street food with a cheap price. However, if you a foreigner, bargain is quite a must.

Get more: Hanoi Ho Chi Minh mausoleum

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Top 5 foods you should not miss in vietnam travel

A list of most popular local foods that should not be missed in Hanoi, take a look and find out what are they.

1. Xôi xéo: (Xoi Xeo Hanoi)
Chances are you will encounter this dish in almost every outdoors market. There are even two restaurants dedicated fully to this dish in the Old Quarters. Xoi xeo is sticky rice topped with ground de-hulled mung bean and fried onion. Sometimes it can be served with eggs or steamed chicken breast on request. The serving is really filling and it is good for any time of the day but most Vietnamese have it for breakfast or lunch.

Xoi Xeo Hanoi

Where to try:
Xoi Yen is a all time local favourite sitting just North of Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem lake) on Nguyen Huu Huan street. Ask anyone in the area and they all know what you are referring to. The price varies, without chicken, a bowl of Xoi xeo costs you about 50 cents. Have it with a glass of soy milk and you have more energy boost than a box of granola bars! (Read more about Xoi Xeo).

2. Bánh cuốn:
If the French has this famous delicious crepe made of wheat, egg and dairy products; Vietnamese and particularly Hanoian is proud of their steamed crepe from rice flour and water. A savoury meal, the inside stuffing contains ground pork, wood-ear and seasoning. Most street chefs make the dish right at door so look for a place that steams are coming up high. Banh cuon is served with nuoc mam, a mixture of fish sauce, sugar and lime.

Vietnamese Banh Cuon

Where to try:
Banh cuon Gia An – Ba Trieu street (opposite to Vincom tower) is a more upscale restaurants specializing in Banh Cuon. The price is not that big a difference (about $1.5 for a serving) compared with other street vendors (about 50-70 cents). Banh cuon there is made without preservative and of high hygiene condition. You can ask for a vegetarian option as well. (Read more about Banh Cuon Vietnam).

3. Phở (Noodle soup):
This universally famous food is best enjoyed in Hanoi, where it was “invented” in the early 20th century. Pho- or rice noodle soup- is omnipresent in Hanoi, appearing anywhere from street vendors to high end restaurant chain Pho 24. Some is served with chicken and some with beef. Each type of meat entails a variety of sub-dish, using from beef tenderloin to beef brisket, chicken wing to chicken thigh. The tip is, look for the place where locals gather the most and you know where you should order and sit down.

Noodle soup

Where to try:
Pho Bat Dan is a famous local restaurants famous for its pho bo (beef rice noodle soup). Located in the Old quarter “jungle”, the store easily stands out for the long line of people waiting to be served. You are highly recommended to join the local, line up for the pho bowl and bring it to a selected table to eat (Read more about Pho).

4. Bún thang:
If Pho is compatible to linguine in shape, Bun is more like spaghetti. Bun thang is one of the most popular yet hidden fares in Hanoi and one can hardly find it outside of the Old quarters or a few special restaurants scattering across the city. The chicken broth is artistically done and the dish is beautifully served. Bun thang is a harmonious blend of color- the yellow of sliced egg; the white of bun; the off-white of chicken and the green of onions and herbs.

Where to try:
Bun thang Ba Duc on Cau Go street is a great place to try the dish. This street vendor has a limited number of seats on the pavement but you will be surprised how many people can fit in the two storey old house behind the stall. Enjoy bun thang in such a setting gives the meal enormous highlights in your trip to Hanoi.

5. Cha ca La Vong:
You think you have read about this name somewhere and yes, you are right. Cha ca La Vong is listed as one of the top 100 things you gotta try before you die by many cuisine experts. It is exquisitely grilled fish served with bún, peanut, green onions, dills and shrimp paste. The fish is carefully chosen so that there are not too many bones and fishy smells. A glass of bia hoi or tra da will definitely give your meal more flavour.

Where to try:
Cha ca La Vong restaurant on 14 Cha Ca street is renowned nationally and internationally for its tradition and quality of serving the dish. It is much more expensive than other local food but the fact that you are sitting in one of the oldest house in Hanoi, served by the most traditionally styled chef is all worth it. ($6-8, with drink).

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Vietnamese conjugal cake - "Banh Phu The"

In Vietnam,“Banh Phu The” is a special cake, which symbolises the loyalty of a husband and wife…

The conjugal cake is normally served at Vietnamese weddings and used as a wedding invitation or taken by the man’s family to the woman’s family on engagement day. The stickiness of the cake is said to signify the stickiness of the marriage ties. Traditionally, a guy would offer these to the girl he wants to marry. Now these cakes are still an essential part of a wedding banquet, or the gift packages that the groom’s family send over to the bride’s.

“Banh Phu The” is a Vietnamese sweet with a jelly-like texture made of tapioca flour, pandan, mung bean paste, sugar, sesame seeds and coconut milk. It is very unique with a leaf covering that looks like a tiny square box, made from coconut leaves. The reason it is called Banh “Phu The” is because of how it is wrapped: a box on the top fits perfectly with the box on the bottom. If you would like ton know how to make this special cake, you can visit Dinh Bang – a famous Vietnamese village in Bac Ninh Province, then you can view the method to prepare this husband and wife cake, as follows:

Ingredients:

– 1kg kudzu powder, refined

– 800g refined sugar

– 200g coconut flesh, scraped in thin threads

– 300g green beans

– 50 coconut leaves

– 15 pineapple leaves

To prepare:

Filling

Cut green beans in halves, soak in warm water for five hours. Strain and remove skin of green beans. Rinse.

Steam green beans and grind into a paste.

Mix green bean paste with 200g sugar, then cook over a low flame and stir until the mixture loses its sticky texture.

Spread the mixture 3cm thick on a large tray, cool and cut into 6x6cm square pieces.

Cover

Wash and clean pineapple leaves and cut into 60cm strips so that only the middle remains.

Arrange the coconut leaves into a square or hexagonal shape to form a box roughly 25x30cm wide and place a pineapple leaf on top.

Dissolve the kudzu powder and remaining sugar in water. Use two and a half times as much water to the amount of powder.

Cook over a low flame, stirring until the mixture becomes a paste. Extinguish flame, add threads of coconut flesh and mix well.

Fill the coconut leaf boxes with the coconut flesh mixture and place the green bean filling in the centre.

Put the boxes in the steamer and cook for 20 minutes, until the cake becomes clear.

“Banh phu the” is a lot more interesting in texture and flavor. In the real one, the cake has it green color and flavor by being steamed inside its box…

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Street Food Heaven for young people in Hanoi

You read it right folks, there is such a place called “Freedom Lane” (Ngõ Tự Do) in Ha Noi, Vietnam. And it is a location that is full of delicious, inexpensive street food, mainly to provide affordable, flavorful tastefulness for high school and university students of Ha Noi. After this article, I hope to see travelers from overseas making their way to this foodie paradise and literally get a taste of our university life.

This place is always packed in the evening

Freedom Lane (Ngõ Tự Do) is located as branch from Tran Dai Nghia Street. For those who are unfamiliar with the city of Ha Noi, finding way to this students-populated area can be a pain, so it might be a good idea to acquire assistance from a local students. And not to worry, they would be happy to help, as long as tasty food is on the agenda. The Lane also provides dormitory accommodation for the students of National Economics University, so expect to dive into a pool of young, intellect, friendly and hungry people. This place is almost always buzzing thanks to food stalls and restaurants popping up left, right and center. They provide a wide variety of the most popular dishes among young people. These are dishes that you would not come across in offices of travel agencies. So if you come across this article, you know you are not going to miss this blessing.

So let’s get on with the main attractions. There are many restaurants in this bustle lane, but there are certain places that have established their reputation among youngsters.
Dũng Béo Quán

With food stalls popping up left right and center in this neighborhood, you can bet that not all of them are good. But just ask anyone here, just look everywhere else, and you will know that Dũng Béo Quán is the best around.

Just take your first step in the neighborhood and you will easily recognize the busiest and biggest restaurant that is filled with students. And that is for good reason, this place is surely three or even four times bigger than other restaurants here, and it is still not big enough sometimes. The menu is endless. You can’t try everything on it, not all at once, so here are some that you must pick first.

Snails, they taste better than they sound

Firstly, snails and clams. Please do not underestimate. These guys are huge, surely bigger than those you might find elsewhere. The dipping sauce is original and really brings out the flavor of the dish. Below is a picture of a bowl of clam stir-fried with coconut milk and tamarind – the specialty that put this place on the map.

Next up is “Nem chua”. This is a kind of sausage-like meatball, which is hot, crispy and addictive. So save room for others.

Roasted bird is also a nice choice that packs tons of flavors to come along with its own original dipping sauce. This dish is perfect to enjoy in an autumn day.

And if you are traveling in groups, why not try some hot pots to warm up in those cold winter days?

Those are some of the must-try from Dũng Béo quán. But there are still other things to enjoy while you are around.
Pho

Of course you cannot have Vietnam flavors without Pho. The dish comes with everything that represents Vietnam. It comes with fish, liver, chicken, pork, beef, snail, tofu,… and of course you cannot leave out the love of the ones who make it.
Monsieur Crêpe

A special night at Monsieur Crêpe

If traditional Vietnamese food is not your thing, then this is still a reason to seek out Freedom Lane. This place has one of the best Crepes in town. It is built as a Cafe, so you can come, sit down, have some thing to eat or drink, study or work, or just simply have a chat with someone.
Entertainment

Food is not the only attraction here. Sit down with the local students, find out more about their college life in one of the cafes. Visit the National Economics University dormitory. Compete in a video game showdown at one of those internet cafes or console houses. Take part in one of the musical events, listen to the performance of Vietnamese students as they display their artistic passion, or even show them that you want a piece of the stage as well. Participation is always welcomed among the new generation of Vietnamese.

They deserve a chance

So in conclusion. I just want to point out that I wrote this article straight from my heart. Everything that you have just read was simply experience of my days in university. And that represents what I love about my country. I have faith in the new generations of Vietnamese. The food here is only one of the things that this generation has to offer the world. These people need to be given a chance to make changes and to be heard.

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