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.

Tác dụng của tinh bột nghệ như thế nào?

Tinh bột nghệ không chỉ có công dụng giúp liền sẹo mà còn chống viêm, chống oxy hóa mạnh, mang lại rất nhiều tác dụng hữu ích khác đối với sức khỏe con người như, phòng ngừa, hỗ trợ điều trị bệnh mạn tính, làm đẹp, mang lại vóc dáng thon gọn và làn da sáng khỏe.
Trong đó đáng chú ý là bốn công dụng nổi bật của tinh bột nghệ:
+ Giúp giảm cân, lưu thông và lọc máu;
+ Giúp cơ thể chống lại các vi khuẩn sống ký sinh trong ruột, đặc biệt tốt cho hệ tiêu hóa;
+ Giúp chống ung thư, kháng viêm, giảm nguy cơ nhiễm trùng;
+ Giúp khử trùng, mau lành vết thương.


Khi sử dụng cần lưu ý phải đúng cách để nghệ phát huy hết tác dụng.
- Đề phòng nguy cơ ung thư ruột: Uống tinh bột nghệ đen đúng cách và sử dụng thường xuyên tinh bột nghệ với mật ong sẽ giúp bạn có thể giảm được nguy cơ ung thư ruột. Hiện nay, các chuyên gia sức khỏe Hoa Kỳ đang tiến hành một cuộc thử nghiệm điều trị bệnh ung thư ruột bằng một loại thuốc được chế biến từ củ nghệ.

- Chữa bệnh viêm khớp: Tinh bột nghệ có tác dụng giảm đau khi bạn bị chứng viêm khớp quấy nhiễu. Cách làm rất đơn giản, đun nóng một cốc sữa, trước khi sôi, bắc xuống cho một thìa cà phê bột nghệ vào rồi khuấy đều. Mỗi ngày uống ba lần, bạn sẽ thấy hiệu quả bất ngờ.

- Khi gặp rắc rối với tiêu hóa: Nghiên cứu cho thấy, Tinh bột nghệ có thể kích thích tiêu hóa và giải phóng ra các emzim tiêu hóa, phá vỡ liên kết cacbonhydrat và các chất béo. Chính vì thế, trong trường hợp bị đau bụng, một cốc trà nghệ sẽ giúp ích cho bạn rất nhiều. Bạn có thể dùng bột sắn dây

Tác dụng của tinh bột nghệ như thế nào?

- Ngăn ngừa ung thư tuyến tiền liệt: Ăn nhiều rau xanh kết hợp với Tinh bột nghệ có thể ngăn ngừa được nguy cơ ung thư tuyến tiền liệt. Các nhà khoa học tại New Jersey đã chứng minh rằng, kết hợp ăn nghệ với bông cải xanh, cải xoắn, củ cải và bắp cải có thể bảo vệ bạn chống lại căn bệnh chết người này.

- Đề phòng bệnh tim: Bạn có thể giảm hàm lượng cholesterol độc hại trong máu và có khả năng chống lại chứng xơ vữa động mạch bằng tinh bột nghệ.

- Giảm nguy cơ với người hút thuốc: Bằng cách "nạp" vào cơ thể 1,5g Tinh bột nghệ mỗi ngày chỉ trong vòng một tháng, bạn sẽ thấy hiệu quả rõ rệt. Cơ thể bạn sẽ giảm đáng kể các tế bào đột biến gây ung thư.

- Bệnh ung bướu: Curcumin (thành phần hoạt chất chính trong tinh bột nghệ) có tiềm năng đáng kể như một tác nhân chống ung thư. Có rất nhiều bằng chứng trong các tài liệu cho thấy rằng tỷ lệ mắc và tỷ lệ tử vong của các loại phổ biến của bệnh ung thư như vú, tuyến tiền liệt, ruột kết và phổi thấp hơn đáng kể ở Ấn Độ hơn so với những người ở các quốc gia phương Tây như Hoa Kỳ. Tỷ lệ mắc ung thư thấp hơn ở Ấn Độ đã được quy cho mức tiêu thụ chất curcumin cao (trong các loại nghệ) của người dân Ấn Độ. Tất nhiên, các thành phần khác của chế độ ăn uống của họ như tỏi, gừng, hành tây, cà chua, các loại rau, ớt, trà xanh ... cũng có thể đóng một vai trò quan trọng trong khả năng của họ để chống lại sự tấn công của các bệnh ung thư.

Ngoài khả năng ngừa ung thư đáng chú ý của curcumin, nó cũng cho thấy khả năng ức chế sự phát triển của bệnh ung thư khắp cơ thể - di căn (tức là quá trình mà các tế bào ung thư lây lan sang các bộ phận khác của cơ thể thông qua bạch huyết hoặc máu). Curcumin cũng làm tăng cường độ nhạy cảm của tế bào ung thư với một số các loại thuốc chống ung thư hóa trị liệu giúp tạo hiệu quả hơn trong việc chống lại căn bệnh chết người này. Khả năng chống ung thư của Curcumin chống lại ung thư vú, ung thư phổi, khối u não, ung thư máu, gan, ruột, thực quản, ung thư ruột, u ác tính, ung thư phụ khoa ... đã được chứng minh dựa trên nhiều nghiên cứu khoa học cũng như các thử nghiệm lâm sàng và tiền lâm sàng được thực hiện bởi các nhà nghiên cứu ở Mỹ, Ấn Độ, Nhật Bản, Israel, Australia, Trung Quốc và Hà Lan.

- Bệnh viêm loét dạ dày, tá tràng: Tinh bột nghệ có hoạt tính chống loét dạ dày và chống rối loạn tiêu hóa. Cao chiết từ nghệ cho thỏ uống làm giảm tiết dịch vị, tăng lượng chất nhầy trong dịch vị, bảo vệ niêm mạch dạ dày tá tràng, chống thương tổn loét gây bởi thắt môn vị và bởi stress do cầm giữ, nhịn đói và do tác dụng phụ của một số thuốc. Nghệ kích thích sản sinh chất nhầy ở thành dạ dày. Curcumin ức chế sự tạo khí trong ruột.

- Tác dụng làm đẹp da, trị mụn: Tạo mặt nạ với tinh nghệ giúp chiến đấu chống lại mụn trứng cá và mang lại làn da tươi sáng trẻ trung. Mặt nạ truyền thống này thường được các cô dâu và chú rể sử dụng trước khi đám cưới. Tinh bột nghệ làm sáng da và giúp làm giảm các nhược điểm khó coi qua đêm.

Công dụng tinh bột nghệ không chỉ dừng ở đó, Tinh bột nghệ còn có thể xóa mờ vết nhăn quanh mắt và cải thiện da bị khô và dầu.

- Tinh bột nghệ cải thiện tình trạng bị nứt gót chân: Để cứu trợ gót chân bị nứt ngay lập tức, sử dụng một hỗn hợp gồm 3 muỗng tinh bột nghệ với 3 giọt dầu dừa. Sự kết hợp này cũng sẽ giúp ngăn ngừa nhiễm trùng nấm có thể hình thành giữa các ngón chân.

- Tinh nghệ cải thiện sắc tố da: Nếu bạn bị những vết sẹo do mụn trứng cá hoặc các loại tăng sắc tố làm ảnh hưởng đến làn da, hãy sử dụng hỗn hợp gồm tinh nghệ và nước chanh đối với vùng da bị ảnh hưởng trong 20 phút. Để có kết quả tốt nhất, thoa hỗn hợp một lần một ngày.

- Tinh nghệ vàng cải thiện sức khỏe da đầu: Gàu và các vấn đề về da đầu khác có thể dễ dàng điều trị bằng tinh bột nghệ và dầu ô liu. Sử dụng hỗn hợp này đối với da đầu của bạn trong khi tắm. Để trong 15 phút, sau đó rửa hỗn hợp với một loại dầu gội tự nhiên.

Ho Chi Minh Travel Guides

While Hanoi is the center of government, Ho Chi Minh City- VietNam is the nation’s economic heart, and money is on the minds of everyone here.
Ho Chi Minh City is located in the middle of the rich South, adjacent to the south eastern edge of the South and North of the Southwest. As most populous and the largest city in Vietnam. It is a major transportation hub, connected to the provinces in the region and the international gateway of the region. This place is very interesting to tourist. Mekong river cruise
1, Hochiminh Information
Located in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City- The largest city of Vietnam from Hanoi is about 1,730 km by road, city center 50 km east from the coast as the crow flies. The location of the center of Southeast Asia, Hochiminh City is an important transportation hub for land, water and air, connecting the provinces in the region and there is an international gateway. Northern provinces of Binh Duong, Tay Ninh Province in northwestern , eastern and northeastern provinces of Dong Nai, Dong provinces of Ba Ria - Vung Tau, West and South West provinces of Long An and Tien Giang. Travel to Vietnam

Climate
Ho Chi Minh City- the largest city of VietNam has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, rainy season starts from June and ends in November. But you should travel to Ho Chi Minh City in any month and do not travel in the city on Tet days.
In the festive season activities and have fun shopping in the city is extremely lively place throughout the streets. In the Christmas season of lights flooded roads, busy traffic and entertainment activities happening near end of the night, you can go to Hochiminh City on these days to enjoy the chilly air but will warm in the city.

• Victory Cruise, Halong Travel

Do not worry the noise of Hochiminh City travel you come here any day of the year there are also eco-tourist destinations, resorts ... for you to relax .

Ho Chi Minh Travel Guides

Transport
If you want to go Ho Chi Minh City travel, you can choose any transport such as: air, train, car….
The first if you want to go Hochiminh city by air, you can come Tan Son Nhat International Airport located in the city's main international airport's main terminal Vietnam is also going in the country (From HoChiMinh city to the provinces and vice versa). From Tan Son Nhat airport in Hochiminh city center takes about 20 minutes by taxi.
The second, if you want to go Hochiminh City- the largest city of VietNam by train, you can come Saigon Railway Station.
2, Some of the major tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City- the largest city of VietNam are:
Reunification place tour is an architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. Currently, it has been the prime minister Vietnam ranked as national monuments special. The Palace was built on an area of 4,500 m² , 20,000 m² of usable area , 3 main floors , 1 terrace , 2 mezzanine , ground floor , two basements and a terrace for helicopter landing . More than 100 rooms of the Palace are decorated in different styles depending on the intended use, the stateroom , council cabinet meeting, the office of the President and the Vice President, the proxy room letter , agency oats,.... not to mention other parts such as lotus pond shelf semicircular sides go into the main hall , the balcony , the corridor ...
ReunificationReunification
Ben Thanh Market is one of the typical locations of Ho Chi Minh City- VietNam. Where is the tourist destination for people love shopping. Images bazaar area south gate is the symbol of the city. Market activity is mainly focused on two paths Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh side of the market. At night, Ben Thanh Market is usually very crowded and shopping visitors.
Ben Thanh MarketBen Thanh Market

In addition, The three main amusement parks: Dam Sen, Suoi Tien and Dai Nam are the three complexes with zoos, sceneries, water and non water games - well-fitted for a family trip.
Dam Sen ParkDam Sen- Suoi Tien park
Although there are many beautiful pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City- VietNam, one of the most interesting is the Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda on Nguyen Trai. It is certainly one of the most lavishly decorated.
Nghia An Hoi Quan PagodaNghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda
A visit to Cho Lon ( Binh Tay market), Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, can take an afternoon, if not an entire day. Like Chinese districts in San Francisco, London, New York and Bangkok, Cho Lon is one of the oldest and most mysterious parts of Saigon.

Cho Lon ( Binh Tay Market)Cho Lon ( Binh Tay market)
3, Some dishes is the most attractive inHo Chi Minh City travel:
Snails In Ho Chi Minh City, the snail dishes and great diversity such as: snails nail, snail velvet, scallop dragon, oysters, scallops,... appear i the menu. Snail dishes prepared with special taste , personal magnetism in HoChiMinh city.

Snails
Tam Rice had a combination plate of rice seeds small , white , loose, dry and basic common dishes like barbecued ribs , egg rolls , egg sunny side, packaging and many other dishes.

Tam RiceTam rice

Hu Tieu
In here, Cuisine is famous for many different types of noodles: Sa Dec noodles, My Tho noodles, beef noodles, Chinese noodles

Travel guide to South Central Vietnam

If Ho Chi Minh City’s full-on intensity becomes overwhelming, a few hours away a very different world beckons, with fresh highland air, outstanding natural beauty, two of Vietnam’s premier beach destinations and the best natural habitat for wildlife-spotting. Culture-seekers can enjoy some of the nation’s loveliest Indochina-era architecture, ancient Cham Towers and the world’s second-largest reclining Buddha, while activities range from kite-boarding, diving and canyoning, to sipping cocktails on a sun-lounger. 3 days between Saigon and Phnom Penh
Places to visit in South Central Vietnam

Phan Thiet

Around 200km (124 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Thiet is largely overshadowed by its neighbour, Mui Ne, a beach resort area 22km (14 miles) eastwards. A thriving city that grew out from an adjacent, ancient Cham settlement, Phan Thiet is still essentially a picturesque fishing port. Attractions include world-class seaside golfing and the eighth-century Po Shanu Cham Temple, built during the Champa kingdom. Some 30km (19 miles) south, Ta Kou Nature Reserve houses the world’s second-longest recumbent Buddha (49m/161ft long) and nearby Ke Ga Cape boasts Vietnam’s tallest lighthouse (35m/115ft), built by the French in 1897.

Travel guide to South Central Vietnam

Mui Ne

In just a decade, Mui Ne went from a small fishing community to Vietnam’s fastest-growing beach destination and premier beach resort capital. Mui Ne Beach boasts a microclimate with Vietnam’s lowest rainfall and a lovely 16km (10-mile) beach, lined with diverse accommodation choices. With strong, consistent cross-shore winds, Mui Ne is fast emerging as a kite-boarding and windsurfing hub for Southeast Asia. There are around a dozen kite-boarding schools, plus several annual windsurfing and kite-boarding competitions hosted here. Surrounding attractions include the Red Sand Dunes and the spectacular, Sahara-like White Sand Dunes (30km/19 miles from Mui Ne), the latter yielding small lakes with bird-watching opportunities.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is Vietnam’s favourite party town, but has many hidden charms for those who delve deeper and explore its museums, aquariums and rich ethnic culture. Read more…

Dalat

With a temperate climate and standing 1,500m (4,921ft) above sea level, this former French hill station remains a welcome break from HCMC’s sweltering heat, while scenic waterfalls, lakes and pine-forested hills reminded the colonials of home. Read more… Dalat & Nha Trang Relaxation 6 days
Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien is one of Vietnam’s greatest national parks: not only protecting one of the largest areas of lowland tropical rainforests remaining in Vietnam, but also the best place to view wildlife. A nationally important site for the conservation of large mammals, water birds and primates, Cat Tien is home to numerous endangered fauna, though sadly its last Javan rhino is believed to have been killed by poachers in 2010. Cat Tien offers night safaris, bird-watching (over 350 species) and hiking. Halong with Starlight Cruise

Cu Chi Tunnels

About 35km (22 miles) west of Ho Chi Minh City, the district of Cu Chi is famous for its extensive underground tunnel network. During the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong dug a complex network of ­under­ground passages, two sections of which have been renovated and opened to visitors. The enterprising Vietnamese, proud of their ­military success at Cu Chi and keen to attract tourists, have enlarged several sections of tunnel to accommodate larger Westerners. The tunnels are still claustrophobic, humid and bat-filled, however, so few visitors will want to stay long underground.

Best budget eats in Hanoi

In honour of Hanoi's 1000th birthday this week, Rosie Birkett savours the flavours in the Vietnamese capital's best canteens and street kitchens

Hanoi is a city with a big heart and an even bigger appetite and its burgeoning dining scene is growing to rival that of its sophisticated southern brother, Ho Chi Minh. But great food in the capital isn't just five-star luxury or stuffy fine dining, it's about local specialities served fresh and simple and - more often than not - on the streets. Improvised living room eateries offer everything from crispy deep fried nem (pork spring rolls) wrapped in herbs and dipped in fish sauce, to the city's most famous export, pho (beef noodle soup).

Bia Hoi – a street culture of Hanoi

And right at the heart of Hanoi's food and drink scene is coffee, taken strong, sweet and buttery and poured across the city in its wealth of charming cafes. Don't miss the famous weasel coffee (made with beans digested by weasels).

1. Cafe Duy Tri
Cafe Duy Tri
This smoky, ramshackle cafe in the heart of Hanoi's old quarter has been open since 1936 and is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience a genuine, no-frills slice of Vietnam's thriving cafe culture. Set over three floors this low-ceilinged hang-out is a favourite among locals who sit supping weasel coffee on minute wicker stools amid the cafe's battered antique furniture and whirring fans. Try the house speciality of iced coffee with yoghurt. Image Cruise Halong Bay

• 43 Pho Yen Phu Street

2. 14 Hang Ga Street
14 Hang Ga Street, Hanoi
This street kitchen is famed for serving the best banh cuon in the city - a definitive Hanoi street food dish of silky-soft steamed rice pancakes stuffed with pork mince and pungent black mushrooms and topped with crunchy fried shallots, a squeeze of lime and a handful of fragrant herbs. It's a dish that exemplifies perfectly the Vietnamese concept of flavour and texture balance – savoury, sour, soft, crisp and herbal – and you'd be hard pushed to find it fresher or better made than at this humble canteen. CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – VIBRANT LIFE IN THE MEKONG DELTA

3. 43 Cau Go Street
Bun Chah, Hanoi
When lunchtime comes around in Hanoi (at about 11 am) you'll find yourself enticed by the fug of delectable, aromatic smoke from barbequing pork. This is bun cha and it's another famous delicacy of the north. At this rough-and-ready alfresco kitchen you can watch it being cooked in front of you over a tiny coal fire with the help of an electric fan. Sizzling over the smouldering embers, the pork takes on a smokiness and is served in bowls with cold vermicelli noodles, a vinegary fish sauce broth, pork and spring onion meatballs, a piquant carrot and cabbage pickle and a plate of freshly fried nem (pork spring rolls) - and all for under a pound.

4. Cafe Loc Tai
Cafe Loc Tai, Hanoi
The French occupation (from the mid-19th century to the second world war) left Hanoi with a bustling bakery scene and the tempting smell of pastries and cakes frequently pervades the streets. Cafe Loc Tai on Hang Dieu is a fun and exuberant fusion of Western patisserie and Vietnamese dessert shop – offering everything from sesame Madeleines, croissants and deep-fried sausage rolls to candied fruits and yoghurt-based soups dotted with floral fruit jellies and tapioca pearls. Try the che choui - a moreish, sticky-sweet soup of hot coconut milk with fried peanuts and chunks of banana that have been grilled in rice and banana leaf until gooey.

• 53 Hang Dieu

5. Cafe Pho Co
Cafe Pho Co, Hanoi
Hanoi's "oldest cafe" is certainly well-hidden. Situated on Hang Gai, with panoramic views across the emerald expanse of Hoan Kiem lake, it's a little gem worthy of a stop - if you can find it. To get there you must walk through a silk and trinket shop to a shrine-filled courtyard where birds sing from cages and foliage drips from the surrounding rooftops. Mount the cast-iron spiral staircase and make your way up to the various floors of the cafe, where, high above the noise and pollution of Vietnam's capital city, you can enjoy a freshly-squeezed fruit juice and unrivalled views.

• 11 Hang Gai

Best budget eats in Hanoi

6. Pho 10
Pho, Hanoi
A visit to Hanoi wouldn't be complete without sampling the city's most famous dish: pho (pronounced fuh). This fragrant and filling beef noodle soup is traditionally eaten first thing in the morning or late at night and is a much-loved, though nonetheless prosaic, dish for the Vietnamese, who eat it on a daily basis. Pho 10, in Hanoi's old quarter is a well-respected purveyor, its kitchen's windows fogged-up by the steam from the huge vats of bubbling stock. A bowl of the good stuff will set you back 20,000 Dong, about 70p - eat it with handfuls of chilli, bean sprouts and a good squeeze of lime.

• 10 Ly Quoc Su

7. Xoi Yen
Xoi Yen cafe, Hanoi
A favourite among the young people of Hanoi, xoi is a street food dish that has grown in popularity in the past few years. Basically consisting of sticky rice with buttery shaved bean curd, crunchy shallots and a selection of toppings from pâté to fried eggs, it's a rich and filling snack and a great way to line the stomach before embarking on a beer hoi crawl. Xoi Yen comes alive at night, when crowds of people gather to eat the rice with a rich, thin caramelised pork dipping sauce and enjoy the sounds of passing street karaoke.

• 35B Nguyen Huu Huan

8. Highway Four
Situated on bustling Hang Tre, bar/restaurant Highway Four is one of the best places in Hanoi to sample authentically produced Vietnamese rice wine. Enjoy a fruit basket of flavours - ranging from mulberry to rose apple - of the restaurant's Son Tinh liquor, which is made with sticky rice, traditional yeast and herbs grown in the La Chi Gia district. Head upstairs - past the kitchen where Vietnamese delicacies like roasted crickets and jellyfish salad are being busily cooked - to the roof terrace with low lighting and kneeling mats for a cosy atmosphere in which to get merry.

• 5 Hang Tre, highway4.com

9. Cafe Nha Tho
Cafe Nha Tho, Hanoi
Cafe Nha Tho sits in the shadow of Hanoi's most imposing Catholic Church. In a somewhat bizarre but quintessentially Vietnamese juxtaposition, gown-draped painted angels stare down from the building's frontage at the hoards of young, hip Hanoians who crowd the pavement on tiny stools. The close social proximity that is the norm here may take some getting used to (the diminutive plastic seats are barely big enough for one Western buttock), but it's all part of the conviviality of the city, and you'll start to feel every bit the local as you chew on pumpkin seeds and drink sua chua thach – glasses of ice, yoghurt and candied fruit.

• 2 Nha Chung

10. Restaurant Bobby Chinn
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If you find yourself in the mood for modern cuisine in a slightly more plush environment, you won't get much better than Restaurant Bobby Chinn, in the Tay Ho district. Forced to relocate from beside Hoan Kiem lake to this expat enclave because of hiked rent prices, the relaxed but refined dining room, with its red silk drapes and local art-adorned walls is still one of Hanoi's finest eating spots. Half-Chinese, half-Egyptian, New Zealand-born, British educated Chinn is one of Vietnam's most famous resident chefs and his food can be described as fusion – mixing his training in America with his cultural influences and life in Vietnam (he came to the country to learn how to cook Vietnamese cuisine and never left). Try the famous wasabi mash and green tea smoked duck. Tasting menus cost an upmarket £25

• 77 Xuan Dieu Street

5 most popular roasted nuts and seeds for Tet holiday

During Tet, every family in Vietnam prepares a special tray of snack to offer guests, containing a variety candies, biscuits, jam, fruits; and roasted nuts are indispensible components of the tray. Vietnamese people eat roasted nuts with the main purpose to create a cheerful and friendly environment in which the hosts and the guests enjoy nuts together. Unlike the already de-shelled seeds found in bulk store, cooked seeds are kept intact in Vietnam and sometimes trying to separate the edible part from the hull can be both an art and a time-consuming activity. Who would want to rush in Tet anyway? A cup of tea would be even more perfect and the discussion can last forever, just plainly with tea and nuts. In addition, each type of nut has its own nutrition considered to be good for health and the diverse flavor that can only feel by tasting them all. Below are top 5 most common roasted nuts and seeds in Vietnam during Tet. Pelican Cruise Halong Bay
1. Hạt dưa (Watermelon seeds)

If you have enjoyed watermelon, you should have seen numbers of black seeds inside the fruit. Those are actually hạt dưa we are discussing about. However, only the biggest nuts will be chosen to be dried under the heat and then be roasted in big pans to have the final product. There are 2 type of hạt dưa: red and black depending on the natural pigment used to color them. Travel to Vietnam
Hạt dưa is a clean and healthy nut with a lot of nutrition such as protein, glucid, lipid; vitamins B1, B2, E; calcium, iron, zinc, etc. Especially, protid inside hạt dưa is an essential component for nervous system and the growing of muscles, blood and bones. Eating a handful of hạt dưa everyday may enhance memory and protect from coronary heart diseases. RV AMALOTUS CRUISE – LUXURY FLOATING BOUTIQUE HOTEL ON THE MEKONG RIVER
2. Hạt bí (Pumpkin seeds)

5 most popular roasted nuts and seeds for Tet holiday

Selecting from the biggest seeds of ripe pumpkin, hạt bí is among the most favorable nuts during Tet since it is easier to open than hạt dưa. The process of cooking hạt bí is exactly the same with hạt dưa, however, there is not any pigment to color the nuts.
Both traditional and modern medicine proved that hạt bí containing many substances which benefits human health such as protid, lipid, glucid, calcium, magnesium, fiber and L-tryptophan. This nut is now being remedy for diseases like kidney disease, intestinal disease and coronary heart disease.
3. Hạt hướng dương (Sunflower seeds)

The name of this nut indicated its origin quite clearly that is collected after sunflowers fully grown. After being dried and roasted under adequate heart and sometime added with additional flavor like salt and licorice, delicious hướng dương is ready to be enjoyed. This nut is the favorite snack of children and youngsters in Vietnam that it is eaten in the whole year, especially with ice-tea or lemon tea, not only during Tet. Besides possessing similar amount of nutrition like other nuts mentioned above, hạt hướng dương can also be used to slow the aging process of human, accelerate cell generation process and enhance memory.
4. Hạt điều (Cashew nuts)

Hạt điều has its origin from Northern China and Mongolia is among the most luxury type of roasted nuts because its trees can only produce fruits one time per 4-5 years. Hạt điều is usually roasted with salt for better preservation as well as improve its taste. In Vietnam, the food is regarded as a symbol of luck.
Hạt điều contains many healthy substances like vitamin B1, B2, B3, calcium, protein, phosphorous and cholesterol-free. Monounsaturated in Hạt Điều may reduce the risk of having cancer; and an ideal choice for people who are on diet due to a huge amount of fiber.
5. Hạt dẻ cười (Pistachio)

Pistachio is originated from Persia (Iran) is the most luxury and expensive type of roasted nuts available in Vietnam. Due to similar shape and the way to eat with chestnut, pistachio is called hạt dẻ cười (Chesnut is “hạt dẻ” in Vietnamese). The nuts is especially match with a cup of tea or snack for beers and wine since alcohol is the most common drink in Vietnam during Tet.
With its rich amount of nutrition, pistachio may reduce the oxidation process and stress; good for digestive system as it contains the highest level of fiber in all types of nuts. Heart diseases is also believed to be demolished by eating pistachio frequently.