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8 unique and offbeat places you must visit in Vietnam and Cambodia
If you are planning a visit to Southeast Asia, pairing Vietnam and Cambodia makes a lot of sense. The two countries are side by side, share the Mekong River, and have some overlapping cultures and histories. In this post, we are suggesting secret travel spots Vietnam and Cambodia, including offbeat Vietnam destinations and rural Cambodia cultural immersion. These are unique Southeast Asia travel experiences that you can enjoy either on luxury tours in Vietnam and Cambodia, or by organizing your own self-paced tour.
1. Try street food in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
The street food of Vietnam is readily available and really delicious. Don’t shy away from sitting on a tiny stool by the side of the road to sample some of the many local specialties such as phở, bánh mì, and bún chả. Just ensure the cart looks clean, the food looks fresh, and that plenty of locals are also eating there. Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are known for having plentiful street‑stalls amid market alleys, such as Hanoi‘s Old Quarter Market and Ben Thanh Market in HCMC.
READ: For more food options in Asia, read The best street food in India, All about Thai food, and The best things to eat in Sri Lanka.
2. Explore Vietnam’s coffee culture in Hanoi
Vietnam is one of the top producers of high-quality coffee beans. About 80% of the coffee in Vietnam comes from the Vietnam Central Highlands, and locals and visitors alike love it. In fact, Vietnam runs on really strong, sweet coffee and the coffee culture is on another level. There is a mind-boggling array of variations to try including the ubiquitous cà phê trứng – Vietnamese egg coffee – which is the most common variety in Hanoi. You can find it all over Hanoi, but don’t miss going to Cafe Giang where it was invented, or to one of the many cafes on famous Train Street Hanoi. Other notable variations to try are cà phê dừa (coconut coffee) and cà phê sữa dá (iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk).
3. Enjoy a Mai Chau valley cultural immersion experience
Make sure that you get out of the city and spend time enjoying rural Vietnam (and Cambodia). From Hanoi, escape to the lush landscapes of Mai Chau, a village in the hills. Here you can try local food that includes specialties of the region such as fish from the nearby rivers and herbs and spices from organic gardens. Mai Chau is home to some of Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups, including White Thai, Hmong and Dao. Here you can witness traditional dancing, sip ruou can (local rice wine), and interact with the people involved with Vun Art, a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps.
4. Discover Hue on a private Perfume River cruise
Hue is the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Here, ancient and modern history echoes through the streets, giving it a flavour unique among Vietnamese cities. The Imperial City, royal tombs, and Thien Mu Pagoda are among the top attractions. A boat ride on the Perfume River, which runs through Hue, offers visitors a leisurely way to see the city. While on board, enjoy afternoon tea, featuring an assortment of sweet and savoury treats, and a range of teas and coffees. Especially beautiful at sunset!
5. Learn the art of Vietnamese cooking in Hoi Ann
You can take Vietnamese cooking lessons in several Vietnamese cities, and the classes are often guided by local chefs, but one of the best places is in Hoi Ann. The ancient town of Hoi Ann is a cultural treasure. Pedestrian-only streets are lined with old homes and show signs of French, Chinese, and Japanese influences. At Red Bridge Cooking School, you can explore Hoi An’s colourful markets, find local ingredients, and use them during your cooking class – followed by eating your delicacies of course. It is a great way to learn about the cuisine and the culture of Vietnam, and have fun in the process!
TIP: For inspiration, check out this guide to Anthony Bourdain’s Vietnam to find out where he ate.
6. Take a Mekong Delta river cruise
The Mekong Delta in south Vietnam is a watery world of iconic sights, sounds, and scents. Called the rice bowl of Vietnam, here you will discover a unique landscape of rice paddies, winding rivers, and floating markets. A Mekong Delta river cruise is the perfect way to explore this fascinating region and experience authentic rural Mekong life. Visit local workshops where you can see silk makers, rattan weavers, and rice paper manufacturers at work. Stop in Sa Dec to tour the former home of French writer Marguerite Duras and visit a traditional Cao Dai temple. On board the ship, you can enjoy the tastes of local dishes and tropical fruit.
7. See Phnom Penh by Cyclo
Explore Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, by cyclo. The human-powered cyclo has long been a popular form of transportation throughout Southeast Asia. Taking a cyclo ride supports local drivers, is an eco-friendly and sustainable way to see the sights, and allows you to immerse in the streetlife and culture of Cambodia. A cyclo tour will slowly reveal the layers of Phnom Penh – the tree-lined boulevards and French colonial buildings, and iconic sites such as the Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom, and the Independence Monument.
8. Eat traditional Cambodian and Khmer cuisine in Siem Reap
In Siem Reap you can dine in one of the few remaining traditional Khmer houses and discover authentic Cambodian and Khmer cuisine. Forged by Thai, Chinese, and French influences, Cambodian and Khmer food is rich, diverse, and underrated – and it makes ample use of the foods the country is known for including rice, sugar, pepper, fruit, pork, and fish. After a long day exploring Angkor Wat, treat yourself to a delicious dinner in the garden of a traditional Khmer house. The perfect end to a perfect travel day.
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