Egg coffee – one of my amazing experiences in Vietnam!
9 July 2024
I caught the travel bug early but paused to focus on my career and family. Now, I explore the world, share authentic travel experiences, and inspire others through my blog, mollywozhere. Join me for tips, stories, and adventures!
- Egg coffee – one of my amazing experiences in Vietnam! - 9 July 2024
- Cambodia: rich in history and culture - 9 July 2024
- Angkor Wat: Cambodia’s architectural marvel - 9 July 2024
I had the most incredible time exploring Vietnam and Cambodia this May. Both countries completely exceeded my expectations in every way – from the warm-hearted people to the delicious cuisine, rich culture, captivating history, breathtaking scenery, and stunning architecture.
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is nestled in Southeast Asia and is bordered by China, Laos, and Cambodia. It’s renowned for its deep historical roots and the striking limestone karsts that dot its landscapes. 
Vietnam boasts thousands of ancient temples and sacred sites, some dating back centuries. While I couldn’t visit all of them, I made sure to see the top attractions, like the Statue of Confucius, the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university, established in 1070), and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. These temples, known as “Pagodas,” are so fascinating they deserve their own detailed exploration.
Traveling to Vietnam: Prepare for a long flight; from the UK, it’s around 18 hours with a stopover. I joined a small group tour that handled flights, accommodation, transfers, and guided excursions. The tour company provided a helpful trip note covering basics and destination details. For your own research, start with Vietnam’s official tourism website for visa information, etiquette, and travel tips.
Vietnam is very safe with a low crime rate, making it ideal even for solo travellers. The country actively welcomes tourists and promotes itself as a top destination. Vietnamese people are open about their history, especially the Vietnam War.
Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Memorial, a significant pilgrimage site for many, gave me a deep understanding of Vietnam’s history and culture. Ho Chi Minh, the former president, is revered as the father of the country. Don’t miss an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels—an underground city that offers a gripping insight into the country’s wartime history.
I begun my adventures in Hanoi, the capital city, in Northern Vietnam, often referred to as the cultural heartbeat of Vietnam. I stayed in a charming hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter and experienced the authentic Hanoi, joining the locals at the street kitchens where I practically lived on star anise-infused Pho broth. I loved it!
From Hanoi, I went on a day trip by coach to Ninh Binh City, a protected world heritage site to experience its spectacular caves and unforgettable scenery. I organised this day trip through the hotel reception and it was cheaper than the tour company’s excursion.
Scooters - hair raising experience!
One of the first things you’ll notice in Vietnam is the incredible number of scooters. They are the most important mode of transport, far outnumbering cars, buses, and trains. With over 58 million motorcycles and scooters zipping around, they’re essential for commuting, business, school, and leisure.
It’s often humorously said that getting a scooter is a crucial step for young men hoping to impress and win over a girlfriend in Vietnamese culture.
Crossing the road in Vietnam can be quite daunting with the swarm of scooters and motorbikes everywhere. The trick, as I learned, is to walk steadily without stopping or running—let the motorbikes manoeuvre around you, which surprisingly works well. Pedestrians don’t have right of way even at crossings, so confidence is key! For a safer option, stick to crossing at traffic lights. As for riding scooters, it’s equally nerve-wracking; I opted out, but my friend Diane braved it and lived to tell the tale.
Boat Caves tours - Incredible and stunning!
Vietnam boasts the world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong, and offers numerous other caves to explore. Many travellers find visiting these caves a highlight, but for me, it was a different story. Our group visited Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, but I opted for a boat trip at Trang An instead. Some debated which was better, but I wasn’t eager for another cave experience, despite my love for adventure.
During the boat trip, we encountered queues and narrow passages where we had to crouch low at times, following the skilled rowing of our boatwoman. Unfortunately, one boat ahead broke down midway through a cave, causing a delay of about fifteen anxious minutes. With no option to turn back, we had to wait as people on other boats lightened the mood by singing, although I was far from amused.
Mekong Delta excursion - I enjoyed a relaxing boat ride along a beautiful water palm creek.
Vietnam is known for its stunning rivers and mysterious caves. The most famous of these rivers is the mighty Mekong, which journeys all the way from the Tibetan Plateau through China, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand before finally reaching Vietnam. During my trip, I had the chance to explore the Mekong Delta. We cruised along the Ben Tre River, one of the Mekong’s many branches, and sailed past the iconic Rach Mieu Bridge. The boat ride was so relaxing, taking us through a beautiful creek lined with lush water palms. It was incredibly serene – the only sound was the soft ripple of water as the paddles gently moved through it.
Ha Long Bay Cruise along stunning limestone karsts
If you ever find yourself in Vietnam, a cruise on Ha Long Bay is an absolute “must-do!” It’s such a relaxing experience with delicious food, cozy cabins, amazing staff, and jaw-dropping scenery. Plus, the sunsets are out of this world. Honestly, what more could you ask for?
The cruise is packed with fun activities too. You can try kayaking, take a boat trip around the inlets through a cave, and visit the stunning Sung Sot Cave, known locally as “Surprise Cave.” The story goes that the French explorer who found it called it “surprising beauty” because it’s so breathtaking!
For those who love a bit of adventure, there’s a hike up Titop Mountain where you get a bird’s-eye view of the entire bay. There’s also the option to head to a small beach by tender or even go squid fishing at night if you’re feeling up for it.
As for me, I chose to skip these activities and just enjoyed chilling on the boat. I wasn’t eager to see another cave, but I heard that the Sung Sot Cave is a long, beautiful cave filled with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Just the boat ride through the inlets and passing by caves was more than enough for me!
Train Street Hanoi - thrilling experience!
The “Train Street” in Hanoi is a “must see” and one to check out. This quirky spot has become a real tourist magnet. Visiting the street itself is free, but be prepared to pay a bit more for food and drinks since it’s a hot spot.
What’s so special about Train Street? Well, bars and restaurants set up their tables and chairs right along the train tracks! The staff are great at spotting tourists and will happily invite you to sit, enjoy some food or a drink, and experience the thrill of watching a train pass by so close that it’s practically within arm’s reach. Safety regulations? Not really a thing here – it’s all part of the hair-raising experience!
Tip: Make sure to check the train schedule before you go, so you can time your visit to catch the train passing by. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
My food adventures in Vietnam in pictures!
I’m a total foodie, and I love diving into the local cuisine whenever I travel. In Vietnam, my culinary adventures were a dream come true! Almost every night, I found myself in cozy street kitchens in the Old Quarter in Hanoi, enjoying bowls of rich, flavourful Vietnamese broth loaded with different kinds of meats. I made it a point to eat where the locals ate – their favorite street food spots became my go-to places, and I absolutely loved the whole experience.
You will also find both cooking classes and food tours offer fantastic opportunities to immerse yourself in Vietnamese cuisine and culture.,
One of the coolest things I tried was bamboo rice in various vibrant colors. I also indulged in lobster cooked in not just one, but two delicious ways. And then there was the famous Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City – it was buzzing with energy! There, I couldn’t resist stuffing myself with sizzling pork.
The only tricky part? Getting up from those super low plastic chairs and mastering the art of using chopsticks. I must add here too that Google translate came in handy at times. But honestly, that was all part of the fun and made the experience even more memorable!
Egg coffee - great experience and a "must try" !
Did you know that Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter? They’re crazy about their coffee, and it’s a big part of their culture. During my trip, our guide took us to this famous coffee house where I tried something totally unique – egg coffee. Yes, you heard that right, egg coffee! It sounds a bit unusual, but trust me, it was absolutely delicious. The combination of egg and coffee creates a rich and creamy treat that you have to try.
From the outside, the coffee house might not look like much, but once you step inside, you’ll be amazed. It’s surprisingly spacious with three bustling floors, packed with people who love their coffee. The place is always busy, and for good reason. So, if you find yourself in Vietnam, make sure to stop by and give egg coffee a try – you won’t regret it!
Drinking beer at Bia Ba Bat in Hanoi.
In Vietnam, beer is the go-to drink, especially when it comes to unwinding after a long day. Our guide was eager to take us to a famous beer parlour that locals absolutely love. They say it serves the best beer in all of Hanoi! What makes it so special? It’s brewed fresh around the clock, 24 hours a day.
One of the quirkiest and most memorable parts of the experience was sitting right in the middle of the road, sipping on our beers. It felt a bit surreal but in the best way possible. On a hot day, the cold beer was incredibly refreshing and just what we needed. If you ever find yourself in Hanoi, I highly recommend stopping by for a glass or two – it’s a unique and fun way to soak up the local vibe!
Vietnam - paradise of tropical fruits.
I had heard so much about the exotic fruits in Vietnam, and I couldn’t wait to try them. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint! Our guide took us on a fantastic fruit tour through one of the bustling markets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It was so helpful having someone explain each fruit and show us the best way to eat them.
I tried everything – star fruit, longan, pomelo, dragon fruit, star apple, guava, durian, passion fruit, and of course, jackfruit. The flavors were incredible! Even if you’ve had some of these fruits before, they taste totally different in Vietnam. Take mangoes, for example. Here, they are unbelievably aromatic, juicy, and delicious. People enjoy them as a snack, in savory dishes, with salads, and even with a sprinkle of salt or chili!
One of my favorites was rambutan – a vibrant, hairy fruit that’s as fun to eat as it looks. Vietnamese people love it, and I did too. I couldn’t get enough and felt lucky it was in season. Rambutan was everywhere, from street vendors to bicycle sellers. Another treat was the longan fruit, or “dragon’s eye,” which has a sweet, juicy white flesh and a dark seed inside, just like an eyeball!
Vietnamese fruit is a whole new experience, and it’s something you definitely have to taste for yourself!
Vietnamese currency - dong VND
Spending money in Vietnam is quite an adventure! First off, their currency, the Vietnamese Dong (VND), has a lot of zeros. It’s easy to look at a bill and feel like a millionaire, but don’t be fooled! The cost of living is quite low, so your money really stretches far. For example, a million VND (1,000,000) is only about £30 or $40, depending on the exchange rate. You can enjoy a delicious street food meal for just 60,000 VND, which is around £1.80 or $2. Tipping hotel staff is usually 25,000 VND, about $1 or £0.78.
The currency notes come in various denominations, from 10,000 to 500,000 VND, and there are no coins in use. It’s like playing with Monopoly money, but real!
US dollars are also widely accepted and often have more purchasing power than the local currency. Many market vendors will quote prices in dollars to make it easier for tourists, so carrying lots of $1 bills can be very handy.
I found using ATMs convenient, but they typically dispense 500,000 VND notes, which can be tricky to break in smaller shops.
Before my trip, I downloaded a currency exchange app that worked offline. It was a lifesaver for keeping track of all those zeros! I also made sure to carry small bills and kept them organized in my wallet by value. It made everything so much easier.
So, when you’re in Vietnam, embrace the adventure of spending their colorful currency. It’s all part of the fun!
Vietnamese phrases that I learned and used a lot are:
- Hello: Xin chào (sin chow)
- Goodbye: Tạm biệt (tam byeet)
- Thank you: Cảm ơn (gahm uhn)
- You’re welcome: Không có gì (kohng kaw zee)
- Please: Làm ơn (lam uhn)
- Sorry/Excuse me: Xin lỗi (sin loy)
Useful Tips:
- Practice pronunciation: Vietnamese is a tonal language, so the meaning of words can change with different tones. Don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect—locals will appreciate your effort!
- Use non-verbal cues: Smiling, nodding, and pointing can go a long way if you’re struggling with the language.
- Be polite and respectful: Using “Cảm ơn” (thank you) and “Xin lỗi” (sorry/excuse me) frequently can help in smooth interactions.
Learning these phrases can enhance your travel experience and make interactions more enjoyable. Have a wonderful time in Vietnam!
Wow! This is the most detailed account from a non professional tourist I have ever read! The eye for detail and the ability to recall names of places, food, drinks, fruits etc is incredible. Just reading this actually put me right there savouring the mouth watering food and exotic drinks and imagining the beauty of the stunning rivers and mysterious caves.
Playing the video of the train on Train Street actually had me moving (unconsciously) out of the way to avoid being hit! This is indeed a masterpiece worthy of an Award. This has got Vietnam on my Bucket List now and I am definitely looking forward to visiting. Kudos to you Molly. Cảm ơn
Tolu, Thanks very much for your comments, most encouraging. I am glad you enjoyed reading my blog and you found it inspirational. xx
Looks like.you had a great trip! Wish I was there with you 🤣🤣🤣
Haha very funny Diane – you were there with me. We had an unforgettable experience!x
Interesting. I can’t wait to visit.. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I am glad I have inspired you to visit these amazing places. They are once in a lifetime experiences!