Category: Easy-riders’s itinerary

Uoc Le is a trade village which used to be located in Thanh Oai District, Ha Dong Province, later belonged to Ha Tay Province and several years recently it belongs to Hanoi; Uoc Le village is about 25km distant from the city in southwest direction. This village is well-known at producing some traditional dishes under the general name of “gio cha” (spring roll). The kinds of spring roll are categorized following the materials. For example, made from pork, there are: gio lua (pork bologna), gio hoa (mixed with some pork fat), gio bi (mixed with pork skin), cha (pork pie), cha que (roasted cinnamon pork), and cha com (mixed with Vong village’s grilled rice). Made from beef, they have gio bo (mixed with some beef fat and peppers). Made from buffalo meat, they have cha trau (mixed with pork skin and dill leaves)… Uoc Le spring roll Familiar to pho – originally from Co family in Nam Truc – Nam Dinh but it is more famous in Hanoi, although spring roll comes from Uoc Le village, it is exceptionally well-known in Ha Noi. In fact, spring roll used to be one of the essential dishes of Hanoi people’s traditional feast “4 bowls – 8 plates” in special occasions like Tet, wedding parties, death anniversaries…Almost every popular spring roll store in Hanoi came from Uoc Le village, such as: Do Mang store (Hung Vuong street), Viet Huong store and Tan Viet store (Hue town), The “dwarf” lady and Mr. Dao’s store (Dai La street), Mrs. Tan’s store in Hom market, Phuc Loc store (Tran Khac Chan street, near Hue town); other spring roll stores in Bach Mai street, Tay Son street (near Dong Da mound), Tue Tinh street…There is a company which is professional in producing spring roll and traditional dishes located in Hanoi. The company owner is a Southern lady; she got married with a Uoc Le’s man and succeeded her husband’s family’s profession. Spring roll

We often see the picture of some women carrying big loads walking around Saigon streets. Even sometimes at night, we get to see them surrounding the loads into a circle, like a wall separates their world with the outside world; and there are 4 or 5 women sleep inside the circle. They are Quang Ngai women go to the big city to sell their homeland’s speciality: Com (grilled green rice) Quang Ngai grilled green rice has always been so popular; until now, its reputation still remains. Quang Ngai grilled green rice is apparently not less popular than Thanh Huong grilled green rice in Thai Binh, Northern Vietnam. According to Quang Ngai natives, Mo Duc grilled green rice is the best among other kinds. Usually in the beginning of December each year, when the late rice, summer crop (or gradual rice) in Tu Son, Vinh Thanh, An Long, Thach Tru (Mo Duc) are fully ripen, every road of the village resounds a joyful rhythm of people grinding the green rice. Grilled green rice is a special food which carries the country and the harvest time’s flavor. Almost every family in the countryside of Quang Ngai likes it. Especially to young children, the taste of grilled green rice has become an impressive memory; it would remind them of their hometown if by any chance, they move to other places. There are two main kinds of grilled green rice: sticky grilled green rice (com nep) and traditional grilled green rice (com gao). Com nep is made from sticky rice, has special taste. Com gao is made from different kinds of rice: hulled rice, summer crop… Quang Ngai grilled green rice has a unique characteristic: To be grinded to grilled green rice, rice first has to be wet; it is most convenient when flooded. Therefore, in winter, ripen rice fields in Quang Ngai are very likely to make grilled green rice. Since grilled

This yummy thick beverage is typically made out of coarsely ground dark roast coffee beans, which are grown in the highlands of Vietnam, combined with a bit of chicory. Coffee plants aren't native to the area, but French colonists introduced them to the region in the late 19th century. To the locals, a Vietnamese iced coffee is known as a 'ca phe da' or 'cafe da' and it is made using a specific recipe that has been around for ages. The traditional way to brew a cup of Vietnamese coffee is with the use of a special French-style drip filter that is made out of metal. To assemble the Vietnamese iced coffee, pour about two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to a standard size coffee mug (do NOT use evaporated milk). Then, deposit approximately two tablespoons of coffee to the base of the coffee filter before closing it and placing it on top of your mug. Next, pour one cup of boiling hot water from a carafe into the press which will then drip through the coffee grounds into the glass. If it's taking awhile for the water to filter through the press, this is perfectly normal. Keep in mind that it will not stream into the cup but rather drip into it. Once the coffee has completely brewed, stir to combine it with the milk and then pour the creamy mixture over a tall glass of ice cubes. When serving your Vietnamese iced coffee, you may want to include a long spoon in the glass as well to allow your guests to stir their drink if the ingredients start to separate.

Though this recognition of the dish has only occurred within the last two decades or so, the soup itself has been around since the early 20th century. Origin The starting point of Pho began in the northern parts of Vietnam near Hanoi in the Nam Dinh Province and more specifically in the villages of Van Cu and Dao Cu. Sold primarily from street vendors in the early morning and late evenings, Pho quickly became a widely sought after dish for all people residing in the villages and surrounding areas. After recognition of the huge Pho success, two fixed shops were set up; one was Vietnamese owned and the other was Chinese-owned and were both located in front of Bo-Ham tram stop. It wasn’t until the start of the Vietnam War in 1954 that Pho began to spread to all regions and parts of Vietnam where it was used to help easily feed the soldiers and refugees of this time. Worldwide Recognition The aftermath of the Vietnam War allowed for countless refugees to begin bringing Pho to other parts of the world such as other Asian countries, the United States, France, Canada and Australia. As the relation improvements between the U.S. and Vietnam were taking place, the increase of Pho shops on both the West Coast and East Coast were starting to take off, creating a Pho frenzy. How it’s Made Because Pho is made from mostly a combination of meats (beef or chicken) and broth the very first thing that must be done for the making of this delicious soup is to prepare the meat. For beef Pho, it’s usually customary to simmer the beef bones, charred onion and garlic along with the varying spices added into it. However for chicken Pho, you must roast the chicken and then proceed with

There are an innumerable amount of types, flavors, colors, varieties and origins of beers. One in particular that stands out is Vietnamese beer. There are four interesting types of Vietnamese beers that we will focus on. The most popular beer in Vietnam is called Bia Hoi. This is more like a traditional draft beer, but is not sold like beers anywhere else in the world. Bia Hoi is made by about 300 different breweries around the country. Bia Hoi is similar to a micro-brewery in that there are no preservatives because it normally consumed on the day it was brewed. Bia Hoi can be found all throughout the country in bars, cafes, and street vendors. It is collected from the brewery in 100 liter barrels, then either sold to small establishments in plastic containers or used in large bars. Bia Hoi normally costs about 25 U.S. cents per glass, and is usually served with ice. Unbelievable, about 3 to 4 hundred thousand liters of Bia Hoi are served in Hanoi every day. Canned beer is beginning to gain popularity in Vietnam, and there are two main types. The “333” is a rice-flavored beer that has a noticeable bitter taste. It is made by the Saigon Beer Company, who also makes the Saigon Lager and Saigon Export. Three thirty-three was developed in France in 1893, and was originally named “33”. The name changed in 1975. Hue Beer is a 5.0% pilsner which is made by the Hue Brewery. It has a pleasant gold color and a quickly disappearing head. Hue beer has a rice aroma and a dry taste to it. In addition to Hue beer, the Hue Brewery also makes a Huda and Festival beer to be sold in the Vietnamese market place. Lastly is the Saigon Lager. As mentioned

Whether you live in Vietnam or you heading there for a holiday full of adventure and exploration, you will want to know the most popular and best ways to get outside and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer both its locals and guests. Here are some of the most popular ones you can try out while in Vietnam… Kite Surfing Whether you are an avid kit surfer or not, head to Mui Ne to experience some of the best in all of Southeast Asia! With both kite and windsurfing lessons, you will be out on the water in no time at all and enjoying every minute of it. With windy conditions yet smooth and flat waters nearly every single day in Mui Ne, it makes for the absolute perfect kite and windsurfing times. Scuba Diving With beautiful crystal clear waters throughout most of the year, Vietnam has some incredible dive spots throughout its entire coastal line that are just waiting to be explored. Whether you have had hundreds of dives in your logbook or you are hoping to do your first one, make Vietnam the next place you get to experience an up close and personal look at beautiful marine life. Hiking Both trekking and hiking are extremely popular outdoor activities in Vietnam, especially in the northern parts. With lush jungles and mountains you are guaranteed to experience a whole new outdoor adventure and journey unlike any that you have before. Choose from dozens of guides and get the chance to take in all the beautiful nature that Vietnam’s northern mountains have to offer. Biking Whether you feel more comfortable on a bicycle or a motorbike, both are arguably the best ways to get outside of the main areas of the cities and explore the outskirts, suburbs

  Consider the following ones throughout different parts of Vietnam to make the most out of your stay. Sedona Suites – Ho Chi Minh City Located in Ho Chi Minh’s business center and only a short walk away from Benh Thanh Market as well as the Opera House, Sedona Suites is an excellent option for families hoping to explore the city. It is a completely family-friendly hotel that offers plenty of recreational facilities such as a kid’s swimming pool, putting green, tennis court, playground, kid’s club and even babysitting services for when the parents need to take a little break for themselves! Sedona Hotel – Hanoi This incredibly family-friendly hotel located in Hanoi and overlooking West Lake offers families large and spacious rooms to sprawl out in such as three-bedroom apartments and deluxe serviced villas. There are also some great facilities on the property such as squash and tennis courts, a putting green, babysitting services, a playground and lakeside barbecues. Sofitel Vinpearl Resort – Nha Trang  You and all of your kids are guaranteed to love this resort as it is often voted one of the best resorts in the area with plenty to see, do and explore while there! The resort boasts a total of 700 meters of private beach as well as one of the largest swimming pools throughout all of Vietnam! There is also a kid’s club, game rooms, beach volleyball and a tennis court to enjoy as well. Furama Resort – Da Nang  Not only will the kids enjoy the two huge swimming pools, snorkeling and diving opportunities, a kids club and even a private beach but the parents will also enjoy the exclusive golf courses and spa amenities to take full advantage of during their time in Vietnam. Have some fun and enjoy the endless