Things to do in Vietnam
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TOP SELLER
Vietnam Express Northbound
10 days (Ho Chi Minh City)
by Intrepid
Glide down the Perfume River in Hue, Experience the magic of Halong Bay, Experience the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City, Delve into history at the Cu Chi tunnels, Hit…Not LP reviewed
- All things to do
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Le Bambino
Hidden away in a small residential lane, this delightful French oasis is run by a couple (French husband, Vietnamese wife) who turned their home into a restaurant and boutique hotel. The menu (available in Japanese) features hearty French fare, pizza and pasta. Upstairs, three enormous and extremely well-appointed rooms go for US$30 per night.
reviewed
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Viet Emotion
This stylish, intimate little place has a bistro feel about it, with bottles of wine hanging from the ceiling, plus a fireplace. Try the trekking omelette, home-made soup, or something from the tapas menu like gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns). If the weather really sets in there are books and magazines to browse and games including chess.
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B
Pho Thin
You'll get a very good bowl of pho in this family-run joint. Just be prepared for a down-home pho-eating experience: order yours on your way in, elbow your way into seats, and kick aside the little piles of tissues at your feet. Within seconds, the aromatic steam rising from your bowl will remind you why you came.
reviewed
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Louisiane Brewhouse
It’s not only the beer that draws a crowd here, as there is an eclectic menu offering international classics, some fiery Thai dishes and Vietnamese favourites. The beachside pool is a beautiful place to while away some time digesting the meal, and there are some great cakes and pastries for inveterate snackers.
reviewed
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Baguette & Chocolat
If you’re craving a genuine European-style cafe, head to this elegant converted villa for a fine breakfast (sets cost 60,000d to 78,000d), tartine, baguette or a slab of gateau. There are also good salads, pasta and Asian and Vietnamese dishes, and the ‘picnic kits’ are a smart option for trekkers.
reviewed
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D
Bay Bong
It doesn’t look like much, but the food is really something. According to Mekong explorer Le Van Sinh, it’s the best in the delta, specialising in hotpots and soups, as well as fresh fish dishes. Try the ca kho to (stewed fish in a clay pot) or canh chua (sweet-and-sour soup).
reviewed
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Mon Hue
Hue’s cuisine is justly famous beyond the borders of old Annam (the former Chinese name for Vietnam) and was once the preserve of emperors. Mon Hue is an up-and-coming chain of restaurants that offers a good introduction to the cuisine for those who don’t make it to the old capital. Open late.
reviewed
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Restaurant Alley
If you fancy skipping the main tourist scene on the riverfront, then try this small alley between Ð Dien Bien Phu and Ð Phan Dinh Phung where there are about a dozen local restaurants scattered on both sides of the street. Barbecued meats, seafood hotpots and simple vegetables, it’s all here.
reviewed
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Guava
A hip lounge bar, Guava is the place to come if you are seeking some style while you drink. Choose from sunken sofas inside or a leafy garden patio outside. Regular drink promotions include two-for-one surprises most days, such as Bloody Marys to accompany the Sunday ‘hangover breakfast’.
reviewed
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Citadel
Most of Hué's sights and a sizeable chunk of its population reside within the 2m-thick, 10km-long walls of its Citadel on the north bank of the river. Begun in 1804 on a site chosen by Emperor Gia Long's geomancers, it was originally made of earth and later strengthened with brick.
reviewed
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Sleepy Gecko
To escape the tourist circus, there’s no better place than this beach bar–style place on Cam Nam Island, where you can admire the view of Hoi An over an ice-cold beer. The owner, Steve, is there night or day to provide good tunes and good jibes – ask about his very good ‘byke tours’.
reviewed
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Jazz Club Minh
This is the grown-up, late-night side of Hanoi you probably never thought existed. Cool, mustachioed Quyen Van Minh is Hanoi's sax maestro - a cool cat who blows a mean horn. He holds court in his smoky jazz club nightly, often playing host to guest performers from around the world.
reviewed
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Ta Phin Village
Another popular hike is to Ta Phin village, home to Red Dzao and about 10km from Sapa. Most people take a xe om to a starting point about 8km from Sapa, and then make a 14km loop through the area, passing through Black H’mong and Red Dzao villages.
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Art Cafe
Owned by an artist whose work adorns the walls, this elegant, bamboo-accented eatery has intimate tables and soothing soft lighting. Linger over a glass of wine to admire the artwork. The menu features Vietnamese dishes with a twist, including plenty of vegetarian options.
reviewed
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Thanh Thuy Blue Water Restaurant
With an unbeatable location right on the lake, this restaurant serves a mixed-up menu of mostly Cantonese fare, with some Vietnamese and Western dishes as well (fancy some pizza with your dim sum?). The food is all right but the view and vibe are what people come for.
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Christie’s Cool Spot
The bar downstairs is where US war veterans hold forth about ongoing American politics vis-à-vis the American War in Vietnam. These days they’re joined by Western expats in search of an ice-cold beer or the comfort food available in the restaurant upstairs.
reviewed
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Plein Sud
One of the most atmospheric restaurants in town has a Mediterranean feel with an alfresco terrace, plus pool table, internet and bar. The menu includes an ever-changing series of specials, including fresh fish and seafood, plus wood-fired pizza and tapas.
reviewed
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Huu Dung Restaurant
This place has always served up wholesome food, but it's best to eat early, as the Lan Song Xanh Disco is right across the road and cranks up the volume from 20:00 or so. The house special is whole steamed fish with lashings of garlic and soy sauce.
reviewed
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Life Photo Gallery
Finely printed enlargements of Do Anh Tuan's documentary photography cover the walls of this small shop. Do has been capturing reflective and provocative images, mostly in B&W, since 1971. A 5x7-inch print (US$12) makes a nice gift or keepsake.
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Vietnamese Home
Located just off the northern tip of the riverfront promenade (the entrance is on Ð Ly Tu Trong), this restaurant is popular with locals and has an extensive seafood menu. The live seafood tanks are merrily decorated with blinking fairy lights.
reviewed
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Luna d’Autunno
Well-established Italian restaurant that has good antipasto, fresh pasta (try the walnut and eggplant ravioli) but is really famous for its pizza, which is baked in a wood-fired oven. Service can be spotty, and at times seriously distracted.
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Vietnam Vespa Adventure
Vietnam Vespa Adventure, which operates out of Café Zoom offers guided tours around southern Vietnam, including a loop up the back road from Vung Tau to Mui Ne and some beautiful trails through the mountains near Dalat.
reviewed
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Brothers Café
Looking like a film set, in one of the finest French-colonial buildings in town, the attention to designer detail is perfect. It is properly pricey by Hoi An standards, so many just drop by for a drink in the gorgeous riverside garden.
reviewed
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Hoang Y
The extensive menu at this well-run restaurant, run by the highly talkative chef-patron Mr Long, includes a few Western treats (including shakes and pancakes) and some vegie choices, but it’s the fresh seafood that really stands out.
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Yoko
This is a place where you can appreciate some live music, the blend here could be anything from indie rock to country and western, and kicks off around 9pm nightly. Small stage, comfy chairs and revolving art-works keep it cool.
reviewed