Things to do in Northeast Vietnam
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A
Opera House
Check out the neoclassical Opera House which dates from 1904, its facade embellished with white columns. If you can get inside its interior is even more ornate.
reviewed
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Den Kiep Bac
This is dedicated to Tran Hung Dao (1228–1300). An outstanding general, his armies defeated 500,000 Mongol invaders in the late 1280s and he is a revered Vietnamese folk hero.
reviewed
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Men Quyen Restaurant
Tucked away behind the market, this modest little place has a buffet style set-up – just point to the dishes you want. Be sure to try the delicious cha la lot (cabbage rolls).
reviewed
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Lan Ly
In need of a caffeine fix before you deal with the border? Rev up here at this friendly coffee bar which has a street terrace with a view of Mong Cai’s traffic action.
reviewed
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Blue Note
Although not quite as popular as it once was, this singalong-style bar has a karaoke list including alt-rock anthems, alongside plenty of the usual cheesy hits.
reviewed
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B
Du Hang Pagoda
This was founded three centuries ago. Though it has been rebuilt several times, it remains a fine example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and sculpture.
reviewed
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Dolphin Restaurant
This place is popular with travellers thanks to a selection of Western dishes to complement the reliable Vietnamese fare. Don't worry, definitely no dolphin!
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Flightless Bird Café
Small pub with a dart board, chilled beer, Californian wine and posters of the Kiwi motherland plastered over the walls. There’s also a small book exchange.
reviewed
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C
Haiphong Museum
The Haiphong Museum, in a splendid colonial building, concentrates on the city’s history; some of the displays have English translations.
reviewed
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D
Com Vietnam
Diminutive, unpretentious restaurant with a small patio, this place hits the spot for its affordable local seafood and Vietnamese specialities.
reviewed
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E
Van Tue
Capacious place that’s renowned for its seafood, including an amazing selection of crab dishes. Wash it all down with home-brewed Czech beer.
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Transtour
Transtour runs the Mekong Express which is quick and comfortable. Transtour also has a fast boat to Mong Cai (4hrs) leaving at 7.30am daily.
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Hang Trung Trang
Hang Trung Trang is easily accessible, but contact a ranger to make sure it is open. Bring a torch (flashlight) as it is gloomy inside.
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F
Maxims
A sort of vague relation to the famous Maxims in Saigon, it has live music from classical to jazz most nights and serves food.
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Ngha Hang Long Tu
A long-running restaurant, this place is best for its table-top barbecues, steamboats or seafood.
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G
Navy Museum
The Navy Museum is popular with visiting sailors and veterans.
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H
Big Man Restaurant
The new place in town, this huge upmarket restaurant-cum-beer garden has a great outdoor terrace and an extensive menu that concentrates on seafood. It also doubles as a microbrewery, with light and dark ales and bottles of German beer.
reviewed