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Vietnam 2025
  • Linda Frandsen

Vietnam 2025

A short but fine adventure by Linda Read more
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  • Trip start
    September 2, 2025
    Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen

    Facts

    August 31 in Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 77 °F

    Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas, and bustling cities. It was formerly divided into North and South Vietnam, with the North being communist and the South supported by the United States. The Vietnam War (1954-1975) was a major conflict that ended with the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule.
    Here are some common questions about Vietnam:
    Geography and Culture:
    What is the capital of Vietnam?
    .
    Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam.
    What are some popular Vietnamese dishes?
    .
    Pho (noodle soup), Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), and Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls) are some of the most famous dishes.
    What are some famous Vietnamese tourist destinations?
    .
    Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and the beaches of Phu Quoc Island are popular tourist destinations.
    What is the predominant religion in Vietnam?
    .
    While many Vietnamese people practice ancestral worship, Buddhism is also widely practiced.
    History:
    What was the Vietnam War? The Vietnam War was a long, costly armed conflict that pitted the communist government of North Vietnam against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States.
    When did the Vietnam War take place? The commonly accepted dates for the Vietnam War are 1954 to 1975.
    Why did the US get involved in the Vietnam War? The US aimed to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.
    What were some key events of the Vietnam War? The Gulf of Tonkin incident, the Tet Offensive, and the My Lai massacre were significant events during the war.
    Who won the Vietnam War? The Vietnam War ended with the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule after the fall of Saigon in 1975.
    General Knowledge:
    What is the Vietnamese language like?
    .
    Vietnamese uses a romanized alphabet with added accents and combinations of letters to create new sounds, according to Quizlet.
    What is the general attitude of the Vietnamese towards tourists?
    .
    According to Quora, Vietnamese people are generally friendly and welcoming to tourists.
    What are some things to know about Vietnamese culture?
    .
    Vietnamese culture is rich in traditions, including ancestral worship, and emphasizes politeness and respect.
    Is Vietnam still at war?
    .
    No, the Vietnam War ended in 1975, and Vietnam is now a unified country.    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen
    Red River

    Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam

    August 31 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    Expand your Asian discoveries by starting your adventure early in Vietnam, a nation reborn. In addition to
    exploring the bustling capital of Hanoi and cruising amidst the emerald waters of Halong Bay, our small group
    size allows us to connect closely with local history and culture—whether we’re challenging our perspective of
    the Vietnam war with a Communist veteran, or meeting the skilled artisans of a ceramic workshop.
    Day 1 Depart U.S.
    Afternoon: You depart today on your overnight
    flight from the U.S. to Seoul, South Korea. From
    there, you will transfer to Hanoi, Vietnam.
    Day 2 Arrive in Seoul, South Korea • Fly to
    Hanoi, Vietnam
    • Accommodations: Babylon Grand Hotel &
    Spa or similar
    Afternoon/Evening: Depending on your
    specific flight itinerary, you will arrive in
    Seoul, South Korea sometime in the afternoon
    or evening. You will then take a connecting
    flight to Hanoi, Vietnam, where an O.A.T.
    representative will meet you and assist with
    your transfer to your hotel.    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen

    80 years of Vietnam's National Day.

    September 1 in Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 81 °F

    On September 2, 1945, Prhttps://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMTfkBD2yV… esident Hồ Chí Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Đình Square, officially founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
    It is the country's National Day.    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen
    Gift Boxes & Gift TraysMother & CribHarvest BasketsRice SifterFire Place

    Women’s Museum

    September 1 in Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 81 °F

    This museum is just on the outskirts of the Old Quarter and easy enough to walk to if you’re staying in that area. The entry fee is very reasonable at 40,000VND. The museum is set out in 3 levels: family and motherhood, history/politics and fashion. The exhibits are well laid out though the museum could use a little spruce up. If you’re interested in fashion, I would also recommend the Museum of Ethnology for traditional outfits.
    Focused on the contribution of women to Vietnam's history and culture, this museum highlights their roles in Vietnam's many military conflicts as well as in commerce, including features on female street vendors, women's role in the family, and more recently, single mothers in Vietnam.    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen
    Costume of the Youngest Dame, Second Dame, Great Mandarin Tuan TranhCostume of the Paige, Page, Ninth Princess, Seventh Prince

    Women’s Museum Goddess

    September 1 in Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 84 °F

    The tradition of worshipping the Mother Goddess in Việt Nam dates back to the 16th century.

    In this tradition there are three realms, namely Heaven, Water and Mountains-Forests. The Mother Goddess is a nymph who descended to Earth, lived as a human and became a Buddhist nun referred to as the Mother of the World. There are also many other spirits considered legendary heroes.

    Passed down through generations, the tradition continues to be practiced by communities today as a response to their environment, providing them with a sense of identity and continuity.

    The practice of shared values and strong beliefs in the compassion and grace of the Mother Goddess provides a basis for social relations, connecting members of participating communities.

    Belief in the deity originated in various regions of the country and among different ethnic groups, reflecting the nation’s cultural diversity as well as cultural exchange between different communities. Worship of the Mother Goddess also contributes to the appreciation of women and their role in society.

    The ancient Vietnamese tradition of worshipping the Mother Goddess has been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2016.    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen

    Turtle Tower Hoàn Kiếm Lake

    September 1 in Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 84 °F

    The Hoàn Kiếm turtle, a revered symbol in Vietnam, is deeply connected to the legend of Kim Quy, the Golden Turtle God, and Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hanoi. The legend tells of the turtle gifting a magic sword to Le Loi, a Vietnamese leader, which helped him defeat Chinese invaders. After the victory, the turtle reclaimed the sword in the lake. This turtle, also known as the Golden Turtle, is seen as a symbol of Vietnam's independence and longevity. The last known individual, called Cu Rua, died in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of myth and reverence.
    Here's a more detailed breakdown:
    Legend of Kim Quy:
    The turtle, often associated with the deity Kim Quy, is a central figure in Vietnamese mythology.
    Hoàn Kiếm Lake:
    This lake in Hanoi is the legendary home of the Golden Turtle and the site where the magic sword was returned.
    Cu Rua:
    The last known Yangtze softshell turtle in the lake was affectionately nicknamed Cu Rua, meaning "Great Grandfather Turtle".
    Symbol of Independence:
    The turtle and its legend are powerful symbols of Vietnamese independence and resilience against foreign invaders.
    Worship and Reverence:
    The turtle was revered by many and considered a sacred creature.
    Taxidermied Specimen:
    After Cu Rua's death, its remains were preserved and are displayed in Ngoc Son Temple on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake.
    Species Decline:
    The Yangtze giant softshell turtle, to which Cu Rua belonged, is critically endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting.
    Hope for the Future:
    Despite the decline, there's ongoing research and conservation efforts to understand and protect this unique species, with potential for further discoveries.    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen
    King Le Thai ToKing Le Thai To

    Hoàn Kiếm Lake

    September 1 in Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 84 °F

    Hoàn Kiếm Lake
    Loading T Cafe
    Old Quarter of Hanoi
    Ngoc Son Temple

    HANOI LINKS, ACTIVITIES, TOURS & MORE INFO
    ☑️ Free Walking Tour of the Hanoi Old Quarter:https://www.freetour.com/hanoi/all-ar...
    ☑️ Lotte Observation Deck Tickets: https://observationdeck.lottecenter.c...
    ☑️ Hanoi Street Food Tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/hanoi-l2...
    ☑️ Water Puppet Theater Tickets: https://www.getyourguide.com/hanoi-l2...
    ☑️ Hỏa Lò Prison Museum website: https://hoalo.vn/EN

    Egg coffee, specifically Vietnamese egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng), is a unique coffee drink made with a combination of coffee, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk, often with added vanilla or rum. The egg yolks are whipped with the other ingredients to create a creamy, custard-like foam that is layered on top of strong coffee. The drink is known for its rich, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor profile    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen

    Vietnamese Food

    September 1 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    Vietnam offers a wide array of unique and delicious foods, from the well-known Pho and Banh Mi to more unusual dishes. Some unique foods to try include Balut (fertilized duck egg), Tiet Canh (blood pudding), and Mam Tom (shrimp paste). More adventurous options include snake, silkworms, and even rat meat.
    Uncommon Dishes:
    Balut (Trung Vit Lon): A fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside, often boiled and eaten with salt, pepper, and Vietnamese coriander.
    Tiet Canh (Blood Pudding): Fresh blood (usually duck or pig) is mixed with broth and spices to create a gelatinous dish.
    Mam Tom (Shrimp Paste): A pungent fermented shrimp paste used as a dipping sauce or flavoring agent.
    Snake Dishes: Snake meat is believed to have medicinal properties and is prepared in various ways, including being eaten raw with its heart still beating.
    Silkworms and other worm dishes: Silkworms, river worms, and other types of worms are often fried, boiled, or stir-fried and eaten as a snack or part of a meal.
    Rat meat: Field rats, particularly from the Mekong Delta, are considered a delicacy in some areas.
    Coconut Worms: These are eaten raw or fried.
    Fried crickets: A relatively common street food snack.
    Chicken feet: A popular snack, often braised or deep-fried.
    Other Notable Dishes:
    Pho: A flavorful beef noodle soup, considered Vietnam's national dish.
    Banh Mi: A Vietnamese sandwich with various fillings, often including pate, mayonnaise, pickled vegetables, and cilantro.
    Goi Cuon: Fresh spring rolls with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, herbs, and vegetables, wrapped in rice paper.
    Bun Cha: Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce.
    Banh Xeo: A crispy, savory pancake made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
    Cao Lau: A noodle dish from Hoi An with thick noodles, pork, and fresh greens.
    Bun Bo Hue: A spicy beef noodle soup from Hue.
    Cha Ca La Vong: A Hanoi specialty of turmeric-marinated fish, grilled and served with dill, rice noodles, and peanuts.
    Banh Cuon Nong: Steamed rice crepes filled with pork and shrimp.
    Sup Cua: A thick crab and sweet corn soup.
    Xoi: Sticky rice, often cooked with various ingredients like mung beans, peanuts, or shredded pork.
    Banh Trang Nuong: Vietnamese pizza, a crispy rice paper topped with various ingredients like eggs, cheese, and meats.

    An egg coffee (Vietnamese: Cà phê trứng) is a Vietnamese drink traditionally prepared with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk and robusta coffee. The drink is made by beating egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk, then extracting the coffee into the cup, followed by a similar amount of egg cream, or egg yolks which are heated and beaten, or whisked.

    The drink is served in cafes throughout Vietnam, originating in Hanoi. The Giang Café (Vietnamese: Cà Phê Giảng) in Hanoi is known for serving the drink, which it makes with egg yolk, coffee powder, condensed milk, and, optionally, cheese. The cup is sometimes served inside a bowl of hot water or set upon a small candle to retain its temperature. The son of the café's founder Nguyen Giang claims that his father developed the recipe for the drink when milk was scarce in Vietnam in the late 1940s, replacing milk with egg yolk.    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen

    Den Ba Kieu

    September 2 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    Ba Kieu Temple , whose Chinese name is Thien Tien Temple , is a temple on the eastern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake , Hanoi, next to Ngoc Son Temple . The temple worships three goddesses : Princess Lieu Hanh , Quynh Hoa and Que Nuong .
    According to Thang Long Ancient History , the temple was built during the Le dynasty under Vinh To dynasty (1619-28), and was expanded during the Canh Hung dynasty. During the Tay Son dynasty under Canh Thinh dynasty, a large bell was cast in the temple . During the reign of King Tu Duc, the temple was renovated again.

    Ba Kieu Temple
    When the French occupied Hanoi and expanded the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake, the location of Ba Kieu Temple was requisitioned. In 1891, during the second year of Thanh Thai's reign , a part of the temple's land had to be handed over to the government to build "Boulevard Francis Garnier" (after 1954, Dinh Tien Hoang Street). The road cuts the temple area in two: the western gate is located on the lakeside, while the main worshiping house, the courtyard and the rear palace are located on the east side of the road.    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen
    OongonChicken

    Fruit/Vegetables/Markets

    September 2 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F

    "Ongon" fruit is a common transliteration for Longan (or Nhãn in Vietnamese), a sweet, tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, known for its translucent white flesh, dark seed, and resemblance to a "dragon's eye" when the outer shell is removed. It is often compared to lychee but has a milder, sweeter flavor.Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen

    Burning Joss Paper

    September 3 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 90 °F

    The Vietnamese tradition of burning paper, known as burning joss paper or votive paper, involves offering symbolic items like money, goods, and personal belongings to the deceased ancestors and gods. The practice stems from the belief that the afterlife resembles the world of the living, allowing descendants to send essential items and show gratitude to their departed relatives. Burning occurs during important festivals like Lunar New Year (Tết), death anniversaries, and Ghost Month, with the goal of ensuring ancestors' well-being and bringing good fortune and blessings to the living family.
    Origins and Beliefs
    Afterlife as a Parallel World:
    A core belief is that ancestors and deities exist in an afterlife similar to the living world, requiring material possessions.
    Gratitude and Blessing:
    The ritual serves as an act of deep gratitude and a way to please the ancestors and gods, hoping they will offer blessings and protection.
    Connection Between Worlds:
    Burning paper acts as a conduit, allowing the living to transfer symbolic wealth and goods to the deceased, thereby maintaining a connection between the two realms.
    Occasions for Burning Paper
    Lunar New Year (Tết):
    A significant period where families invite ancestors to celebrate the holiday and then bid them farewell, burning paper offerings as they depart.
    Death Anniversaries:
    Special rituals are performed on specific anniversaries to provide for the deceased.
    Ghost Month:
    On the full moon of the seventh lunar month, people burn paper to appease hungry spirits and wandering souls.
    Monthly Rituals:
    On the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, "spirit money" or "hell money" is burned as a regular "top-up" for the deceased.
    The Nature of the Offerings
    Symbolic Wealth:
    Jots paper money, often called "hell money," is burned to provide wealth for the dead.
    Personal Items:
    Other offerings include paper replicas of houses, cars, clothes, shoes, and even modern gadgets like iPhones, which are burned to represent gifts for the ancestors.
    Modern Context and Environmental Concerns
    Environmental Impact:
    The large-scale burning of paper offerings has raised significant environmental concerns due to the release of toxic fumes and heavy metals.    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen

    Hanoi • Water Puppet Demonstration

    September 3 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F

    Water puppet demonstration
    We set off to a local home where we will meet a water puppet master. After watching traditional water puppets in action during a private show, we’ll enjoy a hands-on demonstration on how to manipulate the puppets to make them move—an
    O.A.T.-exclusive experience. Then, our small
    group size gives us the unique opportunity to
    learn how these intricate puppets are made.
    In Vietnam, the art form of water puppetry
    continues to thrive at least 1,000 years after
    it originated with peasants in the Red River
    Delta of the north. Puppets are suspended over
    water and directed by puppet masters who
    must sit, semi-submerged, for hours at a time.
    The French used to call these puppets “the
    souls of the Vietnamese rice fields”—made
    of lacquered, water-resistant fig wood, they
    depict villagers, farm animals, dragons,
    and more.

    Mrs Loan    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen

    Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

    September 3 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 91 °F

    Ho Chi Minh‘s Mausoleum has long been considered as the first place to come for the first time travelers to Hanoi thanks to its tremendous historical value. Everyone wants to make a pilgrimage there to show their respect for Ho Chi Minh (Uncle Ho – President Ho), the Greatest President, who led Vietnam to Independence. Being there, visitors can not only discover more about Ho Chi Minh’s life and role in Vietnamese history but also enlarge the knowledge about Vietnam’s history reflected in the complex’s components.

    Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
    Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex is one of the most historic tourist attractions in Vietnam. Being there, travelers can learn numerous things about Uncle Ho’s life, together with the Vietnamese liberation process under his lead. For the first time traveling to this complex, people are suggested to visit:

    Ba Dinh Square (where Vietnamese First Independence Day was celebrated)
    Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum ( where still holds the embalmed remains of Uncle Ho),
    Ho Chi Minh Museum
    Ho Chi Minh’s House on stilts
    The Presidential Palace (White House of Vietnam)
    One Pillar Pagoda
    The House No.54 (a special historical place).    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen

    Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

    September 3 in Vietnam ⋅ 🌙 82 °F

    6. Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House
    Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House in Hanoi
    After living in House No.54 for four years, President Ho moved to this stilt house. This house was designed similar to the stilt houses often seen in Northern mountainous areas, which was to remind him of the arduous days preparing for the Revolution. The house has two floors, the lower one is meeting area while the upper one has a bedroom, a study room and a bookshelf.

    Walking around, visitors can feel Uncle Ho’s simple and pure lifestyle as there are a lot of trees from various places of Vietnam. There are also fish ponds which raise anabas and golden carps. As rumours go, whenever feeding the fishes (always at the same time), Uncle Ho clapped his hands and therefore the fish quickly learned the habit of hearing the sound and coming up on the surface, even long after his death.

    One Pillar Pagoda

    The pagoda was built in 1049, under the reign of King Ly Thai Tong. It was a harmonious combination of a pagoda (used to be called Dien Huu – long lasting happiness) and a tower (Lien Hoa – lotus flower) built in the middle of a square lotus lake.

    This pagoda resembles a lotus blossoming from the pond. One Pillar Pagoda had its special appearance thanks to a dream of King Ly Thanh Tong, as rumours go. Legend said that: “In the 11th century, King Ly Thai To was very old but still had no son. Thus, he went to pagodas and pagodas to pray for Buddha’s blessing so that he may get one. Until one day, he had a strange dream, in which he met Goddess of Mercy, who was sitting on a lotus flower and gave him an intelligent son. Short time later, the queen gave birth to a nice prince. To repay to Goddess of Mercy, the King decided to construct a pagoda in the shape of a lotus flower, which was supported by merely one pillar.

    However, regrettably, the Pagoda being in Hanoi now is not the original one. On September 11th, 1954, the Original One Pillar Pagoda was destroyed and mined by French soldiers. After the Independence Day, Uncle Ho required to rebuild it based on its original structure and completed in 1955. The nowadays One Pillar Pagoda is considered to be much smaller than the original one.    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen
    Gift given to Obama when he visited VietnamGift given to Obama when he visited VietnamWelcomes VisitorsFamily PictureBricks Mr. Hey's family makes.

    Visit Bat Trang Ceramic Village

    September 4 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 88 °F

    Day 4 Hanoi • Visit Bat Trang
    ceramic village
    • Destination: Hanoi
    • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    • Accommodations: Babylon Grand Hotel &
    Spa or similar
    Breakfast: At the hotel.
    Morning: Today we’ll travel to Bat Trang, a
    small village on the southeastern outskirts
    of Hanoi. Since the 14th century, Bat Trang
    has been known and celebrated for its
    signature ceramic pottery, crafted from rich
    white clay with precision and skill. Our small
    group size grants us access to a workshop,
    where generations of craftspeople have been
    perfecting their art for centuries. There, we will
    meet with an artist and their family. We’ll learn
    about the artist’s daily routine and the ceramics
    process, from forming the clay to painting the
    distinctive, intricate designs that have been
    coveted by customers for centuries. Then, we’ll
    have the chance to practice making ceramic
    pieces. Afterwards, we’ll walk among the locals
    and wander about town, making time to explore
    the colorful vases, bowls, flowerpots, and more
    within the village market.
    During our time in the village, we’ll
    also learn about Vietnam’s land reform,
    a mid-20th-century movement that
    redistributed ownership of land from landlords
    to a state-run series of collective farms. As
    part of the movement, thousands of landlords
    (or those purported to be landlords) were
    killed—for those who survived, their places
    and roles within villages were forever altered.
    We’ll learn about this controversial period of
    Vietnamese history through the eyes of two former landlords.
    Then, we’ll drive to Hanoi for lunch.
    Lunch: At a local restaurant.

    Afternoon: We’ll return to the hotel after
    lunch. The rest of the day is free for you
    to spend as you please. You may choose to
    relax at the hotel, or perhaps you’ll join your
    Trip Experience Leader on a journey to Ba
    Dinh Square, a pivotal site in 20th-century
    Vietnamese history. It was here in September
    1945 that Ho Chi Minh read Vietnam’s
    Declaration of Independence, and it’s here
    today that the national leader’s body rests
    within a massive granite mausoleum to
    the complex where we’ll view it from its
    exterior—taking in the sight of guards, flowers,
    and more. We’ll also behold the One Pillar
    Pagoda, widely considered one of Vietnam’s
    most iconic Buddhist temples. Built of wood
    atop a single, four-foot-wide stone pillar
    and designed to resemble a lotus flower, the
    temple’s origins date back to the year 1049.
    Dinner: On your own, with the freedom to
    seek out local cuisine or familiar American
    standards. In either case, your Trip Experience
    Leader will be ready with recommendations.
    Evening: You’re free to turn in early for the
    night, or make the most of your time in Hanoi
    with extra exploration. You may ask your Trip
    Experience Leader for their tips.

    Mr. Hey    Read more

  • Linda FrandsenVietnam 2025Linda Frandsen
    PeacockMemorial to Jon McCainPrivate Residence

    Vietnamese Miscellaneous

    September 4 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

    Speakers were installed and revived in Hanoi as part of a 2022-25 strategy to build a modern information network for disseminating important political, economic, and social information to the public.

    This memorial to Jon McCain was erected because he was shot down near here. He parachuted into Truc Bach lake where the memorial is located.    Read more

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