Vietnam
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Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City
If there’s anything I’d like to do RIGHT NOW, it would be to sit on a tiny stool while hunched over a big bowl of hot beef pho at a side street somewhere in Ho Chi Minh City. Considering that I’ve been to Vietnam quite a number of times already, I can’t seem to get enough of HCMC. I know that there are still a lot more things to do, more places to explore. And I think one of the best ways to do that is with locals because they not only have the expertise but the passion to show off their city as well. Should a Vietnam…
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Xôi Yến: Hanoi’s Best Sticky Rice Restaurant
Eating at Xôi Yến Restaurant along Nguyen Huu Huan Street is a must for those visiting the Old Quarter in Hanoi. Virtually a local legend, it is constantly filled with hearty eaters thanks to its delicious sticky rice bowls. Xoi is a traditional Vietnamese dish made from rice and corn and topped with the meat of your choice, including roasted pork, chicken, sausage, and pate. To complete the dish, there’s also crispy fried onions and shaved mung beans on the side. Your order also comes with a small bowl of fresh cucumber salad. On regular days, the restaurant is very crowded, with patrons spilling out…
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Top 10 Things to do in and near Hanoi (a Preview)
Perfect weather at 15 degrees, breath-taking landscapes, wonderful food, friendly people… these are what I remember of my first visit to Hanoi 11 years ago. Did you know that Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam? Yup, it’s not the bustling Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC, formerly Saigon) as many may initially think. Of course it’s understandable that HCMC is more popular owing to its exposure in many Vietnam war movies. But if you’re going to visit Vietnam, you may want to consider going to the capital where, ironically, life is less hectic. Perfect weather at 15 degrees, breath-taking landscapes, wonderful food, friendly people… these are what I remember of…
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Footnote: At the Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam
Walking around the Lake near the Old Quarter in Hanoi yesterday, I chanced upon this ironwork that was placed at the foot of a tree. I just love the thoughtful inclusion of the traditional Vietnamese house in the design. A note about Footnote: Footnote is an ongoing photo series featuring my, well… feet, taken in different places around the world. Click here if you want to see my other Footnotes.
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Top 10 Best Value Destinations for 2012 via Lonely Planet
Planning your travels for 2012? Consider Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Best Value Destinations. I’m glad Japan, Portugal and Vietnam made the list. It would be nice to personally see Porto, home to the world-famous Porto wine which I love.;) Porto, Portugal The town that put the ‘Port’ in Portugal (as well as the port in your wine glass) is a seriously good deal. Connected with much of Europe via budget airlines, Porto is a lovely town of atmospheric narrow lanes, village-like plazas and buildings decked in azuelo tile. You can stay in antique-filled inns with river views from just €25 (US$37.75), take a ride on an historical tram (€1; US$1.40)…
