5 activities to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and cultural hub. Still known to many as Saigon, HCMC is a bustling urban sprawl of busy roundabouts and interesting sights. Use this list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City to avoid missing any must-see sights during your exciting visit to Vietnam.

See a Water Puppet Show

The tradition of water puppetry dates back to the 11th century in Vietnam, and catching a show should be high on your list for things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

Although water puppet shows attract plenty of tourists, the most authentic performances are still performed exclusively in Vietnamese. Musicians sat on each side of the stage provide the soundtrack with traditional instruments as well as the voices of the puppets. The puppets themselves, some of which are large and heavy, enact scenes from village life -- all on top of a pool of water.

Visit the Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace, previously known as Independence Palace, is the place that the Vietnam War ended. On the morning of April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the palace wall as evacuation efforts were still underway.

The Reunification Palace was used as the command center for General Nguyen Van Thieu; strategic maps and war-related objects are still on display. Visitors can tour the building and grounds which include highlights such as the presidential office and a command bunker in the basement.

Go to Ben Thanh Market

Although very touristy, the Ben Thanh Market is still a must-see in Ho Chi Minh City. The cramped market is a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from trinkets to pigs’ feet.

Whether you’re after souvenirs, great travel photo opportunities, or just want to take a whirl in one of Asia’s most hectic markets, the Ben Thanh Market is a full-on sensory experience! You’ll need to drive a hard bargain to land a fair price.

Visit the War Market

Strangest of the markets in Ho Chi Minh City, the so-called War Market can be a little tricky to find. The market consists of cages in a basement where relics and artifacts dug up from the French and American wars in Vietnam are sold.

Plenty of other Chinese-made army surplus is on sale along with uniforms, ribbons, dog tags, and unidentifiable items lost by soldiers or pulled out of helicopter wrecks.

Find the War Market at the intersection of Yersin and Cong Tru Street, south of the Pham Ngu Lao area.

Get a Beer

The Pham Ngu Lao area in District 1 comes alive at night with scores of budget travelers eating pho, socializing, and enjoying cheap beer at simple sidewalk cafes.

Sitting on plastic stools along the busy streets to drink cheap local beer and inhale motorbike exhaust is a rite of passage for all visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. A thin lager can be had for 50 cents or less; watching traffic, people, and even rats scurrying is all part of the experience!

Bui Vien Street is the busiest and most popular for a bia hoi experience.

See more: The most impressive architectures in Ho Chi Minh City

Source: tripsavvy

Nasi Lemak, a Malaysia's national dish

Coconut rice, chili on the side, slivers of anchovy, nuts, and a boiled egg: meet Malaysia’s national dish, the nasi lemak. A simple everyday meal gracing the dinner table of Malaysians all across the country, this beloved dish has a history as humble as its ingredients.

The nasi lemak started off as a farmer’s meal. Long days in the field meant a filling dish ready for on-the-go eating was essential. The rice, oils, and fish provided a balanced diet in one packet, and it was easily concocted too. A recipe of Malay origin, it made use of the seafront harvests, coconuts, and fish.

A closer look at the individual ingredients shows exactly why this plain dish is so revered among the locals.

Santan rice

Plain white rice is steamed in coconut milk; not cooked, for the risk of burning the rice is higher. Coconut milk, or santan, is the “lemak” of the dish: the richness. Often, cooks will add a little extra something to personalize the flavor of the rice, such as ginger, lemongrass, or shallots, but always pandan to create the trademark subtle taste.

Read more: Breakfast in Malaysia and dishes you should try

Sambal

A spicy, semi-sweet chili paste is drizzled on the side of the plate; each distinguishable from the next. Malaysians, being of multicultural Asian heritage, have a fondness for spices that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. More signature-worthy than the rice, this crucial element to the nasi lemak can range from a complementary sweetness to bold spiciness. The chili oils provide great mix for the rice, giving it that beautiful vermilion stain.

Fried anchovies, nuts, cucumber, and a boiled egg

This handful of side dishes helps transform the packet into a nutritionally balanced meal. The anchovies are usually the fatter, flat variety, instead of the needle-thin ones, while the egg might come sliced in halves – but without even one of these, the nasi lemak is unacceptable.

Nasi lemak, being a cheap and loved pre-packaged meal, is sold almost everywhere, from little roadside stalls to five-star restaurants that provide buffets and fusion foods. The side dishes may vary, but the best add-ons include rendang, a spicy savory curry usually made with beef; fried chicken spiced and herbed specially; and veggie assortments of spinach or kangkung (water spinach).

The flavors of nasi lemak have also changed as the predominantly Malay taste is adopted and tweaked by the introduction of the many other races of Malaysia. For example, Chinese nasi lemak tends to be served alongside non-halal side dishes, notably pork slices. Indian versions of the meal tend to resemble their signature banana-leaf rices, and the sambal is mixed together with other curries. Whatever your preferred taste, this dish is sure to impress with its understated flavors and humble charm.

Source theculturetrip

The best restaurants in Sapa, Vietnam

Visit Sapa, no matter what your goal is, your needs and expectations will be met as it is such an amazing place that offers you a chance to experience all the sights, sounds and tastes of northwest mountains of Vietnam. Sapa cuisine is also one of the most outstanding features that appeal to visitors. For those who are keen on local dishes of this mountainous area, paying a visit to best restaurants in Sapa to indulge in mouth-watering dishes is an ultimate experience.

Hill Station Signature Restaurant

A showcase of Hmong cuisine with cool Zen decor and superb views. Dishes include flash-cooked pork with lime, ash-baked trout in banana leaves, and traditional Hmong-style black pudding. Tasting sets of local rice and corn wine are also of interest to curious travelling foodies. Do not miss to try the delicate rainbow-trout rice-paper rolls, think of them as 'Sapa sushi'.

Address: 37 Fansipan Street, Sapa

Paradise View Restaurant

Located in the center of Sapa town, Paradise View Restaurant is a perfect spot for awesome meals with great ambience and beautiful view. Here, tourists can have a chance to enjoy a number of scrumptious dishes including bean soup seasoned with mountain herbs, banana flower salad, crème brulee as well as salmon hot pot. Moreover, staff of the restaurant is lovely, hospital and friendly who offers outstanding customers services.

Address: 018 Pham Xuan Huan, Sapa

Nature View

Another location in which you can dine with a fantastic view of the hilly surroundings, Nature View, stays true to its name. On the menu are a mix of delicious Vietnamese and Western food items, and the dining experience is only further enhanced by the lovely service. It is also a great place to take some time to yourself, sit outside, above the clouds, and sip some local Lao Cai coffee as you enjoy a great book. The chicken sautéed in lemongrass and basil, grilled salmon, and the yoghurt sautéed chicken are worth a special mention. It is opened 24 hours.

Address: 61 Fansipan, Sapa

Good Morning Vietnam

Good Morning Vietnam is has attractive wooden furniture and you can observe the beautiful landscape from the window. The menu includes vegetarian food, Vietnamese food, and a little bit of Western food. The recommended dishes in this restaurant are coconut chicken curry and honey duck. The amazing views are also complemented by the professional and friendly staff of the restaurant.

Address: 63B Fansipan, Sapa

Anise Sapa Restaurant

As a mid-range restaurant, Anise Sapa has a varied menu of Vietnamese food, Western food, and vegetarian food. The restaurant has a brick fireplace and is decorated with ethnic items and pictures of Sapa on the wall. Chicken schnitzel and smoked sausage are the most recommended dishes. The chef and staff are friendly, professional, and they even speak good English.

Address: 21 Xuan Vien, Sapa

Read more: What to do when you are in Sapa

Le Gecko

With Le Gecko, you can identify the integration of French classic option and Vietnamese ingredients. Being renowned for awesome French cuisine, Le Gecko is always proud to offer best aromatic food with best drink at a reasonable price. Here, you can also have a lot of choices for your meal ranging from burgers, breakfasts, steaks, salads, pork, seafood, chicken, beef and so on.

Address: 04 Ham Rong, Sapa

Source Internet