Vietnam : The food lovers trail .
Close to home and yet a place so strange, so little a country and yet packing a punch in the recent world events , from fierce wars to massive genocides , that is how I had known Vietnam.
But when the time came to visit the country, it was about street food tourism, that’s how my plan to go Vietnam came about. There are historic buildings and ancient cities , there are mountainous tracks and laid back seas , there is a whole variety of food options that can appeal to anyone’s palate and it fits in the price range of affordable travel . I had been planning.
I wanted to have all the traditional foods and dishes at the various melting pots that peoples of Vietnam converge to sell on the streets. Like all wishes that eventually come true, this one found an excuse in a friend who was traveling to Saigon for work . And he decided to extend his trip into a holiday if I could join in . And there I was .. .. packing up !
We had taken the Viet-jet airlines as it’s the only airline that flies directly from Mumbai to Ho Chi Minh . It was the night flight and we were scheduled to arrive the next morning .
In the airplane , as the lights went out — passengers started drifting away . I found myself with a cup of coffee and a few thoughts . Traveling was real pleasure . It made me reach some unknown spot inside which lived every moment like a story . Observing and admiring whatever came about without being obstructed by any kind of preconception . I was waiting . I was eager to to reach Saigon and let that part of me free , to capture the spirit of city .
Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City as it is better known :
Soon enough , we landed at Saigon airport . Following the signs to immigration , we moved on to collect our bags and boarded the taxi and started our ride to the city .
As soon as we left the airport , I noticed the urban effect that it bore upon its people . The sky was a clear blue and the sun was shining brightly spreading its energy within each soul and around each corner that it could touch . Lined up on the side were little eateries , some stores , some hawkers all co existing in the same space .The roads were really busy catering to people with different agendas , some on the motor bikes , some using the local transports and some sitting in the air conditioned comfort of cars that could only move at the pace of the loaded traffic. One of them was ours . The distance of around 8 kms took us about 30 minutes . I was already beginning to fell the busy pulse of this place .
Day 1 : Street Food in District 3 , Coffee in Phu Nhuan District
We were put up at Sofitel Saigon in District 1 . It was a convenient location for my friend’s work meetings . The hotel had the appeal of belonging to the modernised side of Vietnam . Everything inside the hotel gave a feeling of sophistication and perfection contrary to the unorganised and unkempt alleyways that makes for the better part of the city .
The rooms also looked too neat and tidy . Almost like an affluent business premise .
I was pretty much on my own today . I wanted to go to the heart of this city where the tradition , culture and history — all reflected in its food .Where unadulterated flavours were brought out with great efforts and finesse through years of mastering one single recipe — its street food
From the hotel lobby I figured out a decent local street food guide . I also found out that I could hire an agency that would take me around on a motorbike with a rider-cum guide . It sounded like a good plan . So i went on and booked a food tour .
The tour guide came by in about 30 minutes . She was chirpy and enthusiastic . Just finishing the safety formalities I hopped on , already excited . She started giving me a few stories about Vietnam and Saigon … Apparently the ratio of people to bikes in this city is 2:1 .
We were going to district 3 , which is the hub for Vietnamese street food .
As we started nearing , the lanes started to get more narrow . This seemed to be like a very old residential area . There were buildings just like chawls on either sides .
At ground level of the buildings , they had a chain of small eateries . Mostly all served authentic native Vietnamese cusine . We halted at a parking lot and were greeted by one local who was going to take us to the best places around there .
Ban Xeo was the first . An appetizer of sorts .
A very enthusiastic old man was already busy cooking at the stall where we stopped .He greeted us with a smile . He could only speak Vietnamese , but I guess he understood English . Quickly he started spreading some batter upon a wide , hollow iron pan . His hands moved swiftly , I was reminded of the Dosa walas in the streets of Mumbai . With equal dexterity , they spread the dosa batter on the hot iron pan and lay out a crunchy and fine dosa within minutes almost making all the process look effortlessly easy .
The base was made of rice batter . Then he sprinkled some condiments and a few chunks of finely chopped meat on the pancake . Folded into half ,almost looking like an omlet , the Ban Xeo was ready .
We settled in a modest sit out place where there were a few aluminum tables and chairs . There came the Ban Xeo and along with it —a BIG mustard leaf , some basil and other fresh herbs , chilies and on the side , fish sauce with pickled carrots.
Ripping a decent size of piece of the Banh Xeo , I laid it in the leaf together with other herbs and greens , following Vu . Holding it all together in a roll I dipped it in the fish sauce and took one crunchy bite .
As I chewed on , it seemed like a so many flavours kept on emerging . It was a very tasty first bite of Vietnam .
Next up was the French Banh Mi ( baguette.) .Back in time , the the French had: baguettes with a platter of cold cuts, butter and cheese. After the French left in 1954 , Vietnamese in the south got a free hand to modify this dish with their native ingredients. Mayonnaise replaced butter, and veggies replaced the more expensive cold cuts. The Banh Mi morphed into a dish everyone could afford.
A humble lady stood behind a tin stall . She had a longish oven in which fresh bread loafs were being baked in the background .
We approached her stall and she was suddenly all about business . She had in front of her on the shelf of the stall all sorts of things like eggs , butter , cheese , chilies , fresh cucumber , cilantro , pickled vegetables , some sauces and a variety of meat options .
A few words were exchanged between her and the local guide who accompanied me and within seconds she was busy assembling the sandwich . She handed over the two sandwiches to us in return for a humble some of money .
It was absolutely fresh. The sauces made it moist and savory . The flavours of the meat and the crunchy vegetables were blending amazingly with the bread . It became my comfort food instantly .
This one food is comparatively completely out of place in this bouquet of Vietnamese food . Yet it is one of the most sought after , most easily available , most delicious and most modestly priced food in Vietnam. Now I knew exactly why .
However , the appetite was diminishing . So I just had to stop half way to save some space for the next few things too .
As it started to get darker , people started peeling away from the street . The buzzing traffic noise began to ease out and it looked like siesta time was soon approaching for the locals of this city .
Only just then , we turned around the corner to find that this place was not half as close to winding up for the day . There were only eateries on all four sides . There were plastic stools scattered around and there were groups of Vietnamese who had come to enjoy a fun sea food dinner with family or friends .
That was the next for me too . With a long coastline of the South China Sea , there’s a copious amount of sea food in Vietnamese cusine .
We sat down by one such eatery . There were tanks displaying a dizzying array of live sea creatures including many sizes of crab, squid, monstrous shrimp, oysters, sea snails and so on .
Vu made some selections of clams and chose a preparation style called hot pot (lau) . Sitting back and sipping on a beer , I waited on my food to arrive . My bowl arrived much sooner . The aroma of the lemon grass was all over as soon as the lid was opened and the smoke started to ease out of the pot tempting the taste buds . We started to dig in . It was light , fresh and tasty .
This was followed by grilled (nurong) prawns on skewers . The idea was to let the sizzling hot prawn sit in the sauce to absorb the flavours and eat it with the shell on . It kind of creates a snap in your mouth and also adds the crunch . It was crispy , smoky and really very tasty .
I had literally gone overboard with all the binging in food , exploring how it looks , how it’s made , it’s taste and smell in its most authentic style . I could say that that they have surely nailed it ! The recipe for all the foods I tried was simple and with least ingredients . It made the best flavours of the food stand out … . And everything is priced so cheap ! It’s almost unreasonable .
I was eager to go back and meet my friend . I had to share this experience with him . Thankfully , he had completed his work formalities .
Ghe Dua Cafe :
We decided to head out for some Vietnamese coffee . Coffee is an integral part of the Vietnamese lifestyle . There are coffee shops everywhere and everyone seems to be spending a lot of time savoring their cup.
Phu Nhuan District , just north of downtown is the city’s unofficial ‘cafe capital’. Most of the cafes here had a theme that defines their decor and design: retro , arty , modern and so on .
Walking by a few , we chose this quaint cafe — Ghe Dua Cafe. It was a nice little open air coffee shop surrounded by huge trees . There was an almond tree which branched out beautifully into the veranda , spreading out a canopy of leaves . Low wooden sittings were arranged under it . There were young students , mostly expats with their gadgets sitting by , with their cups of energy boost simply hanging out .
We walked up the stairs and took a table by the edge . I ordered the Vietnamese iced coffee better known as “ca phe da” . The person who was serving us was feeling very chatty . He said “It’s not just the regular cold coffee that you ordered . Its a process that needs to be savoured form start to finish ”
And then , he began , adding hot water to dark roast beans in a drip filter called the phin . The coffee started trickling drop by drop in a shot glass which was preloaded with condensed milk . He then mixed it and poured it into with a tall glass which has a lot of ice cubes . He said “you cannot just wash it down . You have to sip it slowly enjoying every sip — cheers !”
The flavor was intense . It was really as tasty as the dramatic explanation .Vietnam was already beginning to build its story in my heart .
Day 2 : Saigon Opera House — The AO Show / The Cafe Apartment / Bui Vien- the non-stop party hub .
Breakfast was at the hotel . It was an elaborate spread of a regular luxury hotel .
Finishing up a scrumptious breakfast , we had planned to go around on foot , exploring the the market, the nearest main street and the shops and businesses that lined this city , the people that inhabit it — soaking in the local vibe . And we set off .
Just a couple of blocks away was the Saigon Opera House .
An architectural creation of the French in 1857 . We stood by it and I almost felt a vibe . This magnificent building invoked a feeling of awe . It had wound it’s life around the devastating war and then on it had witnessed the constant relentless modern development in the city .Booking a show here seemed like a viable excuse to see what’s inside .
The show we were attending was called The Mist . It was a cultural bamboo show. As we entered the premise , there was a marble tiled flamboyant flooring in the corridor . Guests were walking in all suited up to match with the fancy place that they were in . A staircase lead us to the auditorium . It was dauntingly massive and could host 800 people at a time .
As my gaze shifted upwards , I noticed that the ceiling was adorned with Greco-Roman engravings. I couldn’t really get the best click . But it was very intricate .
People started settling down . I couldn’t help but wonder if there was even a passing thought in their mind appreciating the building’s century long history .
The mood shifted a little as the show began . It was an absolutely phenomenal art display of the Vietnamese culture by some graceful and acrobatic artists using bamboos . Inspired by the world renowned Cirque du Soleil , everything about this show was a beautiful and delicate display of next level artistry .
It went on for an hour . After , people dispersed , wondering in the little verandas to get a little more of this place before they exited .
Post the show , we walked on to take a lunch break . This time the mood was to eat in a chic restaurant pampering ourselves with some cocktails . There were couple of restaurants on our list from the travel blogs we had referred . We settled for the quite acclaimed Anan. It had frills -michelin star , 100$ banh mi and some celebrity recommendations . But the attraction was for the presentation of food and the reviews that trailed after its name . It was located in a very busy market area .
As we entered , there was an open kitchen , everyone looked professionally trained and busy . There was an indoor place sit in and an outdoor deck too . Given a better day with cooler weather , I’d definitely opt to dine al fresco . But today wasn’t it . The menu arrived on the table and the so did the chef. He recommended some options to go with our palette after having a small conversation about what kind of food we generally prefer .
We ordered Lemongrass Porkchop, Banh Xeo Tacos, and Dalat-style pizza along with our favourite cocktails — LIT for me and Apple Vodka for my friend .
Something had begun to lighten my spirit — the coolness of the air conditioning or probably the intoxication from the alcohol . The crunchy taco and the perfectly braised pork chops were serving good company and merrily we finished a long and delicious lunch .
Happy buzzed , we wanted to still keep going . Just out of curiosity , we decided to walk up to “The Cafe Apartment” . Following the google map , we walked it up just a few minutes to Nguyen Hue Walking Street .
The street was just about starting to come alive . It was a nice spacious open place . A breather amid the clustered concrete that dominates the architecture of this city . Locals and visitors looked happy to be here hanging around , sitting by the benches or hiring the segway to just move on the pavements.
Among the mirrored and concrete high rises , The Cafe apartment was trying to keep its old structure intact a. But it seemed like the commercialisation had caught up with this one too . It was bustling with small business houses trying to attract people — locals and tourists alike .
We headed inside from the stairway which was next to a book store . It looked like a messy residential building .The walls were painted in dark yellow and the paint in most places was ripping off . It looked like some flyers which were stuck here were pulled out along with the paint and no one cared .
Small places were operating on fly by night standards at every level . Among them a few residents still continued to live . I wondered how they thrived together where residential apartments, small shops and cafes co-exist .However ,it was strangely symbiotic .
We kept peeping into the cafes every now on each level hoping that we don’t accidentally end up ringing the doorbell of a resident . Eventually we went into this cafe called “The Letter”. It had a nice view of the Nguyen Hue Walking Street .
Out of mere courtesy , I ordered a fresh Watermelon Iced tea . A small boy promptly took the order and returned with a chilled cup of bright red refreshing looking drink . At that moment this place was pretty quiet . We were the only one’s there . But considering the sheer number of similar places in this building made me feel like or rather hope for the sake of that poor little kid that the latter part of the day must do good for them .
The sun was setting and our time in this city was concluding with it . But the night life was something that we had not yet tapped and wanted to do so considering the blaring vibe that it exhibited .
Many people had said rooftop bars are great here . For one moment I thought of going to one such place . But it would restrict my experience to an unnatural environment flocked by people like me . I really wanted to soak in a little more of this city . So feeling adventurous we headed to the Bui Vien Street .
We had been warned to be careful if we were visiting here so we were consciously alert . I just wanted to be a spectator to the action that was thumping the street like a heart racing fast .The crowds were pouring into the pubs where music was louder than the ears can take . But it was doing the trick … The locals and the expats seemed to be settling in comfortably . They carried the chip of familiarity on their shoulder . My friend and I , we just ended in one bar which had a nice kind of spot to watch this live action while sipping on some cocktails .
Everything that I did or saw in this city made me sketch a picture of Vietnam in my mind . This city stands as a gateway to this country — in its small precise and trivial details , in its pulse and personality , it is uninhibited and irrepressible as it bears its magnetic soul and paints the sky in colours that fit each mood and the moment .
Da lat — a cute little hill town with a French touch .
Next morning we checked out and hailed a taxi to the airport . We were heading to -DaLat .
There are buses which takes about 8 hours and can become an option .If I had more time I would choose to do so as I enjoy road trips quite a lot . We had booked an early morning flight . Vietnam is well connected with domestic flights and they are also very cheap .
It is a short duration of about 45 minutes .As we landed , it was evident that this is going to be a switch in many respects . From the urban life , from the tropical heat, light and sun — to a hill-town setup with cooler weather , cloudy skies , mountains and lakes .
Day 3 : The massive Elephant Falls / Vietnamese filter coffee in the local style / Street food at Merchandising Market .
Taking a Grab taxi from the airport , we began our journey to downtown . Just as I had imagined , this city greeted me with an image of a hill-station — a getaway for people from their busy life in Saigon .
The roads looked pretty — adorned with trees and plants . They were less busy , clean and wide . Instead of shops lining up , on their borders were farms on either sides . The rain clouds were descending towards the mountains, covering them up with their soft grey hue .
As we moved further , the scenery started to get even more charismatic . From the rain , the green colour of the trees and the grass looked vivid and new as though freshly painted . The rain drops started to trickle down .
Further as we reached downtown , there was a huge lake — full with water . A promenade by it where one can walk ,but the weather made sure that at that moment it was deserted . There were lots of flowering plants .. The weather was a little chilly . I knew that I am going to need a jacket to move around . Feeling a bit hungry as we reached the town , we requested the driver to stop by a cafe where we could grab a bite . He was polite enough to take us to a cozy looking place called An cafe.
This place had a genial touch .We ordered the regular English breakfast and some broth called Bo Kho and Banh Mi yet again ! ( I could eat Banh Mi for Breakfast lunch and dinner ). This stew was spicy like the tom yum soup . It had lemon grass and I think ginger and fresh pepper . The peppery taste of the hot soup was perfectly what I needed at this point . I was happy to stop by.
We were put up at Ana Mandara Villas . Ten minutes away from the city , this beautiful resort was nestled in the tall pine trees . There were 17 colonial French Villas which now served as the guest rooms . There was soft breeze blowing now and the rains had receded . There was delicate scent of the wet mud . The sun-rays were trying to make their way back through the white clouds . Together , this place was dainty!
Inside , the rooms were tastefully decorated in shades that were blending with the nature . I needed to rest my feet a bit .
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After a while , I was all set o discover this beautiful town .We hired a motorbike. It was quite simple to hire one . And my friend was very versatile with bikes . So that made it a safe bet .
There are quite a few nature trails , waterfalls and adventure parks just outside of Dalat . We were going to Elephant Waterfall. It was just about 30 kms outside of DaLat . It was one of the quainter places to visit .
The route was very charming . The highway roads are well maintained . Our bike was gliding along the twisting mountain pass making a smooth descent .
There was a small open space by the road . It felt like an inviting space to stop by. Looking down at the valley and enjoying this pristine landscape for a little while we continued our journey downhill .
On reaching the bottom of the pass there were easy directions to the falls . The parking lot was a hardly occupied . There was a small entry fee to this place . A few vendors were trying to sell nick knacks and eatables . But once we passed all that , we were pretty much on our own . A few people were retracing They seemed very thrilled .
Even at this distance , we were spurred on by the dramatic noise of the waterfall thundering in the valley . We walked further .
There were several winding steps — steep , uneven and narrow cutting into the volcanic mountain . The mist from the falls and the occasional rain were making then slippery . There was an iron railing that one could hold on to while making this difficult descent . It looked feeble -like it would give away anytime . There was green foliage all around and branches of that were growing randomly , entwining among each other creating a deserted look . All together , it was building the excitement to unveil what is so dramatic at the the end of the climb .
The thundering sound of the falls became louder and louder , we finally reached a point from where we got our first glimpse of the falls . The view of the the towering waterfall rising over 30 metres high emitted a sense of power and dominance . Volumes of water was thumping on the massive boulders lying midstream covering them up with moss.
With this kind of approach road , this place was ensuring that it kept the herds of tourists at bay , maintaining it’s tranquility . I could stand there for hours admiring this torrent which continued to do the one thing that it knew best — as the day changed into the evening and then the nightfall . I wondered of I could gather courage to stay until the night … but my friend was simply not in a mood for too much adventure .
It was a beautiful experience — unruly , powerful , captivating .
Climbing back was not as treacherous .
There are several local coffee stalls all over Vietnam . And they are right place to try the traditional real flavour of the filter coffee of this place. We just got lucky in this respect at one such authentic place was right by the side of the road as we stepped out . We decided to grab a hot cup of traditional Vietnamese filter coffee ( Cafe nua ) . There was an old woman stirring the coffee — probably bring out its best flavour . My hands were numb from the mist and the rain . As She handed over the hot cup , my palms felt warm and nice . The aroma was sufficient to wake us back from the tiring climb . The flavour was stronger than probably a cigarette . Sitting by the low plastic stools in her make shift sit out area we drifted in conversation as we sipped on our drink .
As evening approached , the weather was getting cooler . Putting on our jackets we rode back up the mountain pass to downtown . By this time we were completely famished as we had brunch much earlier in the day . My friend had missed the street food journey in Saigon .So we wanted to indulge in some heavy duty street food here too .
I was literally jolted from tranquil to buzz ! We were at Merchandising market . This place was thoroughly bustling with activity .People were selling everything here — from clothes to fresh foods , paintings , artifacts to household items .
Many food stalls were all lined up next to each other , almost connected . They were serving seafood nibbles , boiled golden corn the traditional rice noodles-pho and so many other things . We decided to try the DaLat Pizza. It was a crunchy-crispy taco like dish with cheese , spring onions , pork salami strips , and a few other herbs and spices .
Further ahead , a small eatery seemed to be very popular among locals . So we stopped by . They were serving snacky spring roll called Nem Nuong . We ordered some for us too — rice-paper , pound pork cooked on skewers , crispy onion fresh herbs , crushed chilies , served with peanut sauce. It was savory — a super flavorful and garlicky snack . We had some chicken rice along with it . The portions were really huge and by the end of it we were stuffed .
But somehow , it seemed like our agenda was purely food at that point . ANd the street was treating us delightfully . A little bit further there were some sort of milk drink stalls everywhere . We thought it would be a nice idea to end it with some sweet-dish for the evening . It turned out to be soy milk that they were serving in different flavours —. We tried the lemon grass one and the plain one too . I would say , they really nailed the “sweet” part of the sweet-dish .
By this time of the day , there was a nip in the air . As we started the motorbike , and moved away from the hustle bustle, into the more quite mountainous road , I just spread out my arms and took in a deep breath of fresh mountain air . Looking up at the cloudless sky full of stars , I couldn’t help but imagine how satisfying a countryside life can be .
Day 4: Coffee plantaiton/The Pagoda Visit /Restaurant eating for a change
It was a beautiful clear morning . The dreamy ambience in my room was even more enhanced as the soft rays of the morning sun penetrated the white sheer that surrounded my fairy tailish bed . I thought a quick swim would be ideal and the pool looked very private and inviting .
After breakfast ,we had a nice long day planned . We decided to carry an extra pair of clothes and jackets to cope with the weather changes if at all .
Vietnam had been treating me with great coffee ever since I stepped on this land . And Dalat was the place where it is cultivated in abundance . We visited one coffee farm and had the opportunity to speak with a local farmer — he had been cultivating coffee since 1970 . In a pensive mood he told us the story about how the weather changes and the shortage of water supply are threatening coffee production .
Later he humbly took us around to showed us the coffee trees , narrating the process that if followed to create the final bean .
A cup of coffee was the most obvious next thing . A small cafe served various types of coffee prepared from the beans grown in this beautiful farm . A simple plank of wood served as a high table by the ledge . The wooden deck was lined with high seats overlooking the pristine landscape of mountains and the lake . With the cool breeze floating around and with the rainy looking atmosphere , the aroma of the steaming hot coffee was sedative . The Vietnamese filter coffee is simply brilliant .
This trip was unfolding almost perfectly . And there were pieces of unexpected surprises in all the little things that were happening . After spending a lot of time enjoying the ambiance , we finally left from there .
We were really hungry — as usual I’d say . The hotel manager had recommended a chic bistro called Biang Bistro . This place was tastefully decorated with soft lights , a non intrusive ambiance and private sitting arrangements. It looked very calming and we settled in . The menu had a lot of vegetarian as well as vegan options in Vietnamese and Western style of cooking .
We ordered avocado salad , grilled fish and chicken and rice . The food was amazingly delicious . It had an aesthetic appeal too . We were so hungry that within no time we had finished eating .
With satisfied appetite , our next plan was to visit one of the not so ostentatious Pagoda of Dalat . Someone had mentioned Truc Lam Pagoda. He said it would be a nice place to visit as it was set amid the mountains and forests and also close by .
— Just about 5 kms from where we were — it was at the bottom of a hill called Robin Hills. There was a parking lot where we stationed the bike and moved to buy the tickets for the cable car ride which would take us down the hill where the monastery was . We had to climb about 200 steps up from there to the entrance —to a young monastery . We were greeted to a vast land full of greenery .. coniferous trees, beautiful flowers , grasses and gardens with a 360 degrees panoramic view . At one side was the Pagoda building and the residential quarters . There were monks and nuns , studying and residing there . All the rest was just exploding with nature .
Buddhism is one practice that creates curiosity in my heart . A monk’s life — it’s disciplines , asceticism , hardships , minimisation of needs . I always wondered —What does it feel like to obtain enlightenment ?
After having a look inside , we were strolling in the gardens immersing in the beauty of the monastery . We sat down by a huge tree , with one very young monk . He was all about 30 . Young he may be , but he surprised us with his entire demeanor . He could speak English . He had a serene aura like some kind of a scholar , and he narrated a few parables with dramatic effect— transcending me into a “zone”.
As it turns out .. the life of a monk is not so much of chasing to attain anything at all , but patiently strolling through the field of endless grass . There is no discipline if it does not empower you with the choice of free will . People often expect some kind of mystical experience — something like a supernatural external revelation , where the real experience happens within you !This visit was unplanned — and the feeling was cathartic.
What we had planned was a barbecue dinner at — Chu Quan. The weather was crisp and it made for a nice lounging — open air place with good food . Lot of people we knew had recommended coming here for the experience of baking meat on the table over a hot stone .
The restaurant was full of young locals and tourists. The music was loud from the live band that was playing there . The restaurant wasby a street street . that was pretty bustling with vendors selling nick-nacks, street artists were doing some performances and so on . But together , it was building a Saturday night party mood and people were having a good time .
We ordered the pork and lamb to cook ourselves. It came pre-marinated . Cooking on the hot stone was actually quite exciting . The aroma from the meat that was cooking was making me salivate .Finally when the meat was ready , I couldn’t wait for it to cool down and took a small chunk of the steaming hot piece in my mouth . It tasted absolutely delicious and juicy . We also ordered some shrimps and fish on the grill and the chicken hot pot .
It was a very fun evening — grooving over the music and sipping on my favourite ale —with some sizzling hot food . Two days were probably not enough for this beautiful town .
This city had left me with a reason to come again and spend a lot more time .It had the charm of a pretty countryside with horses and zebras grazing freely in the farms , with strawberries and peaches abundantly growing around and lots of coffee plantations to savor all kinds of coffee .
Day 5 : Hoi An : The ancient town — Rice paddies / Local Life /Local food .
The next morning , we spent some more time strolling around in the property and soaking it all in as we finished off our breakfast .
Later we had to proceed to the airport for our next flight to Da Nang. Da Nang is a beautiful city with beaches and night life and street food . I would surely like to spend a little time here when I visit next time .
But this time , we were straight heading to Hoi An . The distance from Da Nang airport to the city was not too far . It was a regular city route .
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We reached the main town in about 45 minutes .This ancient town was really quaint and pretty . All the buildings we could see were mostly painted in yellow ocher .. they were 2 storey and they had these slanted rooftops giving the town a very uniform architectural and cozy look .
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa- This was quite a big property with over a 100 rooms . But still it had an ancient charm . We were put up in the suites wing .
Finishing up the formalities , we just kept our bags in the room , freshened up and set on to discover what this place has in store for us .The hotel was a 10-minute walk to the ancient town. The hotel also has shuttle to drop you off there .
Motorbikes and cars are banned from the town center for large parts of the day — from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., making bicycles the most ideal choice to explore the town .
And what can be better than being able to cycle along the promenade of a beautiful river with the backdrop of an classic culturally brimming settlement !
We had no fixed plan . We started riding a little away form the main city into the backstreets and the rice fields . A light breeze was easing the heat from the day and the clouds were occasionally bringing respite from the sun .Everything around was simply acres and acres of tall green grass . It reminded me of South Goa in the rains ..the crops and the little roads passing through the rice fields , a laid back countryside that triggers a feeling of relaxation .
A little further , by the corner of the road was humble tea stall cum home of one of the locals . Outside , were two cute little happy faces . They said something I couldn’t follow. But sharing a happy smile did not require a dialect . I was glad to capture that moment of delight on their faces .
We were wandering for about an hour . After leaving the hotel , we had made a quick dash to the main stretch where the Japanes bridge and touristy things were located . One thing I noticed was that it was dotted with very cute cafes and I wanted to grab a coffee by now . So we retraced .
We tried the signature “Egg coffee” ( mix one egg yoke with a lot of condensed milk ,whisk it to make it frothy and then add it to the filter coffee.) . Basically , if you are wondering if it tasted anything like egg .. then the answer is no . It was like a good cup of cappuccino with a flavor of some cake. Just if you add a shot of whiskey — it would become my favourite — Irish coffee !
The energy was back ! Later we went to have a look at the Japanese bridge .. (Japanese then living in Hoi An built it to reach the Chinese quarter across the water) and some really older buildings which were maintained beautifully trying to preserve their old-world charm . It was all wood and stone . I wonder why these kind of structures are not built any more .
Human race has the natural instinct to commercialise each opportunity that comes its way .The day was getting warmer and sultry . We spotted a lot of vendors selling some very tempting iced tea along the street . We stopped by and tried some . It was loaded with dried spices , lemon and herbs and lots of crushed ice — exactly something you would crave for on a day this warm .
In the by lanes there were quite a few colourful lanterns making the town look peppy and pretty . There were lots of small shops selling clothes , postcards , art work . paintings some handicrafts too ,all giving the town a very artistic feel . Apparently, people specially come here to stitch some business suits and custom outfits . Tailoring seemed to be a very popular activity here .
After all the looking around and the shopping and other activities , as the day was starting to wind down , there was the most ideal setting to relax and enjoy restful evening — by the river .
Restaurants and small eateries started to open up . There were small wooden benches by the promenade where we could sit and order food . Again going by local recommendation , Cao Lau was the dish that we were set to taste .
These rice noodles originated in Hoi An . It was a wholesome bowl of dry noodles steamed specially with water form a specific “well” in the city .. . There are stories — some say its true and other, not so . However , the noodles had a different texture — slightly chewy . They were served with juicy pork chunks , teriyaki sauce , salty broth form the meat and some crackers . Together , it was a wholesome meal .
The city of lanterns looked incredible all lit up at night .
We were exhausted to the bone by that time .Going back to the hotel and hitting the bed felt blissful . There’s some pleasure in sleeping like a dead person when you are so tired !
Day 6 : My Son Sanctuary / An Bang beach
Just an hours drive from the old town was the vestige of a Hindu Dynasty that thrived for 1500 years .We were visiting this place of great revere in the morning — the temple remains of “My Son” .
The day was hot so we just hired a car instead of going on the motorbike . The road was running parallel to a river , passing by some old towns and villages as though taking us back in time gradually . Within a short span , we were at the gates of the Sanctuary .
At the entrance , was the information about the ruins . The gist — This sight was first developed in the 4th Sanctuary by the Champa King — King Bhadravaman — a believer in Lord Shiva . He started to build it as a religious sight and a place for burial of kings . It was continuously developed for a period of 1000 years . The Champas reigned for nearly 1500 years and were at constant state of war with the neighboring kingdoms . They were eventually conquered by the Vietnamese in 1832 and were completely washed out .
A small golf cart took us further ahead from the entrance to another point from where where we could start exploring this sight on foot .
Within minutes of following the stoned path passing through the tall trees , the remains began to emerge , almost spooky . A mangled red brick wall was sticking out of the ground as though it wanted to start telling the tale .
The place was divided into clusters . During the Vietnam war , this sight was used by the Vietnamese as one base of operation and consequently was bombed very heavily by the Americans . This grandeur took a thousand continuous years to become what it was — and just a few moments of violence to get raised to the ground .What remains of this majestic location are but a few ruins .
The monuments showed signs of being worn out .. partially by damages of war , and partially by wear and tear. The architecture and the sculptures were stark symbols of Hinduism . Most temples were facing east towards the direction of the rising sun .
As I took each step , the earth under my feet was communicating a saga .I was experiencing it’s timeless history of existence .
At the foundation of the Sanctuary , there was an inscription of the words of King Bhadravam in Sanskrit which translates to — “Out of compassion for me , do not destroy what I have given.”
I could not help but feel a sense of deep regret for what could have been !
It was like two worlds — inside the Sanctuary —was like stepping on Mars where existence of life is merely in imagination . And then I stepped back on the earth — life was moving at a sonic speed .
We got back in the car . It was noon time . We were hungry .The scorching heat of the mid-day sun would begin to ease in a while .And the idea of lazing around sipping a couple of beers and binging was sounding ideal . We were going to An Bang beach . So that drive in the air-conditioned car was timed perfect for a siesta . I was fast asleep in minutes . No dreams no consciousness .
I had to be woken up once we reached . The taxi driver was going to have the rest of the evening to himself . I’d noticed tourist drivers clustering around (tea joints) and I could see he was anticipating meeting some of his friends. It was 2 PM and untill 8PM he would get some company.
The feeling of being on the beach in the afternoon sun is a bit of a turmoil . The sand is blazing with the heat , the breeze is warm and salty , and the sea water is glistening with the bright light from the blaring sun . And yet , there is activity on the shore — people hire beach beds with shades , they swim , they apply tanning lotion , and they seem to love the sun . I wonder how I would feel if I ever lived in a country that has no sun.
Like how it usually is , the shore was lined with quite a few nice looking restaurant and hip bars . The lunch was long overdue and huger pangs were coming and going in bouts . We chose “Soule Kitchen” — by the sheer looks of the place . It was a bright and hip set up with wooden and bamboo decor . The colourful cushions were adding the dash of hue . We sat down by a small deck which was covered by neatly manicured green grass . Sinking into those big cushions , I knew that I had made myself comfortable for the next few hours here .
On a summer day , by the sea , there was a subtle aroma of the chilled beer that was in front of me . I took my first sip— and even before the alcohol could hit my stomach , I could feel an instant sensation of distinct pleasure . There was light music going on in the background . People were enjoying their time in the sea shacks . The sun was now getting less harsh .
We ordered some nibbles . Fried scallops , mini Banh Mi , Tuna Mango salad and some steamed clams .
Time started pass by as we chit chatted , easing up the fatigue of the first few days . We ordered some more food later from the menu that was displayed — fried rice with seafood .
By evening , a live music began to play . Music was no longer subtle and in background . It soon overtook the whole place vibe became that of a party hub .
The conversations died out and people were soon grooving and getting intoxicated . There by the bar was a small boy — wondering if there was anything worth his while there .
We called it a night . The taxi driver was promptly waiting where he had left us last . In the hotel , we packed up again .
Hoi An , was completely different than Dalat . It was an ancient city bearing the colonial influence of different societies and a fusion their cultures .
Next day ,we were headed out to Hanoi — our last stop . The city is about 45 minutes from the airport .
Day 7 :Hanoi : Old district /Monuments /Local food / Local Beer
Landing in this city is just exactly the same as landing in Mumbai .. Imagine a journey from T2 to Nariman point . . The city roads, the flyovers , the signals and the traffic . Except that additionally . there are motorbikes . Lots of them again .
The journey to the old town took us about 45 minutes . This capital city was the epicenter of extremely busy life . In choosing a hotel therefore , I had in mind a locality that was less so . Oakwood Residence Hanoi -in West lake area — was elegantly furnished serviced apartments with all the modern facilities like a pool and a restaurant that served breakfast as well . The studio room had a small balcony that overlooked the lake . That made me very excited .
The area was the more affluent part of Hanoi .It had a lot of luxury hotels , restaurants , eateries and shops . This was a melting pot of foods from the different empires that set foot here .
Today , we were tracing the old district of Hanoi , soaking in whatever it has to offer .
For the Vietnamese people , having Pho for breakfast is very common . And Hanoi was also supposed to be the best city for the more authentic style of serving Pho as compared to the south . We went to Pho Gia Truyen — a small eatery that was existing in the same location since 6 decades . So that became our starting point -breakfast at a classic eatery !
We reached there and found a queue of people waiting to be served . For a fraction of seconds we thought we’d walk away . But the queue moved really quickly and we waited for our turn . It was like a factory unit functioning most methodically .
This Pho was a giant bowl of clear soup packed with proteins , calories and lots of flavours .It had the taste of caramalised onion and spices like ginger , black pepper and cinnamon . There was a generous portion of boiled noodles lots of spring onions and chunks of tender meat .
It was delicious , hot and filling . Within a few minutes , it was empty and we were all set for few hours .
We walked on to visit Hao Lo prison . History has it that this prison was known as “Hell on Earth” . The French colonists built this structure to restraint prisoners mainly Vietnamese revolutionary patriots fighting against colonial authorities — to kill their patriotic spirit .
Within , there are illustrations of different types of atrocities committed upon the prisoners and the savage torture methods used upon them by the authorities . There are the preserved remains of tunnels from which the prisoners tried to escape and the cells where they were quarantined before they were sent to the guillotines .
Walking through the narrow corridors of the the prison with architecture that is designed to instill a sense of fear was not such a great feeling . The thought of such a hostile environment where humans were brutally tortured in the most inhumane ways by other humans is hard to digest .
But it was a powerful symbol of the sheer strength of character and the determination of the Vietnamese freedom fighters in the face of horror .
Outside of those tall brick walls , life seemed normal . Mostly everyone seemed to be following their daily routines mechanically . Maybe as they passed this monument , a small feeling of gratitude crept in their heart .
Later we walked up to the Phung Hung Mural street . Following the google map , soaking in the local life , it took us about half an hour to reach the location . Vietnamese and South Korean artists had participated in building this community project of displaying contemporary art on the streets to commemorate their collaboration.
In a very artistic style , this whole place was exhibiting memories of Hanoi — it’s cultures and traditions .
The paintings had a 3D effect . They produced an optical illusion . If u were standing in front of one , it felt like to are a part of one .
To keep the visitors engaged and imbued , they also had activities like games and paintings , all of which were in a subtle manner exhibiting how this place used to be in the years gone by .
Immersed in the cultural and historical voyage , time was of no essence until we started feeling really hungry . We came across a small little place called Banh Cuon Gia Truyen . They were serving some really delicate looking steaming hot momos ( Banh Cuon ). It was “yet another eatery” sort of a place which had pure focus on the food it served . The aesthetics of the place were pretty much simple and practical — steel tables , plastic chairs and quick service . People were moving in , eating , paying and leaving . We also sat down and placed our order .
It was made of rice batter ( The marathi style Ghavne — very thin and moist ). It had the stuffing of variety of meat options like shrimp , pork , chicken . We ordered pork and chicken .
The outside skin of the momo was so thin and translucent that I thought it would simply melt in my mouth .It was topped with some caramalised onions and coriander and served with fish sauce .
It was a very simple dish , really light — and just as I had imagined , the moment it went in my mouth.. it just melted away . We ordered again , and ate a second portion too .
I had not yet tried the dessert Che Ba Mau. People had been raving about this dessert but somehow, since it seemed like a very big portion of sweet I had not had the chace to taste it so far . Since lunch was light , we thought of indulging in some today .
There were too many things added to it — beans , some jelly , a sticky sauce made out of pomegranate , lots of ice and a generous topping of coconut milk . This multi coloured sweet was served in a tall glass and a long spoon to be able to mix everything — just looks like the Indian Falooda !
After having eaten enough , we walked a few blocks and started to stroll by Hon Kiem — the iconic turtle lake . A light breeze was coming from the waters of the green lake . Things were slowing down after the lunch hour .It was a good idea to go back to the hotel and rest for a while . We took a ride this time — in a cycle rikshaw .
After taking a nap , we made some coffee in the kitchen at the apartment . It was about 6:00 pm and we were all ready to walk the streets again . In Hanoi ,beer flows like water . We were going to this place called Bia Corner — where beer lovers flock in the evening to grab their fresh craft beer and chill !
It was a busy by-lane with an informal setup . There were lots of street corner bars serving this native golden ale bubbling with carbon-di-oxide . People had made themselves comfortable on top of plastic stools and chairs on the pavements of the road as as well as on the road itself , hanging out in this most casual and carefree setup . There were street performances too !It had a vibe of a place where youngsters like to relax on most evenings after college .
Most of the bars were very busy . Walking a little bit further , there was a slightly quieter place called Bia Hoi . We opted to spend the evening there . The enthusiastic waiter opened the valve and started filling the tilted tall glass with the beer from the Keg . A thin layer of white froth started to accumulate on the top .. tiny drops of dew start collecting on the ouside of the glass as he topped it up with finesse .
The taste was fresh -somewhat likewheat beers . It reminded me of my college days . In between the lectures , during breaks , we had spent years binging in sanwhiches and dosas by the roadside having light hearted conversations .
Dinner was at another local place — dry chicken Pho — Basically pho without broth . Rice noodles , some cabbage , shreded chicken , crispy onions and some house sauce made of soy sauce , some sugar and chicken fat , mint leaves to top it up with a serving of the broth on the side .
It was one of the lighter evenings . Feeling fully loaded , we hired a taxi and went back to the hotel . We had scheduled a whole day trip for the following day which was going to need us to get up very early .
Day 8 : Ninh Binh — The limestone karsts/ Tam Coc river boating /Some more food .
We had booked a taxi to take us to Ninh Binh on the following day . There are a few day trips that we could have opted for including Halong bay . But since I had visited the limestone grottoes in the seas of Phuket , I thought that i wanted to glide on the river by the green rice fields this time . Besides , the picture of this place looked absolutely enticing .
After having an early breakfast , we set out on this 2 hour journey at about 7:30 AM . It was a very beautiful drive amid lush green mountains with a muddy river full of water running flowing parallel through out .The journey was by far the most scenic one .
We were heading to Tam Coc — Mua Caves (Hang Mua) — located in Khe Dau Ha village. This is a cave that has been built on top of one limestone mountain. There are around 500 winding steps carved in the mountain to help you reach the summit which is popular for a breathtaking 360 degrees view of an absolutely stunning landscape .
Once we reached , it was about 10:00 AM . Form the bottom , we picked some coffee and started the climb . It was an arduous task , but there was respite form the clouds and the occasional cool breeze that kept us company . As we kept ascending, , we could get a peak every now and then of what was about to unfold right from the top .
There were two summits — one leading to the pagoda was the nearer on to the right and the one with the breathtaking views of the lush valley , was on the other side and a little more high where the epic dragon has been carved .
Looking down , all the steps that we had climbed looked like they were the stairway to a castle in dome Walt Disney movie . They were simply beautiful .
To the local people, the dragon is symbol of prosperity — essential for rain and agriculture . When I saw green endless carpet of land with the river flowing in the middle —giving a feeling of bounty — I felt some kind of essence in the spirit of this Mua Dragon .
There were tiny boats floating on the river , making their way through . It was quite like watching a movie shot on the Amazon river . We were going to in one of those , gliding along that river very soon .
If you think your mind is made up about going to Vietnam and just need to figure how much it costs — GO HERE
While we were climbing down , I met an Indian couple . During the conversation , they were very excited to mention that just around the corner was an Indian restaurant serving piping hot Indian food — Aroma Indian Restaurant! However good a holiday — after a point , you still miss home food . Just the mention — and I had already decided what I am going to order .
There were lots of people from India here and it felt for a moment that I’m in a familiar spot . We ordered lots of food and we ate it all — almost licking our plates, satiating our craving .
The day was cloudy . I was just hoping that it shouldn’t rain . Because the next 2 hours I was going to be on the boat — in the river
We went to the wharf and bought the tickets to channel 1 . The boatman was all ready with his legs on the paddles . And we got in . Later , we learnt that it’s a tradition in this town for the boatmen to maneuver the boat by feet . The river was flowing in a rhythm . And the boatman somehow seemed to resonate , gliding at an almost constant pace .
The long winding river was comfortably drifting though .The mountains looked like they have been transported straight from Jurassic park . On the route , there was a small temple that was abandoned . There was something enchanting about it .
Nature was just unrestrained here , inhabited by beautiful creatures , leaving us a trail so that we can become one with her , may be even for one single moment .
Two hours of no rain and a panoramic boat ride on the river finally concluded . The boatman had a grin on his face . He knew we were thrilled with the experience .
Immediately near the warf was a restaurant called Minh Toan. It reminded me of the Irani cafes — our comfort hotels back in India . The small refrigerator with cold drinks , the cashier sitting right at the entrance , steel tables , a large glass counter which holds cakes, pastries, cream rolls, biscuits etc. We decided to dine there .
I ordered the local specialty — crispy rice ( Com Chay ) , with some spring rolls and a salad . The crispy rice was deep fried almost like a cracker . It had a hint of garlic and pepper . The curry was made from goat meat . The presentation of the food was a little ordinary , but crispiness of the deep-fried rice and a little bit of spiciness from chilly in combination with the salted shredded meat was absolutely delicious .
By the time we were done it was almost 8:00 pm . We had spent entire 12 hours being on our toes .
Tired feet , dusty clothes , totally worn out , the only little bit energy left was to drag up to the car . The taxi ride back home was like a baby in a cradle , I needed that nap . We were back in Hanoi . That was the last day of our trip . We had an evening flight to catch on the next day .
Hanoi had a subtle village vibe that was absent in it’s southern counterpart. Despite the crazy traffic and the busy routines , centuries old traditions were still alive here . You can call it the “rural city” or “ the urban Village” .
Things you ought to know about Vietnam
Visa :
Processing takes between 3 to 7 business days
There are two types of visa to visit Vietnam:
- e-Visa :
- e-Visa on Arrival : you need to apply for an approval letter online and you will be granted an e-visa on arrival
Vietnam can be divided into 3 zone
North :
- Sapa : The old French hill station town famous for treks and hikes . Also hosts a number of western bars and restaurants . A recently opened gondola runs from Sapa to Mount Fansipan, stopping just a few hundred feet shy of the summit.
- Halong : Hundreds of tiny islands — many of them inhabited only by monkeys — feature dozens of caves and innumerable deserted beaches. Magnificent limestone mountains rise above the waters of the bay like brooding primeval sentinels.
- Ninh Binh : marvel at the rugged karst terrain, mountain goats, and lush grassland of rice plantation as you glide along peaceful river waterways through a series of dark grottoes. You can check Chuc Puong national park or visit one of the Southeast Asia’s largest virgin rainforests,with primitive caves and thousands of butterflies.
- Hanoi : the cultural and historical capital of Vietnam.
- Mai Chau : is the first town along Vietnam’s gorgeous Northwest Loop. You can stay in an ethnic Thai stilt house and explore caves and waterfalls in the rich, hilly terrain where rice is cultivated . Mai Chau can be visited as a day trip from Hanoi, or it can be combined into a longer journey with the more remote towns of Moc Chau, Son La, and Dien Bien Phu
Central :
- Da Nang : 3rd largest city in Vietnam , but an excellent alternative to escape the busy life of Hanoi and Saigon without missing its food and culture . It has miles of farms, forests, or seas. Very famous for motorbike ride on the Hai Van Pass .
- Hue : Hue, the nation’s ancient capital, may be the most historically fascinating city in all of Vietnam. Well-preserved temples, pagodas and tombs lie around every corner.
- Hoi An : Explore the romantic alleyways of the old town, hidden beneath the glow of hanging lanterns. Tailors and designers operate storefronts on almost every block. People from all over the world come here to get their business suits stitched in ridiculously cheap prices .
- Dong Hoi : Spectacular beaches including The Da Nhay and Bao Ninh and Bang Spa, a natural hot spring. Phong Nha Ke Bang national park — hosts limestone caves that are some of the largest and most fascinating in the entire world.
South :
- Ho Chi Minh City: The city is the symbol of vietnamese food ,culture and history .There are sights and memorials of the war and its devastiative effects on the country . Street food is at it’s best here .It’s an action packed gateway to endless shopping and vibrant nightlife with amazing rooftop lounges and bars .
- Nha Trang : Most famous in Vietnam for its white sand beaches and calm blue sea , lively nightlife and excellent seafood .
- Can Tho : Famous for the narrow canals and tributaries of Mekong Delta , and wholesale Cai Rang Floating Market and the retail Phong Dien Floating Market.
- Phan Thiet : A lively fishing port best known for its sea food . Amazing coastline roads for bikers .
- Dalat :It is a beautiful mountain escape famous for plantation of coffee , and other vegetables and fruits . There are amazing motorbike trails .
How much time is Ideal
This is a very long country and distances are quite alot . It takes a mimium of two weeks to cover a few places in each zone . Covering the entire country will need one whole month .
Weather Wise :
The weather varies dramatically from North to south. Vietnam sees optimum weather conditions all-round in February.
The south and the central coast, are perfect for beach bums, The north sees the chill lifting, leaving clear and warm days for hiking and exploring the region.
- North : December and April. Driest months
- Central : between January and August. There are heavy rains in October/ November,May and August are particularly hot months.
- South : December to April.
June to November sees the most rain showers
According to tourist inflow :
— Peak season (June-July)
— Shoulder season (February-April)
— Low season (September-October)
How much will you spend :
For a more comfortable backpacker/bikers experience in Vietnam, it’s best to budget around INR 3500/- per day per person . This way, you’ll have more money to spend on things like food, drinks, activities and hotel rooms.
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Vietnam, it’s best to budget INR 5000/- to INR 8000/- per day for your entire stay costs .
Street Food :
A holiday in Vietnam is equivalent to the street-food delight that it has to offer . Each dish is wholesome , flavourful and very cheap . The world renowned chef Anthony Bourdain was in love with Vietnam specially for its street food . Eat the Banh MI , eat the Pho , eat the spring rolls and eat the Vietnamese Pizza … They all come under Rs 100/- and are absolutely delicious .
Packages
Unavoidables : INR 49,000/- for 2 people
Flight : from Mumbai : INR 20,000/-( Approximate ) per person
Mumbai → Ho Chi Minh City
VietJet Air
BOM 00:35
5h 20m
SGN 07:25Hanoi → Mumbai
VietJet Air
HAN 20:20
Tue, 15 Sep 2020
4h 40m
BOM 23:30Visa : INR 3500/-
Insurance : INR 1000/- per person
- In making the packages , I have considered that you will not miss the experience of street food — no matter the option that appeals to you .
Accommodation and Food for 8 nights
You could be travelling in 3 modes — back packing bikers, private transport explorer or luxuriating , and here’s what it would cost you.
Back packing Bikers : INR 43,000/- for 2 people
Accommodation :INR 27,000/- for 8Nights
Food : INR 16,000/- fr 8 days ( INR 2000 /- for 2 persons — 2 meals per day)
Sample what you get in this…
Saigon
Hotel Accommodation : Alagon Plus Hotel & Spa : INR 3500/-
Saigon
Cheap eats
Poke Saigon : Meal in a bowl : Inr 500/- ( Hoi An / Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh )
Dalat
Hotel Accommodation :Zen Valley Dalat : INR 3250 /- per night
Cheap Eats
Góc Hà Thành INR 500/- per meal
Hoi An
Hotel Accommodation : Silk Village Resort & Spa by Embrace, Hoi An. INR 3500/- per night
Cheap Eats
Nhan’s Kitchen : INR 500/-
Hanoi
Hotel Accommodation : Hanoi Marvellous Hotel & Spa : INR 3250/- per night
Cheap eats
Madam Tran Restaurant : INR 500 /- per meal
Intermediate : INR 75,000/- for 2 people
Accommodation :INR 43000 /- for 8 Nights
Food : INR 32,000/- ( INr 4000/- per day for 2 persons — 2 meals per day)
And a look at what you get..
Saigon
Hotel Accommodation : Fusion Suites Saigon : INR 7500 /- per night
Moderately priced :
Duong : Approximate INR 1500/- per person ( Ho Chi Minh / Hanoi )
Dalat
Hotel Accommodation :Anan Mandaras : INR 5000/- per night
Moderate
Café de la Poste : INR 1500/- per meal per person
Hoi An
Hotel Accommodation : Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoian : INR 4500/-
Moderate
Mango rooms : Inr 1500 /- per meal
Hanoi
Hotel Accommodation : Hong Ngoc Dynastie Boutique Hotel & Spa/Hanoi Esplendor hotel and Spa : INr 4500/- per night
Moderately priced : INR 1500 /- per meal
Madam Hien
Luxury package : INR1,91,000 /- for 2 people
Accommodation :INR 95,000/- for 8 Nights
Food : INR 96000 /- ( INR 12,000 /- per day for 2 persons — 2 meals per day)
Saigon
Hotel Accommodation : InterContinental Saigon : INR 12500/- per night
Fine dining
Xu Restaurant Lounge: Set menu 5 course INR 3500 per person ,
Dalat
Hotel Accommodation :Dalat Palace Heritage hotel : INR 10500/- per night .
Fine Dining : INR 3500/- per person
Le_Petit_Dalat
Hoi An
Hotel Accommodation :Hotel Royal Hoi An — MGallery : INR 9500/- per night
Fine Dining
Hoi An Sense : INR 4000/- per person for set menu 4 course meal
Hanoi
Hotel Accommodation : Hanoi La Siesta Central Hotel & Spa : INR 15000/- per night
Fine dining
La Badiane restaurant. INR 5000/- per person
