Across the world, Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its subtle flavors and ultra-fresh ingredients. Vietnamese sweets are not only a refreshing treat on a balmy day, but an adventure in texture and flavour. From puddings to pastries, here are 15 sweet snacks you must taste on your travels in Vietnam.

Chè Chuối

Those who are bananas for bananas will like this concoction of tapioca pearls, coconut cream and grilled bananas. This smooth, creamy pudding is easily found at cafes and street stalls.
Try it at: Lutulata Desserts & Drinks, 39 Hàng Cót, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Chè Trôi Nước

Eaten on special occasions, these mochi-esque rice flour balls have mung bean paste at the centre, and are drizzled with ginger syrup and sesame seeds. Served with a dash of coconut cream, each order will set you back about 15,000VND.
Try it at: Chè 'đợi', 48 Lý Chính Thắng, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City

Bò Bía Ngọt

An excellent snack, these rolls of thin rice paper contain a layer of nougat, coconut shreds and sesame seeds. Each bite of bò bia is light yet satisfying. You can buy it from bicycle vendors throughout Vietnam for 5,000VND a roll.

Bánh Chuối Chiên

Fried banana fritters are a popular street snack throughout the country. With a crispy exterior and soft gooey interior, these fritters can be found in alleyways and around markets for 5,000VND a piece.
Try it at: Public Market in Hội An

Chè Bắp

A mix of corn, coconut cream and tapioca pearls, this pudding is a creamy and nourishing dessert in winter months. Be sure to try in Hoi An where it’s made with fresh, locally grown corn.
Try it at: Quán Ăn Bến Tre, Xuyên Trung, Cẩm Nam, Hội An

Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm

Bold flavours and textures meet in this sticky rice pudding. A generous scoop of yoghurt is the star of this adventurous dessert, available in many cafes for about 35,000VND.
Try it at: Che Bobo Chacha, 92 Cửa Bắc, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Kẹo Lạc

Vietnamese peanut brittle is a scrumptious vegan treat. A sprinkling of sesame seeds adds extra crunch to each nibble. You’ll find this snack sold at transportation hubs and roadstalls across Vietnam.
Try it at: Transfer points nationwide (airports, bus stations and train stops)

Chè Sương Sa Hạt Lựu

Translated to, ‘rainbow dessert’, this chè is served in a tall glass showcasing each vibrant layer. Red kidney beans, pandan jellies, mung bean paste and more goodies are stacked together and topped with ice and thickened coconut cream.
Try it at: Nhà Hàng Ngon, 26 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Hoa Quả Dầm

This healthy snack brings together fresh mixed fruit, coconut cream and shaved ice. Anything fresh is invited to the party, including jackfruit, kiwi, watermelon, apple and even avocado! You can also add on pandan jellies or tapioca balls for more texture.
Try it at: Hoa Quả Dầm Hoa Béo, 17 Tô Tịch, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Kem Thái Dừa

The Vietnamese version of an ice-cream sundae, kem thái dừa is ice cream served in a coconut with any topping you can imagine (peanuts, jellies, caramel sauce, beans, biscuits, fresh fruit.) This trendy snack costs about 40,000VND plus extra for toppings.
Try it at: Kem Cong Truong, 10 Phạm Ngọc Thạch, District 3, Hồ Chí Minh City

Bánh Đa Kê

These sesame-encrusted rice crackers with mung bean, millet paste and sugar sprinkles are one hearty treat. It’s commonly sold on curbsides by bicycle vendors for 5,000 or 10,000VND.
Try it in: Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Chè Khúc Bạch

Mildly sweet and aromatic, with an intriguing balance of textures, this dessert can be considered a Vietnamese panna cotta. The custard comes in bite-sized pieces with lychees and almonds in a bowl of crushed ice.
Try it at: Quán Chè Hiển Khánh, 718 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, District 3, Hồ Chí Minh City

Caramen Hoa Quả

The Vietnamese version of creme caramel is topped with fresh fruit, jellies and a splash of coconut cream. This dessert is true decadence for just 20,000VND.
Try it at: Caramen Duong Hoa, 29 Hàng Than, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Bánh Su Kem

Who doesn’t love a cream puff? Easy to find at bakeries nationwide, this pastry ball is filled with smooth vanilla custard. A set of six of these fluffy bites will cost you about 10,000VND.
Try it at: Any local bakery in Vietnam

Kem Xôi

Green pandan-flavoured sticky rice meets coconut ice cream in this surprisingly perfect pairing. Both satisfying and refreshing on a hot day, be sure to try it when in Vietnam.
Try it at: Che 95, 95 Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Source: Vietnam Tourism

Photo: Collected

Vietnam has many great products, from food, clothes, and artwork. Check out this article to see how to bargain and buy things in Vietnam.

1. Paintings

Purchasing paintings is one of the best ways to preserve your memories of Vietnam.

Wandering around towns or city centers, you can find little painting shops with a collection of works from anonymous artists to famous painters.

Most of the displayed paintings describe the arty parts of Vietnam’s daily life, locals, and natural scenery. Price can vary from $10 to thousands of dollars for a piece. 

2. Embroidery art

Vietnam is famous for its embroidery art. You can buy many embroidered products, such as embroidery quilts, tablecloths, bags, clothes, scarves, purses, nightgowns, bedsheets, pillow covers, etc.

Vietnamese embroidery products are mostly produced in Northern Region (Source: Collected)

3. Chopsticks 

Chopsticks are essential items in the daily life of Vietnamese people.

Thanks to modern technology combined with traditional techniques, chopsticks have different patterns and designs.

Chopsticks are essential items in the daily life of Vietnamese people (Source: Collected)

You can find specially designed chopsticks at souvenir shops.

4. Conical hat

The conical hat has long been a symbol of Vietnam that originates from Vietnam’s rice culture.

Shaped like a round cone, the conical hat is made of palm leaves and is an ideal souvenir for tourists to Vietnam.

There are diverse styles, along with sizes and quantities, that you can choose from. The hat is best for people who like outdoor activities.

You can find conical hats at most souvenir shops across the country at low prices.

5. Ao dai

Ao dai is the national costume of Vietnam. It is a combination of elegant tight dress and stylish pants, offering both traditional and temporary styles. 

Because Ao Dai is available at many stores throughout the country, you can easily find one suitable for you or as a gift.

Typically, this costume is already available for purchase, but if you’d like to choose the material and style, you can buy fabric first and then order at some tailors.

Tips: To learn more about Ao Dai, you can visit the Ao Dai Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

6. Ceramic pottery

Pottery is another ideal souvenir of Vietnam that you can take home.

There is a wide range of ceramic products, including vases, bowls, plates, mugs, etc. They are well-designed and beautiful, with different colors and patterns.

All of these pottery items are handcrafted based on traditional methods.

7. Carvings

Purchasing little gifts carved from wood is another idea to add to your shopping list.

Carved products carry rustic beauty and sophistication, resulting from a hard, creative labor process from artisans. 

You can buy carved products in Vietnam at a reasonable price. 

8. Vietnamese cookbooks

If you love Vietnamese food and enjoy cooking, purchasing some Vietnamese cookbooks would be a fantastic idea. 

I recommend joining a Vietnamese cooking class to get some basic techniques to use the cookbook easier.

If you live outside of Vietnam, you can easily find the ingredients from the Asian market. 

9. Lanterns 

If you’ve traveled to Hoi An, then you probably know lanterns are considered an indispensable feature of this old town.

Just walking around the winding roads, you can admire the beauty of thousands of lanterns with eye-catching colors and extremely diverse designs.

The lanterns here are usually made of paper, so you can wrap and store them when transporting.

10. Coconut candy

Coconut candy is a great Vietnamese gift for those who have sweet teeth.

Coming from Ben Tre province, the land of coconut, coconut candy is a sweet specialty of Vietnam.

There are many flavors, such as plain, durian, or chocolate. A unique feature of this candy is the thin edible rice crust surrounding it.

11. Vietnamese Coffee

If you are a coffee lover, it would be a miss if you haven’t tried Vietnamese coffee. Vietnam has long been famous as one of the largest coffee-exporting countries in the world.

You can find coffee anywhere in the country, from local markets, cafes, shopping malls, and coffee companies.

12. Tea

Tea is one of the favorite drinks of Vietnamese people, and it plays an essential role in Vietnamese culture.

There are three main types of tea: green tea, black tea, and aromatic tea. Green and black teas are appreciated because people believe they offer a unique and pure flavor, combining sweetness and bitterness.

Having a conversation about tea with friends on a gloomy day or just serving yourself a pitcher of tea, along with some favorite cookies and music, can make your day more enjoyable.

In Vietnam, you can buy tea at many stores and markets, easily found anywhere.

13. Peppers

In Vietnam, especially Phu Quoc, pepper is a popular choice for travelers.

Phu Quoc pepper is famous for its quality, taste, and smell.

There are three types of pepper, black, white, and red pepper. Also, you can find some products such as red pepper honey tea or caramel pepper sauce. 

14. Leather goods

Vietnam is also famous for its leather products such as leather jackets, leather shoes, and leather accessories, including belts, wallets, and handbags.

Hoi An is my favorite town to buy leather products in Vietnam. Many stores offer different sizes and models, so you can easily pick ones.

A tip for buying handmade leather products is to carefully observe from keychains, seams, inner lining, and font size to leather quality. If it’s genuine leather, these details are very sophisticated and meticulous.

15. Tailor-made clothes

Wandering Hoi An old town, especially on the main roads like Tran Phu, you will see dozens of tailor shops with different trendy models and colors. 

As Hoi An tailors are famous for their skills, don’t miss this chance to have your tailored-made clothes. These shops usually offer 24-hour service, so you can get your products shortly after ordering.

 

Source: Expatolife

Photo: Collected

We know what you’re thinking: 'Why only 9?' The list could go on (and on), but these 9 reasons are a good starting place to describe what many travelers love most about Vietnam. Some highlights you may know well (hello, street food), while others may be a surprise. All are excellent reasons to start dreaming and planning your next holiday in Vietnam. 

The incredible local food

No point in being modest about it. You can find the healthiest, freshest, most insanely delicious food on the planet right here. Prepare to roll and dip scrumptious bites with your hands, and lose yourself in bowls of noodles that make you swoon. Vietnamese are used to eating to such a high standard that the competition on the sidewalks is fierce. Discovering your favourites — whether steaming pho, crunchy banh mi or smoky bun cha — is itself worth the trip.

The warm, hardworking people

Not every Vietnamese you meet is going to become your new best friend — but a lot of them are willing to try! You’ve never met a group as fun-loving, hardworking, and ready-for-anything as the Vietnamese. We are resilient people, and we value family and friendships more than anything else. Take your time to learn the stories of some of our 54 ethnic minorities, and enjoy our smiles and hospitality wherever you go. 

The diverse destinations

One unique aspect of travelling Vietnam is that no two destinations are alike. Our three major cities are totally different from each other. We have chilly winters in highlands up North but it’s balmy year-round on the islands in the South. Even destinations that are an hour apart are often decades apart in character and appearance. Having so many distinct places to explore and choose from is a big part of the fun.

The addictive coffee culture

In Vietnam, coffee is a tradition, a religion, and a social glue in one. We love meeting up on the sidewalk and chatting for hours over coffee. That’s why you’ll find thousands of cafes — from cool to colonial — all over the country. We like being creative with coffee too. Try a refreshing coconut coffee in summer or a creamy egg coffee in winter. Just watch out: Many travellers become addicted to our distinctive brews! 

The second-to-none scenery

Maybe you’ve heard about the dreamy, karst-studded seascapes in Ha Long Bay and the misty, terraced valleys in Sa Pa, but did you know Vietnam is home to more dramatic sights? In the world’s largest cave, Son Doong, you can camp, climb, and explore for days. Vietnam also boasts breathtaking mountain scenery in Ha Giang, thundering waterfalls in Cao Bang, and striking sand dunes in Mui Ne (be sure to pack your camera.)

The history around every corner 

In Vietnam you don’t have to go far to find treasures from another time. They’re sprinkled all over the countryside and tucked away in the cities, as well as in eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The timeless capital of Hanoi is a gold mine for history lovers, with ancient pagodas, gateways, and houses layered in the fabric of the Old Quarter. In the centre of Vietnam, the former imperial city of Hue is strewn with the tombs of feudal kings and their forgotten palaces.

The scenic motorcycle rides

There’s something about being on two wheels that makes one feel young and alive again. Or at least, that’s how it seems to us. You haven’t really experienced Vietnam until you’ve seen our alleys and countryside from the back of a bike. Explore like a local by hopping on a bicycle and go for an early morning ride through emerald rice paddies, or take a motorbike after dark for a romantic ride on the banks of our lakes and rivers. 

The energetic, youthful cities

Vietnam’s burgeoning cities have more fine layers than a mille-feuille, and are endlessly interesting, especially if you’re a foodie, photographer, culture-seeker, or a combination of the above. Start with the parks, get lost in the temples, take a break in the alleys, dine on the sidewalks, retreat to the cafes, and head up to the rooftop bars to finish. In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s biggest metropolis, there’s something new every day.

The authentic adventures 

Every now and then, it’s nice to get lost in a new place. In Vietnam, just hours outside the cities you’ll find yourself in another world, with new adventures that will challenge you in all the best ways. Intrepid travellers will love the ethnic villages and spectacular views in Vietnam’s northern mountain ranges. Try rock climbing at the crags in Huu Lung, sign up for canyoning at Datanla Waterfall in Da Lat, or have the caving adventure of a lifetime in Phong Nha. Why not?

Source: Vietnam Tourism 

Photo: Wander Lust

Located in the southwest of Vietnam, Can Tho offers plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages. From exploring its many orchards to taking a leisurely boat ride through the Mekong Delta, there is something for everyone in Can Tho.

Where is Can Tho in Vietnam?

Can Tho is also called Tay Do, which means the capital (Do) of southwest (Tay) Vietnam. The name was given long ago dating back to the early 20th century; from that time up until the present, the city has remained the largest city in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region. Can Tho is well known for its bustling markets, unique cuisine, and scenic waterways.

Things to do in Can Tho

1. Get up early to enjoy the morning at Cai Rang Floating Market

As per its name, Cai Rang Floating Market takes place on the Hau river. Every morning, hundreds of buyers and sellers gather their boats at the market to trade.

The market is huge and you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs floating by on boats. You can also order breakfast from one of the vendors and enjoy it right on your boats.

Some Cai Rang Floating Market tours also include a visit to a hu tieu (a type of rice noodle soup) factory. Here you can taste unique dishes such as pizza hu tieu and watch the locals make hu tieu from scratch.

Gordon Ramsay paid a visit to Cai Rang Floating Market during one of his TV shows. The world-renowned chef hilariously tried to replace a local vendor to make and serve breakfast dishes from her boat.

He later admitted that her version of hu tieu and bun rieu (a Vietnamese rice vermicelli soup) was one of the best dishes he had tasted in all his journeys. The dish was even introduced as a challenge to contestants in one of Master Chef US’s episodes.

Tip from locals: Cai Rang Floating Market’s most vibrant time is in the early morning (5-6 am). After 7 am half of the market will have dispersed. Make sure to be there early enough!

2. Take a short river boat trip

If you’re up too late for the floating market, why not take a short river boat trip to make up for it?

Can Tho is well-known for its extensive network of canals. Taking a boat ride is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and get some fresh air.

Come to Ninh Kieu Wharf and you’ll be approached by many locals who offer a 40-minute private boat trip, which sails around nearby islets. The price we paid was VND 200,000 (for up to 4 people) and it was really worth it.

Tips from locals: It’s best to do this in the late afternoon when it’s not too hot anymore. Remember to wear a life jacket while sitting on the boat!

3. Go for a stroll at Ninh Kieu Wharf

Ninh Kieu Wharf is a favorite gathering point for locals and tourists alike. It’s also a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of Can Tho.

The best time to visit the wharf is in the late afternoon when it’s not too crowded and you can feel the soothing winds from the river.

Come here and go for a stroll, you’ll see boats of all sizes entering and leaving, locals taking their dogs on a walk, children playing games, and couples enjoying the view.

4. Watch the city lights at Can Tho Pedestrian Bridge (Love Bridge)

At Ninh Kieu Wharf, wait until the lights are on at Can Tho Pedestrian Bridge and you’ll see how lovely it is. It’s a great place to take a walk and enjoy the fresh air from the river.

5. Go out for dinner at Can Tho Yacht Restaurant

Du thuyền Cần Thơ (Can Tho Yacht Restaurant) is a floating restaurant hosted on a wooden boat. It is docked at Ninh Kieu Wharf right in the city center.

Dinner on board comes with a wide variety of local delicacies and musical performances. A romantic date with your significant other maybe?

6. Admire the architecture of Binh Thuy Ancient House

Binh Thuy Ancient House is a beautiful example of French colonial architecture, with a touch of Eastern influence.

Built in 1870, Binh Thuy Ancient House remains one of the best-preserved old houses in southern Vietnam. The interior is decorated with impressive and valuable furniture, including pieces from the 15th century that were imported from China and France.

Binh Thuy Ancient House was used as a filming location for the movie L’amant (The Lover) starring Jane March and Tony Leung Ka-Fai, and it’s easy to see why. The house is truly well worth a visit if you’re ever in the area.

7. Buy local gifts and specialties in Can Tho

Drop by Can Tho Market on Hai Ba Trung Street and you’ll find lots of souvenirs and gifts to bring home for your loved ones. The most popular souvenirs are conical hats, bookmarks made from bamboo toothpicks, bà ba (traditional loose shirt from South Vietnam), postcards, and T-shirts.

8. Go kayaking at Can Tho Beach

Albeit not a seaside town, Can Tho also offers a decent artificial beach where locals gather to enjoy seafood, take a swim during hot summer days, and kayak for fun. Why not join the locals here if you’re keen on some sea, sand, and sun?

Source: fionatravelsfromasia.com