Top 4 Attractions in Ninh Binh

100 kilometers away from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is emerging as one of the most exciting destinations during your Vietnam tour. For a long time, it is known as a choice of short getaway from Hanoi. But in fact, many things to do in Ninh Binh to offer for everyone. North Vietnam tours

1. Admiring the Terrestrial Halong Bay

Tam Coc - Attractions in Ninh Binh

When driving along the National Route 1A, after passing Ninh Binh City, you will encounter one of the most spectacular sights in Vietnam – Tam Coc (means Three Grottos). Hiring a boat and it will take your through an extensive network of waterways between imposing limestone cliffs erecting from the flat rice paddies. Although the scene still cannot match Halong Bay in terms of size and the number of limestone mountains, Tam Coc is more accessible and less touristy. As the name might suggest, you will undergo three low and dark caves, another reminiscence to Halong Bay. During the trip, you can also have the chance to visit Bich Dong Temple (free entrance) which provides incredible views of the surroundings. PANDAW CRUISE

TrangAn is another nearby attractions that is quite similar to Tam Coc. Although TrangAn has more caves to pass through, it is more crowded, especially in high season.

Top 4 Attractions in Ninh Binh

2.Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu - Attractions in Ninh Binh

As Vietnam’s capital city, Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh is the predecessor of Thang Long (the former name of Hanoi). The royal city is a short bike ride from Ninh Binh City. It is surrounded by high limestone mountains which is believed to protect Hoa Lu from invasion. Inside the complex, there is an iconic archway in the entrance and several temples including the temple of Dinh Tien Hoang, who liberated the country from the Southern Han in the 10th century. Calypso Cruise

3.Cuc Phuong National Park


It will take you more than one hour drive to get to Cuc Phuong National Park from Tam Coc. Cuc Phuong is generally a well-preserved rainforest. There is an Endangered Primates Rescue Center near the entrance that you should pay a visit with a guide. This is house of about 150 primates being prepared to be released back to the wild. There are many ways to explore Cuc Phuong via the densely rainforested road, but biking is the best choice to slowly stroll through the jungle, the prehistoric trees and the caves. The park is also the home to many faunas, most notably butterflies and birds. The best way to watch the animals here is at night, but be sure to have a guide accompanied with you.

4. Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long Nature Reserve - Ninh Binh

Not far away from Cuc Phuong National park is Van Long Nature Reserve. Although the scene is somewhat similar to that in Tam Coc, taking a one hour boat trip in Van Long is a great way to relax and discover numerous species of exotic birds in their natural habitat. You could also witness the endangered monkey living here. Watching the sunset while meandering along the river at Van Long is a great way to end an exciting day in Ninh Binh.

Attractions in Phu Quoc island

Phu Quoc (Phú Qu?c ), also know under the name Pearl island, is bigest island of Vietnam and is a district of Kien Giang. Phu Quoc tourism is famous for beautiful sea, beaches, primary forests and ancient fishing villages. This island is an ideal destination of Vietnam. Following is my experiences about Phu Quoc travel. Mekong & Phu Quoc island (5 days, 4 nights)

Attractions in Phu Quoc island
There are 3 main tourism areas in Phu Quoc: Northern island, Southern and Western. Usually, tourists come to Phu Quoc will spend 3 days to visit these areas.

Western

Western island is place locating Duong Dong town, seat of island, where is the first place you see when coming to Phu Quoc. BASSAC CRUISE

The first site you should visit is Dinh Cau (Dinh C?u ), that is very sacred temple with the locals.

Next is Ham Ninh fishing village. This is an ancient village with rustic and pristine cottages. You may also buy fresh seafoods and enjoy them on beach when ships of fishermens just docked.

Ham Ninh fishing village in Phu Quoc

After visiting Ham Ninh village, if it’s not yet dark, let’s visit Cuoi Nguon museum, where has been kept the stories and legends about Phu Quoc island. Dragon Pearl Junk

Evening, let’s come to bustling Dinh Cau night market and eat famous specialties, goods of this island.

Southern

The famous attractions in Southern Island is Phu Quoc prison (Nhà tù Phú Qu?c ). The prison was restored like a museum, with wondrous statues about scenes of torturing prisoners. I don’t like this place, it scares me.

Tranh stream (Su?i Tranh ) is derived from Ham Ninh mountain, has beautiful scene and cool air like Dalat city.

Painting stream in Phu Quoc

Khem beach (Bãi Khem ) is surrounded by mountains. This is a beautiful beach of Phu Quoc with bue sea, long sand and the pristine.

Next destinations in Southern are Kingdom of pepper (Vuong Qu?c h? tiêu ) with immense green. Fish sauce barrel houses, where produce millions litters of fish sauce every year. I’m sure, you will be overwhelmed by massive barrel systems. Pearl farms, where has been made famous pearls of Phu Quoc.

Northern

Northern island own Phu Quoc National park (Vu?n qu?c gia Phú Qu?c), where has the most beautiful beaches of the island, along with pristine landscape:

Ham Rong mountain (Núi Hàm R?ng ), Ganh Dau beach (Gành D?u ), Cua Can (C?a C?n, an estuary).

Ganh Dau in Phu Quoc Vietnam

Bai Dai beach (Bãi Dài), the most beautiful beach of Phu Quoc.

Da Ngon (su?i Ðá Ng?n ), Da Ban stream (su?i Ðá Bàn), streams have clear water and many small waterfalls.

Finally, Nguyen Trung Truc temple, the end of my northern journey, is where the locals remember a great hero of country.

Bai Sao beach in Phu Quoc

My advice: You should rent a motorbike to visit attractions in Phu Quoc. When travelling to Norhthern (by motor), quite far distance so you have to fuel fully if you don’t want out of fuel halfway.

How to go to Phu Quoc island

There are 2 ways:

1. Plane.

You may go from Ha Noi or Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh city ).

- From Sai Gon to Phu Quoc. There are 6 – 10 trips every day. Fares are from $50 to $70.

- From Ha Noi, Fares are from $150 to $250, depend on times.

Planes to Phu Quoc also have cheap fares, but you have to book few months.

If you booked hotels, let’s tell them your plane trip, they will pick you up when arriving.


2. Road and waterway.

This way is very complex.

- First, from Sai Gon, you will go to Rach Gia by car. There are many cars to Rach Gia, you may buy ticket in bus stations. If going in night, you will arrive at 5am. Then, you catch a taxi or motortaxi to go to dock.

Notes: You should remember license plate of your car, beacause in the trip, car will stop few times for resting, you have to remember the license plate to climb the right car.

Best taxis in Rach Gia:

Mai Linh: +848 3929 2929

Phuong Trang: +848 3833 3468

Superdong ship to Phu Quoc

- Shavanna ship. Add: 12 Tu Do street – Rach Gia city, near the dock. Phone: +84773.692.888. Fares: Adult: $15, child: $10.

>> All hotels in Sai Gon city at Agoda.com


Hotels and motels in Phu Quoc

1. Kim Thanh Nga hotel. Add: 7 region (khu ph? 7) – block 20 – Duong Dong town. Prices from $18 to $25. Ok room, good hotelier. $7 for taxi from airport to the hotel.

2. Hong Tuyet hotel. Add: 14 – Bach Dang street – Duong Dong. Near the Duong Dong night market, and dock of night squid fishing.

3. Sea Breeze hotel is very clear, spacious, balcony face the sea. Prices from $18 to $43. The hotel is located on Tran Hung Dao street. Phone +8477 399 4920

4. Hiep Thoai hotel on Tran Hung Dao street, in center of the the town. Phone: +8477.398.1060. I don’t know specific price, but it’s affordable, you may call to ask the price.

5. Huong Giang bungalow hotel. I really like this hotel. It includes 16 bungalows, located in bustling area of Phu Quoc and only 5 walk minutes from beach. Prices from $25 to $30. Let’s try this hotel, i think you will like it.

Huong Giang bungalow hotel
I like Huong Giang bungalow hotel

Some cheap motels in Phu Quoc

6. Thien Vy motel at 6 – Ly Thuong Kiet, near Phu Quoc ariport.

7. Oc Dao motel has very cheap price, just be $10. Phone +8498.2111.232. I don’t remember address.

Specialties and restaurants in the island

Phu Quoc is famous for seafoods. With waters features, dishes of Phu Quoc cuisine are related to seafoods. Such as:

Types of raw: herring, snail, barracuda and few other fishes. Coi Bien Mai, muscle between 2 clamshells. Ham Ninh spidercrab is famous tasty in Phu Quoc. Sea urchin, abalone,…Phu Quoc fish sauce is also very famous.

You may enjoy these dishes at following restaurants:

In Duong Dong town (western island)

Breakfast restaurants:

Crab pudding - specialties of Phu Quoc
Crab pudding

1. Le Giang restaurant is near the traffic circle of night market. This is familiar breakfast place of groups tourist.

2. Quoc Anh on 30/4 street, near Thang Long hotel. I don’t try yet but some my friends said it’s good.

3. Banh canh cha ca is a popular restaurant close to Thang Long hotel. If you want to watch the streets and enjoy taste of the local, let’s come here.

4. Breakfast buffet at Huong Bien hotel. You may call the hotel to book breakfast.

Other restaurants:

5. Vuon Tao (Vu?n táo ), i like this restaurant most. They have raw herring, which is pride of Phu Quoc cuisine. Other restaurant also have this dish, but here is best. You should stay this restaurant in daytime, because it’s quite distant center of the town so deserted in night.

Herring salad of Phu Quoc
Raw Herring – A famous specialty of Phu Quoc

6. Zen is a luxurious restaurant on 30/4 street. Cool campus and Professional staffs. This restaurant also serves breakfast.

7. Song Xanh restaurant has nice view, overlook Duong Dong river.

8. Trung Duong has popular prices.

9. Huong Bien restaurant is located on terrace of Huong Bien hotel, where has view overlook the sea, very impressive. This is ideal place for dinner.

10. Ngheu So Oc Hen and Nghe So restautants serve seafoods with popular prices.

11. Dinh Cau night market has many restaurants close together and prices are also popular. Let’s enjoy Phu Quoc cuisine style very Phu Quoc.

Coi Bien Mai - Phu Quoc Vietnam
Coi Bien Mai salt and chili grilled

12. Gia Tuong is only restaurant in Phu Quoc does not have seafoods, it serves specialties from Phu Quoc forest.

In southern

12. Sao beach club is new restaurant, nice view, well serves. You may rent hammock or chair to eat on the beach.

In Northern

13. Mai Phuong restaurant on Vung Bau (Vung B?u ) beach. Mai Phuong also has over 10 bungalow.

14. Bien Hai Quan on Ganh Dau.

Top 5 Halong Bay cruises you should try

How to Get To Halong Bay?

Due to its huge popularity, Halong Bay is very well connected to any part of Vietnam and other countries. You can go there through different routes:

By water: There's a big international cruise ship that regularly ferries visitors to Halong Bay. The Cai Lan International Port where the ship docks in is just 10 minutes away from Halong Bay cruises.

By air: Hanoi and Hai Phong are the closest airports. Regular flights are available from Nha Trang, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City. You can also fly to these two airports from most Southeast Asian airports. South Vietnam tours

By road: This is the most preferred option, as you can get there by car from virtually any neighboring locales.

Sunset in Halong, a thing to die for.

And now, here're the top five Halong Bay cruises you should try:
Emeraude Day Cruise (top day cruise)

The design is absolutely eye-catching. Unlike other cruises, Emeraude exudes its original French design with pride. It’s a short one-day trip to Halong Bay that'll quite easily provide an unforgettable experience as it takes its passengers to Surprise Grotto or Surprise Cave (Sung Sot Cave), which is considered to be the finest and most magnificent cave in the bay by many, followed by a trip to Hang Trong cave. Most people agree the food and the service are awesome. PANDAW CRUISE

Rate: $74

Glory Cruise (value for money)

For a most glorious cruising experience

If a serene trip free from crowds is what you want when visiting Halong, then this cruise is for you. On its 2D1N trip, you will be taken to a nearby fishing village where you can see its villagers' daily activities. You can even try kayaking, have on-board cooking lessons, go fishing or exploring caves.

Rate: $110

Dragon Pearl (awesome itinerary)

Targets in vacation? No way! It’s time to chill.

When the other cruises struggle to clear the traffic, this one makes sure that its on-board tourists do not have to wait in queue. In its 2D1N program, you can cover almost all famous hotspots, yet get some more time to chill.

Rate: $150

Paradise Peak Cruise (best luxury trip)

Paradise Peak Cruise: the epitome of opulence and perfection.

Just only one word is needed to define this cruise, it would be "luxury". From the aesthetic beauty of the cruise to the rooms, amenities, food, staffs and service, the entire cruise is classy in every sense. It makes a trip of 2D1N.

Rate: $200

Pelican Cruise (top newcomer)

Indulging in luxury is not a sin after all

Launched in 2012, Pelican has already built a rock-solid reputation with its top notch facilities, good service, superb amenities and friendly staff. It offers bay trip packages of 2D1N and 3D2N.

Rate: $260 and $370 respectively

Top 10 Saigon foods you should not miss

These are simple yet delicious dishes. Look yummy?
1. Broken rice

Cơm tấm, or broken rice, used to be called "poor people's rice” since it was made from grains that broke during harvest or cleaning and were sold cheap.
Over the years it has become a popular dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
It is usually served with grilled pork ribs, bì (thinly shredded pork mixed with cooked and thinly shredded pork skin) or chả (a mix of steamed eggs, crab meat, ground pork meat, Jew's ear mushroom, and vermicelli) or both. SONG XANH CRUISE
It can be found almost everywhere in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces, from street stalls with plastic stools and tables to fancy air-conditioned restaurants.
2. Kuy teav

There are around 20 different versions of hủ tiếu (kuy teav) – a noodle soup consisting of rice noodles with pork stock and toppings – in HCMC.
The most famous ones are hủ tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh rice noodle soup), hủ tiếu sa tế (Chinatown satay noodle soup) and hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho (My Tho rice noodle soup).
There is also a dry version (without soup and with sauce) of kuy teav. Alova Gold Cruise
3. Bánh mì

Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) is so famous that it has entered the Oxford English Dictionary. It defines bánh mì as "a Vietnamese snack consisting of a baguette (traditionally baked with both rice and wheat flour) filled with a variety of ingredients, typically including meat, pickled vegetables, and chili peppers."
The best bánh mì should be grilled over coals, with the crispy shell filled with meat, crunchy pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, smeared with mayonnaise and pâté, and seasoned with a few drops of soy sauce and a spicy chili condiment. travel South Vietnam
Saigonese have many choices of filling for bánh mì -- like thịt nướng (grilled pork), xíu mại (Chinese meatballs known as shu mai in Chinese), and chả cá (deep-fried fish paste).
4. Fried rice flour cakes

Top 10 Saigon foods you should not miss

Bột chiên (fried rice flour cakes) is a dish that originated in China and has become a popular street snack in Saigon.
It is made from rice flour cakes chopped into chunky squares and fried in a large flat pan with whipped eggs and green onion.
It’s served crisp with a sweet rice vinegar and soy sauce concoction and some shredded pickled young papaya and carrot to cool down the dish.
5. Mixed rice paper

Bánh tráng trộn (mixed rice paper) is the favorite snack of teenagers in Saigon. It is like a salad made of shredded rice paper mixed with jerky, dried shrimps, roasted peanuts, boiled quail eggs, shredded mangoes, fried onions, and herbs.
It is seasoned with chili sauce, salt, cashew oil, and onion oil until it is sour, spicy, salty, and sweet at the same time.
The dish can be found anywhere in Saigon but the most famous street for bánh tráng trộn is Nguyen Thuong Hien in District 3.
6. Papaya salad

Gỏi đu đủ (papaya salad) is made of shredded papaya, rice crackers, sliced jerky, roasted peanuts, and herbs seasoned with chili sauce.
It is usually sold on carts pulled by street vendors. The most famous spot to buy this dish is in front of Le Van Tam Park on Hai Ba Trung Street.
7. Pork and shrimp rolls

Gỏi cuốn (pork and shrimp rolls) is one of the healthiest snacks in Saigon. It is made of tightly wrapped rice paper bundles filled with sliced pork, shrimp, vermicelli noodles, herbs, and vegetables. A Hoisin sauce topped with crushed peanuts and chili is often served on the side for dipping.
8. Phá lấu

Phá lấu is pig/cow intestines boiled down to a soft texture in a salty broth. It can be served with bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) or noodles.
9. Sweet soup

Chè (sweet soup) is the perfect dessert in always-hot Saigon. There are a myriad of sweet soups differentiated by origin, taste or ingredients.
10. Snails

If one comes to Saigon for the first time, chances are they will be invited first to a coffee shop and then to an ốc (snail) eatery.
Saigon is famous for many kinds of snails and diverse styles of cooking.

Top 10 FREE things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

With an abundance of things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City, it can be difficult to prioritise and balance the travel budget. With these ten free things to do in Vietnam’s former capital, you’ll wish you could stay longer!

Notre Dame Cathedral
The elaborate Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral which was built by the French during the 1800s and stands next to the Post Office in central HCMC is free to enter. This is an active cathedral though so be sure to respect the attending worshippers. South Vietnam tours

Central Post Office
And just across the road from the Notre Dame Cathedral is the handsome French-colonial Town Hall building which was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Town Hall has a classically elegant interior complete with a vaulted glass-canopy ceiling. Inside hangs a massive portrait of the great leader, Ho Chi Minh himself. Jasmine Cruise

Top 10 FREE things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

Thien Hau Pagoda
The Thien Hau Pagoda in the Chinatown district of Cholon is dedicated to sea goddess, Lady Thien Hau which features two giant turtles to guard the pagoda. There are elaborate sculptures adorning the courtyard walls and each March an elaborate festival takes place at this free to enter building.

Quan Am Pagoda
Within Vietnam’s largest Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City at Cholon is also the Quan Am Pagoda which is free to explore. This is the oldest Chinese pagoda in Saigon and is close to the Thien Hau Pagoda.

• SONG XANH CRUISE

Take a walking tour
Grab a free tourist map from your hotel, wear your most comfortable shoes and head onto the streets for a leisurely walking tour. As you wander you’ll spot the locals going about their daily lives; cooking on the street, shopping for fresh vegetables and even sleeping on their motorbikes. And one essential tip for crossing the street amidst the millions of mopeds and motorbikes; walk at one continuous speed, do not run and try to make eye contact with the driver. It’s daunting at first but you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Ben Thanh Market
Browse the Ben Thanh Market on Ho Chi Minh’s Le Loi Street where the local market stall are piled high with just about everything you could imagine from spices, housewares, souvenirs, textiles and jewellery. Browse without picking anything up and you’ll not get hassled by the traders too much.

Rex Hotel
Visit the iconic Rex Hotel which became famous thanks to the ‘Five O’clock Follies’ – the press conferences that were held each day during the Vietnam War. The name originates from the journalists who nicknamed the spin that existed during the period. Admire the hotel from the street or if your budget allows, enjoy a drink (and an awesome view of Ho Chi Minh City below) at the rooftop bar.

Dam Sen Water Park
The kids will get in for free to the Dam Sen Water Park if they’re under 0.8 meters in height. There are some great water slide experiences including the thrilling Space Bowl.

Tour the Reunification Palace
Once inside the 1960s Reunification Palace there are free tours of the various state rooms.  Entrance is 30,000 dong which is less than 1.50 USD and well worth the modest fee. The Palace is a shrine to all things 60s and is virtually untouched since the fall of Saigon to the north on 30 April 1975. The gates of the palace are famous in their own right as the images were beamed worldwide of the tank 843 clattered through the gate signalling the end of the Vietnam War.

Hanoi Ancient Citadel

This Citadel is located in a large space, Ba Dinh, Hanoi. It was ranked 'Historical National Culture' in 1999 and now in the center of Hanoi, Ba Dinh district. Hanoi Ancient Citadel and monuments located in the ancient region, has over 10 centuries. Indochina sails – Halong Bay travel

In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, the castle was built and expanded in the following reign. Thang Long is planning with three nested rounds. The Long Phuong Ly – Tran is in the palace area. Citadel in the middle covers the economic area in the east. La Thanh or Dai La Thanh is outmost citadel. In 1805, the Nguyen reign of Hanoi has retained the Forbidden City area to ​​offer the king when touring in the north. During the French reign, the French keep this area as commander of the military. JAHAN CRUISE

Hanoi Ancient Citadel

Five old structures have retained after the French attacks Hanoi citadel:

In old buildings left over after the French broke into Hanoi from south to north, including the following items: The Hanoi flag tower, Doan Mon Gate, Kinh Thien, Hau Lau and Bac Mon.

Bac Mon
Bac Mon is the only remaining gate of the Citadel of Hanoi’s Nguyen Dynasty. Previously, outside of the citadel, it has a canal with 20 meters width. Bac Mon has completed the restoration, renovation to serve travelers. However, the traces of shells from the French warship fired on April 25th 1873 that remains on the outside of the Bac Mon. Two wooden gates was renovated, the area of each wing is 12 meter, 16 tons weight. Today, on the Gate, there is place to worship two General Director of Hanoi: Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu. Hanoi & Halong Bay 4 days

Hau Lau
Hau Lau was built behind the main of building- Hanh Cung Hanoi. According to feng shui, Hau Lau means keep peace for northern Hanh Cung. It is said that when the King travels, this is the accommodation of princess.

Hanoi flag Pole

It was built in 1812, under the reign of Gia Long, Hanoi flag pole is one of the buildings in area of Hanoi ancient intact.
Flag pole has more 40 meter height, octagon, standing on the square. Having spiral staircase, 51 steps leading to the top. The Hanoi flag pole has been rebuilt twice: in December 1959 and November 1989.
Kinh Thien palace

Kinh Thien palace is central citadel of Le reign. Stone dragon of Kinh Thien palace is a masterpiece of architecture that represents sculpture Le So reign.

Top 10 delicious dishes in Hoi An

Hoi An is not only famous for unique architecture and culture, but amazing cuisine culture with a huge number of traditional foods. This article will introduce you 10 best foods and popular restaurants in Hoi An
1. Pho Hoi chicken rice
Rice used for this food is carefully selected with preference of sticky and soft type. Rice will be added ingredients, then boiled with chicken broth and pandan leaves by charcoal. The chicken must be the young, soft but not friable one. Chicken will be boiled, then ripped into small pieces and added onion, fried red onion, salt, black pepper and Vietnamese coriander. Travel centre Vietnam
The decoration of this food is very important. Ripped chicken pieces are put on top of rice dish. It is taken with onion, papaya pickle, Tra Que herbs, pepper sauce and soy sauce. Especially, Pho Hoi chicken rice is featured by a soup made by mixed internal organs of the chicken. With meticulous cooking method and special materials, people in Hoi An created a very unique chicken rice, enjoy foreigner visitor’s trust.
Addresses:
Bà Buội Chicken rice – 22 Phan Chu Trinh Street; Sân Đình Chicken rice – 16 Phan Chu Trinh Street; Bà Hương chicken rice – 18 Le Loi Street; Mermaid Restaurant – 2 Tran Phu Street; Cô Ly Restaurant – 22 Nguyen Hue Street; Canh Buom Trang Restaurant – 34 Tran Cao Van Street; Cô Thuận Restaurant – 17/4 Hai Ba Trung Street.
2.  Cao Lầu

The elders in Hoi An said that Cao Lầu appeared from 17th century, during the time Hoi An Port was opened, allowing a lot of foreign traders enter Hoi An. This is reason why Cao Lầu affected a lot by Chinese Cuisine and a little by Udon noodle of Japanese. However, Cao Lầu keeps one-of-a-kind outstanding features of Hoi An cuisine. Pearl of the Orient (SGN-PNP) 3 nights
Addresses:
Bà Bé Restaurant, Vạn Lộc Restaurant, Trung Bắc Restaurant – Tran Phu Street; Chị Liên Restaurant – Thai Phien Street.

Top 10 delicious dishes in Hoi An

3. Bánh bao – bánh vạc (White Rose cake)

Bánh bao (dumpling) and Bánh vạc are couple cakes with similar materials and processing. The main material is white, sticky rice. Banh vạc is filled in with grinded shrimp, mixed with black pepper, garlic, onion and citronella and some other secret ingredients. Bánh bao has pork, jelly ears and sliced onion and secret ingredients inside. The secret ingredients is one of the major reason for the specialty of these two cakes. Violet Cruise Halong bay
Addresses: White Rose restaurant – Nhi Trung Street
4. Bánh đập
This is the name of a pancake made form rice, including two layers: the roasted crispy layer and the wet sticky layer. When enjoying it, you have to use your hand to beat the crispy layer, making it stick with the wet layer. It is pretty simple food, but draws the interest of many people.
Another important part to make a perfect banh dap is the sauce. It is processed from mam cai (a kind of Hoi An fish sauce which is made from the best small fishes in Cua Dai sea). A reasonable mixture of fish sauce, sugar, chilly, onion and cooking oil will make a bowl of delicious sauce. Nothing can replace this sauce when enjoying banh dap.
Addresses: Bánh đập Bà Già (Old Lady Restaurant) – Hamlet 1, Cam Nam commune, Hoi An.
5. Corn sweetened porridge

This sweetened porridge is special because it is made from famous Cam Nam corns. The sweetness of this food comes from the natural and light taste of the corn. Unlike other sweetened porridges of the South, Hoi An corn sweetened porridge doesn’t have coconut milk as the sweet soup, so the only flavor is from the corn. The best time to enjoy Hoi An corn sweetened porridge is between March and September, as the harvest season of Cam Nam corn.
Addresses: Corn sweetened porridge stalls on the bank of Hoai River.
6. Bánh bèo

Bánh bèo (water fern cake) is mostly made by available local materials, such as pork, shrimp,… Although it is simple ingredient, it can be more specific as the art of making, yet to many Vietnamese it is actually the art of enjoying water fern cakes.
A different way to eat banh beo in Hoi An than other places is you have to use a special stick made by bamboo.
Addresses: banh beo is everywhere in Hoi An, but the best is small stalls outside of the ancient quarter such as Cam Chau, Cam Nam.
7. Mì Quảng (Quang noodle)

With Cao Lau, Quang noodle is one of the most two recognized foods in Hoi An.  The main ingredients of the dish are noodles, meat and vegetables. Vegetables are placed atop of a bed of rice noodles in a bowl, then topped with pork, shrimp and finally luke warm broth and meat are added.  Mì Quảng is also served with toasted Vietnamese sesame rice crackers, fried shallot and various herbs common in Vietnamese cuisine such as mint, “rau ram” or laksa leaves, perilla, lettuce … Shrimp and Pork are usually the proteins of choice because of their abundance.
Addresses: Mi Quang is everywhere in Hoi An
8. Hoành thánh (Wonton)

Wonton is a Chinese food but it exist in Hoi An for a very long time, therefore, it is adapted as a tradition dish of Hoi An. Wonton is made with rice flour and filled with ingredients such as shrimp, pork, egg, and spices. There are many kinds of wonton dishes, such as fried wonton, wonton soup or wonton and noodle soup.
Addresses: Van Loc restaurant – Tran Phu Street; some small stalls on Thai Phien street.
9. Banh Trang (steamed rice rolls)
Banh cuon is a very light crepe with ground pork, minced jelly ears and fried onion, eaten by ham, steamed beansprouts and cucumbers. Banh cuon in Hoi An is added with shrimp and eaten with mo hanh (sauce of grease and Welsh onion).
Addresses: cuisine street on the side of Hoai River
10. Banh xeo (Rice pancake)
Banh xeo is very famous dish in Vietnam, but just a few people know that the origin of it is from Hoi An. It is made out of rice flour, water, turmeric powder, stuffed with slivers of fatty pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts and then pan fried. Banh xeo is eaten with fish sauce (mix with water and pepper and lemon) and a lot of herbs. It is perfect food for rainy season.