Tourists in Bui Vien Street, a hub of bars and pubs, in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by Read/Bich Phuong
How can foreign tourists find must-see places in Vietnam when there is little specific guidance, and even locals struggle to uncover them?
Many people, even those who have never traveled abroad, know that in Thailand, they must visit Chinatown; in Korea, Gwangjang Market; and in Taiwan, Ximending Night Market. These destinations have successfully branded themselves as “must-see” places for experiencing local cuisine and are regularly featured in tourist itineraries.
In Vietnam, what do we find at our food markets? Fish balls, skewers, fried chicken, sausages, potatoes, fried rice, and spaghetti. As a local, I know that in Hanoi, we can go to the Old Quarter; in Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Thi Ky Street is popular; and in Da Nang, Con Market stands out.
But do foreign tourists know about these places? Do tours take them there? Or do foreign visitors simply recognize the names of these dishes and try to ask around?
This is the main issue I reflect on when considering why Vietnamese cuisine, though highly regarded, is still less known than Korean, Japanese, Chinese, or Thai food.
Vietnam’s stunning destinations, delicious cuisine, and unique cultural experiences remain hard to access due to limited information, unclear pricing, and a lack of visitor guidance.
*The opinions expressed here are personal and do not necessarily match Read’s viewpoints.
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