Banh xeo literally means “sizzling cake” in Vietnamese. Pancake is a typical yellow cake made from rice flour and coconut milk with crispy crust outside and colored with vegetables, bean sprouts, shrimp or meat inside. The cake is in circular shape then it is folded into a semicircle. After the cooking process is finished, it will be a thin and tasty pancake.

5 FOOD YOU WON’T MISS WHEN IN SAI GON

Banh xeo is usually served with sauces and vegetables. Over many years of development, Vietnamese pancakes vary according to each region through Vietnam. In Northern Vietnam, a pancake has pachyrrhizus and Indian taro. Besides, pancake in Southern Vietnam is served with the sweet and sour sauce called “nuoc mam” and in Hue, it is served with sauce and roast meat.

Source video: Street Food And Travel

There are many types of Banh Xeo discovered and become famous from North to South. And in Saigon – Vietnam’s culinary capital, Banh Xeo at different restaurants is also the favorite food of the locals.

1.Banh Xeo Ngoc Son: 103 Ngo Quyen Str., Ward 11, District 5

2.Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem: 204 Nguyen Trai Str., District 1 or 213 Bis Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Str., District 1

3. An La Ghien: 74 Suong Nguyet Anh Str., District 1 or 100 Cao Thang Str., District 3

4. Banh Xeo 46A:  46A Dinh Cong Trang Str, District 1

5. Banh Xeo Mien Tay: 31/6 Hoang Hoa Tham Str., Tan Binh District

Where to eat Banh Xeo in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
Nguyen Thanh Van

Phan Thiet

Beaches and attractions in Binh Thuan province have reopened after social isolation, ready to welcome travelers. Visitors can experience with many activities such as swimming & take photos at The Fishing Village in Mui Ne, take  canoeing to Cu Lao Cau or Phu Quy island to dive in the coral reefs, walk on the red sand hill and walk along the white sandy road.

YOU MAY LIKE TO EXPLORE HO CHI MINH CITY AND CHECK IN MUI NE BEACH IN 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

Can Tho – Mekong Delta

District Phong Dien, the most concentrated place in the city, is always diverse with fruits such as mango, guava, rambutan, breast milk, jackfruit, durian … Here, not only visit the garden and reward awake fruit, visitors can try the Western lifestyle through outdoor activities such as wading ditches to catch fish, canoeing, hanging bridges, swing ropes through the ditch …

TOP 3 THINGS TO SEE IN CAN THO

In addition, have breakfast floating between Floating market, enjoying “noodle soup” is an unforgettable experience for those who first visit.

FIND MORE 5 FAMOUS VIETNAM FLOATING MARKETS

Da Lat

Holiday time is also the beginning of the cloud hunting season in the foggy city. A place to watch clouds has a beautiful view and is easy to move, located in Cau Dat tea hill, Trai Mat hill, Suoi Vang lake, Thien Phuc Duc hill, Hon Bo, Radar mountain … Want to see the sea of ​​clouds float, visitors must overcome the cold to be present at the viewing position since the sun has not yet appeared. 

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS WATCHING THE BEAUTY OF DALAT FLOWERS CITY

Vung Tau

Only two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau is popular weekend getaway offering beachfront resorts, heaps of delicious seafood, and a slower pace of life. Coastal history in this part of Vietnam is combination of religious relics and French garrisons and mansions. Vung Tau’s beaches may not entice you to swim, however for a quick, low-stress escape to the coast, Vung Tau ticks all the boxes.

4 ideal destinations near Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon)
Nguyen Thanh Van

A visit to one of the country’s many war memorials or historical sites is essential for any traveller looking to understand Vietnam’s modern identity.

Here are some of the most important places in Vietnam to learn about the conflict.

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison, commonly translated as “fiery furnace” or even “Hell’s hole”, was a prison used by the French colonists in French Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Located in the heart of Hanoi Capital and known as one of the most inhumane prison in Vietnam with the most modern equipment at the time for the harshest punishment. The prison was demolished in the 1990s, however the gatehouse has now been converted into a museum. Displays include recreations of interrogation rooms and sleeping quarters, photographs, and a guillotine.

War Remnants Museum

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum holds a fascinating, and gut-wrenching, collection of relics from the war. Graphic photographs and American military equipment are on display. Once known as the ‘Museum of American War Crimes’, it’s a shocking reminder of the long and brutal Vietnam War. There’s a helicopter with rocket launchers, a tank, a fighter plane, a single-seater attack aircraft. You can also see a conventional bomb that weighs at 6,800kg. American troops had used these weapons against the Vietnamese between 1945 and 1975.

The War Remnants Museum is in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. It’s every day from 07:30 to 17:00. A visit to this war museum can be disturbing experience for most people.

MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Cu Chi Tunnels

Found just outside Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels are definitely not recommended for anyone with claustrophobia. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. It is now a popular tourist destination, where visitors can crawl around parts of the system, and see how booby traps were cleverly planted in the jungle.

Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh‘s Mausoleum has long been considered as the first place to come for the first time travelers to Hanoi thanks to its tremendous historical value. Ho Chi Minh is the face of independence in modern-day Vietnam, leading the country out from under French rule and forming a democratic republic. When the war ended, the city of Saigon was renamed after him. The museum is a great place to learn more about his life, travels through France, England and America, writing – including poetry he wrote while imprisoned by the Chinese government – and Soviet-era art. Being there, visitors can not only discover more about Ho Chi Minh’s life and role in Vietnamese history but also enlarge their knowledge about Vietnam’s history reflected in the complex’s components.

Imperial City of Hue

The Hue Imperial City was one of the most important political centres of the country. It’s about more than just the history of Hue – this was essentially the Vietnam Imperial City! With its sprawling courtyards, deep moats and intricate temples, Hue’s Imperial City is an easy place to spend hours exploring.

Hue was founded as the Vietnam capital city by Gia Long, the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1802. It held this position for nine Nguyen dynasties until 1945.

The massive complex features hundreds of monuments and ruins, such as the Forbidden Purple City, once the residence of the royal family and badly damaged during the Vietnam War, the Imperial City, royal tombs, flag tower, pagodas, temples, a library and museum.

BOOK 1 DAY VISIT HUE – UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE 

The 5 most important sites in Vietnam to learn about the war
Nguyen Thanh Van

While you tend to make a budget trip to Vietnam, it’s sure that the following free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is what you wish to grab. Not only do these activities cost nothing, but you are also easy to experience them in the city center. Your trip will be more deserving and fascinating with each of them.

BEST TIME TO VISIT HO CHI MINH CITY

Visiting the pink church

This pink church is located on Bai Ba Trung Street, District 1 and a phenomenal point for sightseeing because of its enchanting decoration and charming color. Erected in 1876 in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the church now becomes one of the free things to do for both tourists and parishioners.

Address: 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1

Roaming around Turtle Lake

Turtle Lake is actually a small pond in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, and the common place for Saigonese to meet at night. Especially, couples often stroll around the pond and talk together. The youth culture house of Saigon is situated nearby, and you can come there to join fascinating and helpful activities on Sunday. If you would like to make friends with locals, the house is indeed an ideal spot as a weekly English club is held there.

Address: Tran Cao Van and Pham Ngoc Thach Streets, District 1

Taking photos at Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

One of the surprising free things to do as well as a ravishing Instagrammable spot in Ho Chi Minh City is Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral. What makes it attractive is its color and architecture. Designed in the French architecture from the French colonial era, the cathedral emerges from the city center as a pearl, looks elegant, and becomes a fabulous background for your photos in Instagram.

Address: Cong Xa Paris Street, District 1

Chatting with Vietnamese students at 30-4 Park

If Turtle Lake is a good place for people to talk together, 30-4 Park is excellent. Why? It’s because the spot is spacious and cooler as there are many trees in there. You will find lots of students sitting or walking around and chatting with international visitors. They mainly sit there to study in group, talk at leisure or improve their English. If you are keen on doing free things in Ho Chi Minh City and making friends with Vietnamese students, helping them learn English at 30-4 Park is certainly a perfect way.

 Address: 178 Pasteur Street, District 1

Going shopping at Ben Thanh Market

There is no entrance fee for a visit to Ben Thanh Market. Go window-shopping and you will explore unique and exquisite items which you have never seen before. It’s possible to state that Ben Thanh Market is a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City in particular and Vietnam in general; with your photo whose background is this market, most travel gurus will know where you are staying. A plus point of this site is architecture in the French style; it’s elegant and special.

BEN THANH MARKET – THE OLDEST LANDMARK OF HO CHI MINH CITY

Address: Le Loi Street, District 1

Kicking shuttlecock at 23-9 Park

Kicking shuttlecock is a kind of sport as well as a deserving free thing to do in Ho Chi Minh City. At 23-9 Park, Saigonese – mainly teenagers often gather in a group of about 5-6 to play every afternoon. Unlike other playgrounds, there will be a fee to have a space for hire, but it’s totally free in the park. You should not be afraid as such a group will welcome any foreign player. And if you travel with your friends, the park is surely a wonderful place for you guys to play that game.

Address: Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1

Strolling in Bui Vien or Nguyen Hue Walking Streets

Perhaps, you reckon that walking streets are where you simply go for a ramble, but Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien Walking Streets in Ho Chi Minh City are not only free things to do, but also a chance to get nightlife experiences as a local. Yes, there is more than one activity in there when dark covers the sky of the city.

Bui Vien is so far more pulsating than Nguyen Hue. Meanwhile, Nguyen Hue is more spacious than Bui Vien; that’s why Nguyen Hue looks calmer. However, each of them has its own amusing things. You can find both of them hum over the weekend; they are the place of music bands, free singers, free dancers, beautiful cocktails, entertaining activities, and even branding activities of some companies.

Source: tnktravel

Free Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Thanh Van

The daily life in Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City in 1996 appeared vividly through a series of photos by German photographer Wolfgang Kaehler.

Photo: Wolfgang Kaehler / Getty Image.

Notre Dame Cathedral, located opposite the Central Post Office.

The former US Embassy building on Le Duan Street, in 1996, was the headquarters of the General Department of Petroleum.

Inside Thiên Hậu pagoda at District 5 Ho Chi Minh city.

Rice store inside Bến Thành market.

Store outside Bến Thành market.

Young man drove Honda Cub 50.

Sai Gon in 1996 through photographer Wolfgang Kaehler
Nguyen Thanh Van

To get insights into a glorious chapter in the Vietnam’s history, historical tunnels which used to be the significant military bases of the former Vietnamese guerrillas are what you will be recommended to. Let’s explore the suggested sites one by one!

Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City

Just 70 kilometers from the heart of downtown Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to the northwest, Cu Chi Tunnels is widely referred to as a Vietnam’s bizarre site, bearing historic meanings during the Vietnam war. Made by hand in the late 1940s, the site depicted as an underground village embraces hospitals, kitchens, equipment sheds, command center, etc. With the stretch of over 200 kilometers, the tunnels are 3-8 meters deep, and each is just enough for only one person to crawl through. In the past, the network was allegedly divided into three levels; the first one provided shelter from the attack of guns, tanks and armored military vehicles while the second was to defend against small-sized bombs. During the wartime, there was no person injured and killed because of the enemies’ attacks, but the number that died for the lack of light and food was up to 6,000.

3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS TRAVEL TO HO CHI MINH CITY AND CU CHI TUNNEL

Vinh Moc Tunnels – Quang Tri Province

Vinh Moc Tunnels, positioned at Vinh Thach Commune, Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province is portrayed as an underground village with different zones for 3-4 people to stay, three wells, meeting rooms accommodating up to 50 people, hospitals, kitchens, food storage facilities, etc. The tunnel system is divided into three levels; while the first one is to stay, the second is to store up food and the bottom is to avoid bombs. The whole underground network accommodates up to 1,200 people, and in the past it was indeed where to bring the certain shelter for the Vietnamese guerillas and innocent inhabitants. Nowadays, Vinh Moc Tunnels is a common travel destination for both domestic and international tourists, especially for vets.

Khe Trai Tunnels – Thua Thien Hue Province

Khe Trai Tunnels is the most historic site closely associated with the Tet Offensive of Thua Thien Hue people in 1968. The tunnel system is located in the hill 160, Huong Tra Town, Thua Thien Hue Province; inside it is a range of living zones and martial zones, such as bedrooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, etc. There is no entrance fee, so you can freely explore this destination. However, a minus point here is that the tour guide is not available.

Vinh Linh Tunnels – Quang Tri Province

Vinh Linh Tunnels was made in 1966 when the invaders were launching an attack on the North. The tunnel network runs for over 40 kilometers and comprises a range of separate zones; each is supposed to be a miniature of an underground Vietnamese village with all constructions that met the people’s basic need during the wartime. However, a part of this site has been damaged by many reasons, so you find it hard to perceive the spirit revolving around its extraordinary structure.

Nhon Trach Tunnels – Dong Nai Province

Just like other tunnels, Nhon Trach Tunnels, located at Long Tho Commune, Nhon Trach District, Dong Nai Province) was made by hand in 1963. The tunnels are 5-7 meters deep and 1-1.2 meters wide. Inside the site consists of air holes, wells, kitchens, etc. The tunnels were designed to defend against the destructive power of 250-kg bombs, and accommodates up to 300-500 people.

Source: tnktravel

5 Historical Tunnels you should not ignore in Vietnam
Nguyen Thanh Van

Ever wonder what to do in Saigon during the rainy days when you have just landed in this irrepressible city? Even worse, you are being disappointed and depressed about your decision to visit here. For this case, let this feeling go and start looking for stimulating activities to respond the Saigon’s bad weather.

Joining a Pottery Class

Vietnam is renowned for the most exquisite handicrafts in the world; therefore while you find it difficult to experience outdoor activities in the rainy and gloomy days in Saigon, it seems that attending a pottery class is a good choice which enables you to learn how to create art works with clay as well as the locals’ culture. In the case that pottery-making is not your hobby or favorite, a visit to art galleries and craft centers is also deemed quite great when it rains in Saigon.

Admiring Panoramic Views Of Saigon At Bitexco Financial Tower

Situated at the heart of Saigon downtown, Bitexco Financial Tower reaches an altitude of 262 meters, so you are able to enjoy panoramic views of the whole city from its Sky Deck. When lifting up on Deck, you will be taken by an English-speaking guide and try your hand at using touchscreen fact boxes which provide information about the city’s attractions from above. You are advisable to take the binoculars for a closer look. It is possible to state that wonderful views are also admired from the 50th and 51st floors as well as restaurants and bars of the building at night.

Learning How to Cook a Vietnamese Meal

It is not denied that Vietnamese food is among the elaborate cuisines in the world due to the country’s history full of turbulence. In other word, the domination of the other countries as well as influences of their culture made for a unique cuisine which is also one of the Vietnam’s fascinating points. However, despite being a mix of French, Chinese, American, Indian and Russian cuisines, Vietnam’s bears distinctive features which you never find anywhere else. That is the reason why you should attend a cooking class that lets you learn more how to prepare a Vietnamese meal, especially in the rainy days. Just ask your hotels and the staff will recommend the best cooking classes in Saigon to you.

Enjoying a Performance at Saigon Opera House

Established in 1897, Saigon Opera House is depicted as a beautiful French colonial architecture structure at the intersection of Dong Khoi and Le Loi Streets in District 1. The place accommodates up to 800 viewers and regularly host performances of opera, musical concerts, ballet, and Vietnamese traditional dance and plays. It is within walking distance of Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. You will get the ticket at the box office from 9:00AM to 4:30PM every day.

Shopping at a Mall

Saigon is dotted with dozens of shopping malls, and while there is nothing to do in the rainy days, shopping could not be better. Do not get worried about locations of those malls since most of them are situated around famous landmarks, such as Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Reunification Palace. No need to buy anything. Instead, you simply roam around to see how different the shopping malls in Vietnam and those in your countries are. If something attracts you, I bet that it must be a good deal.

Going for a Spa Session

After a trip of sightseeing, you certainly need a spa session to relax and recover your energy. And when it rains and there is nothing to do, you should think of this activity if you had had an eventful day before. Let’s try some services like body massages, fitness classes, nutrition therapy, hairstyling, pedicures, facials, and manicures.

Source: tnktravel

Best things to do in Saigon during the rainy days
Nguyen Thanh Van

One of the two epic centers of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is an energetic city that has never stopped its pulsating progress. Founded in the 17th century as a result of the Southward migration wave during Nguyen Dynasty, Saigon soon became the capital of Indochinese Federation under French colonial period. Boasting the titles of Paris of the Orient or Pearl of the Far East, the city has a history to be proud of.

Sharing some resemblance with its counterpart, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is also a city of contrasts: the old and the new, the modern and the traditional. However, compared to the one-thousand-year-old Hanoi, this three-hundred-year-old city is more towards the new and the modern. As the most populous metropolis of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is filled with energy and vibrancy. From the pavement stalls of plastic stools and cheap street food to sleek skyscrapers of ostentatious shopping malls and extravagant boutiques, you can always feel and live the buoyancy of this city. Historical and cultural heritages such as Independence Palace, Museum of Vietnamese History and China Town are awaiting to show you the deeper dimensions of the city. And for those who would love to have some romantic moment, take a dinner cruise on Saigon River to enjoy the mesmerizing night view of Saigon lights.

03 Days 02 Nights’ ~ Saigon + Cuchi Tunnel Tour

Ho Chi Minh City – Energetic city of Vietnam
Nguyen Thanh Van

The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting tunnels located in the Củ Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong’s base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968.

The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort.

TRAVEL HO CHI MINH CITY & CU CHI TUNNEL IN 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS:

3D2N ~ Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) + Cuchi Tunnel Tour

Don’t miss to visit Cu Chi Tunnels in Sai Gon
Nguyen Thanh Van

Mui Ne has its roots in fishing, and it shows in the pace of life. It’s easy to lose track of time here, riding bicycles along the coast, spending afternoons by the pool, and dining on fresh seafood with the sound of the waves in the background. With ideal conditions for kite-surfing and windsurfing, brightly coloured kites are a fixture on Mui Ne’s beaches year-round. Over the years, this seaside retreat has evolved to offer guesthouses and resorts of every stripe. Come for the surf, stay for the mellow atmosphere.

MUI NE
Nguyen Thanh Van