Vietnam 2023

I came to the US 15 years ago. When I left Vietnam, the country was still in the early stage of development and finding its stride. We did not have Starbucks, Mc Donald’s, or any chains like that. Not that I think those are signs of pride. In fact, I think it is sad to see one of these chains popping up in the middle of a beautiful medieval city of Europe. It totally ruined the experience for me. But in a way, I sympathize, I feel like for some people, it is reassuring to see those stores in a strange place when you are far from home. Not everyone can drink Café Sữa Đá or slurp Phở everyday.

Though Vietnam has gained so much more now than those simple things. We went back in June 2023 and I felt like an exhilarated tourist. There are so many fun places to explore and the best part? Getting around has never been easier. Thank to smartphones and related apps.

Stay.

HCM city:

There are many districts in HCM city but the best area to stay and explore is still District 1 where everything is concentrated, from historical sightseeing to restaurants, coffee shops and bars.

Decent, reasonable priced hotels in good locations range from $ 70 to $140. Below that, rooms are small, no windows or cockroach friendly, and beyond that, they are fancy, 5 star like the Caravelle, Sheraton, Park Hyatt or Reveries ($140- $350 depend of the time of year).

I find third parties often have better rates for hotels in Vietnam, so check there first. Agoda seems to be the more popular website there.

Hà Nội:

Hoan Kiem District is the equivalent of District 1. It is a prominent district located in the heart of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It is considered the historical and cultural center of Hanoi and offers a blend of traditional charm and modern attractions. It is safer to book a room here as it provides greater accessibility and convenience to numerous activities.

Hotels rates ( and things in general) are cheaper in Hanoi than in Saigon).

Most decent hotels in Vietnam offer breakfast buffet either free or with some extra fees. It is a good way to explore the Vietnamese cuisine and try different dishes or local fruit.

Getting Around.

Grab is an equivalent of Uber.In fact, Uber was there first but sold its South East Asia business to Grab. It’s insanely fast and convenient. You can actually download the app to your smartphone and get it set up before you arrive in Vietnam. (I love new technology).There is a cash payment option and you can pay after the ride if you don't want to use your credit card. For airport pickup locations, please check their website for the latest updates, the instruction is crystal clear*.

There is also GrabFood, our flight landed at 10 pm and we arrived at the hotel at 12:30 am. Everything was closed. We ordered my favorite Vietnamese dish from GrabFood and it was the highlight of my kid’s culinary adventure.( Øf course we are more sophisticated eaters than that but you get the idea.). If you choose this option, it's good to ask the front desk for recommendations of good local restaurants.)

The cost for rides around the city is usually $2-$4. The Tân Sơn Nhất airport in Saigon (HCM city) is very close to the city so it cost us like $10 to get to our hotels in District 1. (Not the case in Hanoi. It costs about $20+ to go from Noi Bai airport to the center. )

Of course you can always take a taxi. The more trusted taxi companies are Vinasun, Mai Linh and G7 (in Hanoi) where the meters don’t give you a heart attack.

Explore.

Hanoi

I find Hanoi to be much more captivating and picturesque for leisurely walks. It's a smaller city with a lot more charm. The Old Quarter is the place you absolutely want to explore. It’s like stepping into a time machine and getting transported to a different era. The narrow streets, ancient architecture, and vibrant atmosphere will leave you in awe. Here are some key features:

Hoàn Kiếm Lake: This iconic lake lies at the center of the district and serves as its focal point. The lake is surrounded by beautiful parks and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The famous red Huc Bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple, situated on a small island within the lake.

Old Quarter: Hoan Kiem District encompasses the renowned Old Quarter, known as "36 Streets." This historic area is characterized by its narrow, bustling streets, each named after the traditional trade that took place there. The Old Quarter is a fantastic place to explore, with its vibrant street markets, traditional architecture, and numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. I love this area so much more than District One.

St. Joseph's Cathedral (Ñhà Thờ Lớn): Located in the heart of Hoàn Kiếm District, St. Joseph's Cathedral is a striking Gothic-style church that dates back to the late 19th century. It is one of the iconic landmarks of Hà Nội and attracts visitors with its architectural beauty. I was born half a block from here.

French Quarter: Adjacent to Hoàn Kiếm District, the French Quarter showcases Hà Nội's colonial past. You'll find wide tree-lined streets, elegant French architecture, and notable landmarks such as the Opera House and the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel.

Train Street: This street in Hanoi is a fascinating and unique attraction that captures the imagination of both locals and visitors alike. Its charm lies in its close proximity to the daily lives of the local residents. As trains pass through, the street comes alive with activity. Shops, cafes, and homes line the tracks, and when a train approaches, a synchronized dance of preparation ensues. Shopkeepers swiftly move their wares, and homeowners close their windows, creating a temporary path for the train to pass through. There are guards that will not let you pass unless you come with a cafe owner who of course would want you to come to their shop. You can just give them 20k-30k VND ($1-$2) and choose a different shop to enjoy your coffee if you don't like theirs.

Quận Ba Đình: This is where most of the government offices are including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace if you are interested in visiting them. My cousin in Saigon thinks it's bad luck to visit the HCM Mausoleum, she heard people got ill after going there :) My other cousin who lives in Hanoi doesn't think so. Now you know why they had the civil war there.

Food: Now, let's talk about the culinary delights of Hanoi. Brace yourself for a flavor explosion! I am not a fan of Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây which is mentioned in many travel books, but Bún Chả Hà Nội and Chả Cá Lã Vọng in my opinion are the undisputed champions of must-try dishes. Bún Chả Hà Nội is a delectable combination of grilled pork, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. Although it has similar ingredients, it is prepared very differently from Bún Thịt Nướng ( a dish from the South that you might see a lot in Vietnamese restaurants outside of Vietnam). Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a true culinary masterpiece. Imagine tender pieces of fish marinated in fragrant spices, sizzling on a hot pan right in front of your eyes. It's a celebration of sensation in a bowl.

Saigon

Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, had a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene. Known for its energetic atmosphere and a wide range of entertainment options, Saigon's nightlife caters to different tastes and preferences. While Hanoi's charm lies in its historical significance and serene atmosphere. However, when it comes to nightlife and entertainment, Saigon truly comes alive with its vibrant and diverse offerings

District 1, also known as "Quận 1" or the city center, is the central district of Ho Chi Minh City, commonly referred to as Saigon. It is the most vibrant and dynamic district, offering a mix of historical landmarks, modern skyscrapers, bustling markets, luxury hotels, and lively, erotic and hypnotic nightlife. Here are some key features and attractions of District 1, Saigon:

Bến Thành Market: Located in the heart of District 1, Bến Thành Market is one of the most famous markets in Saigon. It is a bustling hub for shopping, offering a wide array of goods such as clothing, souvenirs, food, and handicrafts. The market is a vibrant and energetic place, particularly popular among tourists. If you are someone who don't speak Vietnamese, consider bargain 1/4 of the asking price and gradually work your way up. These ladies are ruthless when it comes to pricing their items. And if you are a white dude. Oh boy, just say " Tôi không có tiền" ( I have no money) in an attempt to elicit some empathy and negotiate a better deal. This playful phrase might lighten the mood and show that you're aware of the bargaining culture.

Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street: This pedestrian street stretches from the People's Committee Building to the Saigon River. It is a vibrant promenade lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors, especially in the evenings when it comes alive with street performances and cultural events.

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica: A prominent landmark of Sài Gòn, this Catholic cathedral is located in District 1. Built during the French colonial period, the basilica features beautiful architecture and serves as an important religious and cultural site.

Independence Palace (Reunification Palace): This historical site played a significant role in Vietnam's history. It was the presidential palace during the Vietnam War and now serves as a museum. Visitors can explore the preserved rooms, communication facilities, and the famous rooftop helipad. If you've watched the movie "The Last Days in Vietnam," you'll recognize that many of its scenes were taken place here.

Bitexco Financial Tower: Standing tall in the city skyline, the Bitexco Financial Tower is an iconic skyscraper in District 1. It offers a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck on the 49th floor. The building also houses offices, shopping centers, and restaurants.

Food

Popular dishes in HCM city are Bún Bò Huế, Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang, Bún Riêu, Bánh Canh Cua, Canh Bún, Bánh Xèo and Bánh Mì Thịt ( Bánh Mì Thịt in SG is much more creative and tasty than other parts of the country)