Local Insider

Page 17 of Travel advices from the real locals.

13 shopping malls in Hanoi giving best value for your money13 shopping malls in Hanoi giving best value for your money

13 shopping malls in Hanoi giving best value for your money

When it comes to shopping in Hanoi, visitors generally imagine the traditional shops of the old town. But the capital has so many other attractive aspects, one of which is the emerging modernism of a quickly developing city. Experiencing this city, definitely, should include a visit to the lively shopping malls. Aeon Mall Long Bien - Co Linh Aeon Mall Long Bien is one of the first and largest Japanese shopping centers in the capital, located at 27 Co Linh, in the Long Bien District. Not caterin
Exciting activities you should not miss to add in your Hanoi city tourExciting activities you should not miss to add in your Hanoi city tour

Exciting activities you should not miss to add in your Hanoi city tour

At over 1,000 years old, Hanoi is not only home to precious historical and spiritual relics, but also remained deeply connected to its culture and unique characteristics. The old quarters feature ancient architecture across dozens of city streets, historic monuments throughout the city will help paint the picture of Vietnam’s history, and sprinkled throughout the city are culinary wonders that would melt a foodie’s heart.Relax, and don’t let yourself get lost in the capital! Let’s start a list o
Tran Quoc Pagoda: How to explore the cultural symbol of Vietnamese BuddhismTran Quoc Pagoda: How to explore the cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism

Tran Quoc Pagoda: How to explore the cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism

Known as the Buddhist center of Thang Long citadel during the Ly and Tran dynasties with historical and architectural values, Tran Quoc Pagoda attracts many Buddhists, visitors, and both domestic and international tourists. In 2016, the Daily Mail (UK) listed Tran Quoc, the oldest temple in Hanoi at over 1,500 years old, in Top 16 most beautiful temples in the world. Tran Quoc pagoda is a must-see destination when visiting Hanoi. History of Tran Quoc Pagoda Tran Quoc pagoda has been the symbol
Hanoi Street Food: Into Capital's Cuisine with a food connoisseurHanoi Street Food: Into Capital's Cuisine with a food connoisseur

Hanoi Street Food: Into Capital's Cuisine with a food connoisseur

Google Maps can easily show you top tier restaurants with a few strokes on a smartphone, but it still struggles to pinpoint the location of Hanoi street food vendors. Hanoi’s small stands rarely have a specific address or really, any desgination at all. They are located in unsuspecting alleys, hidden within unpopular parks, or spotted somewhere between modern stores and busy streets. Often times, the stall is only called by the name of the owner or by the name of the road it’s on. There is only
Weather and how to explore Hanoi in JanuaryWeather and how to explore Hanoi in January

Weather and how to explore Hanoi in January

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and is home to around eight million people, which is over 8 percent of Vietnam's overall population. This area of Asia has a tropical climate with hot, humid weather in Summer but it is completely different in Winter, the temperature sometimes goes down to 8°C. The best weather is in Spring which is from January to March, there is sunshine and warm temperatures. In January, the sun shines for at least 9 hours per day with temperatures generally settling betwe
Best restaurants in Hanoi: Wander in the map of tastesBest restaurants in Hanoi: Wander in the map of tastes

Best restaurants in Hanoi: Wander in the map of tastes

Hanoi has complex layers of culture to distinguish itself from others big cities in Vietnam. The border between the ancient Hanoi and the Hanoi of modernity and luxury one is not chaotic but unusually remarkable: With a walk down the same street, one can admire an antique Buddhist temple and soon after, the French architecture of a Catholic church. The capital’s unique blend is also reflected in its rich culinary culture: Some traditional dishes offer visitors the classic Asian-style taste, whil
Top 5 hostels for backpackers in SaigonTop 5 hostels for backpackers in Saigon

Top 5 hostels for backpackers in Saigon

Hostels are the way to go for budget-oriented travelers. Visitors can enjoy full of services with small angles, affordable rates. the suggestions below will give you the perfect choice for Saigon backpackers hostel. The Common Room Project Bizarre in concept yet strangely nice in the way it brings it all together, The Common Room Project is where hotel meets hostel, where the comfort blends well with young vibes and social interaction. There’s a community feel here (this is a hostel, after all)
A guide on choosing a hotel around Hanoi Old QuarterA guide on choosing a hotel around Hanoi Old Quarter

A guide on choosing a hotel around Hanoi Old Quarter

Choosing a hotel for your holidays always takes time. Especially when you have a long list of places to visit, you have to book a hotel that is easy for you to commute. When in Hanoi, due to its complicated traffic system and the position of famous tourist attractions, you should book a hotel around Hanoi Old Quarter for your stay. Scroll down for more tips and suggestions: Overcrowded streets in Hanoi Old Quarter Many travellers book hotels in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter because they thin
Top 5 exciting shopping experiences in HanoiTop 5 exciting shopping experiences in Hanoi

Top 5 exciting shopping experiences in Hanoi

Besides visiting famous places or trying authentic cuisine, shopping in Hanoi is one of the activities everyone should have on their list while traveling. Hanoi offers so many shopping options for any kind of interests. Find out more what you buy and where to shop in Hanoi. Immerse yourself in the best shopping experience and things to do in Hanoi [https://inspitrip.com/hanoi?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=city_page&utm_term=product_box&utm_content=5832] with Inspitrip now! 1. Ha
Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour - You'll find it's more than a modern cityHo Chi Minh City Walking Tour - You'll find it's more than a modern city
Outdoor

Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour - You'll find it's more than a modern city

Ho Chi Minh City - also known as Saigon - is no longer a strange destination for travellers visiting Vietnam. Arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you are free to venture and explore a number of destinations in Vietnam, but believe me, don’t mistake Ho Chi Minh as another sprawling modern city without personality. With just a stroll, you can enjoy all the beauty of Ho Chi Minh - where both modern and immemorial vibes exist in the same city. Now, let's explore what a Ho Chi Minh City walking tour ca
Ho Chi Minh City vs Hanoi: 6 highlights and you'll get your perfect choiceHo Chi Minh City vs Hanoi: 6 highlights and you'll get your perfect choice

Ho Chi Minh City vs Hanoi: 6 highlights and you'll get your perfect choice

Finding reasons to love Vietnam is not a difficult task, especially when you look at the charming landscapes, sprawling beaches, mesmerizing mountains and unique scenery only found in Vietnam. With all this, it is easy to forget the big cities of Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. We are going to compare and contrast the two cities to help you make an informed decision if Vietnam is next on your bucket list. Culture Regarding the culture of each city, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh have some very s
5 best rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City for a glamorous night with a view5 best rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City for a glamorous night with a view

5 best rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City for a glamorous night with a view

If you want to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City night life [https://local-insider.com/top-5-nightlife-experiences-in-ho-chi-minh-city/] at its best, don’t forget to visit a rooftop bar, overlooking the vibrant city. These are great places to meet friends to share the views with. Here are our 5 go to rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City. The Social Club & Pool Rooftop Bar Located on level 24 of building 76 on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, this bar is a popular place for those who want to truly enjoy the view o
A perfect itinerary for your two-day Mekong Delta tour suggested by a localA perfect itinerary for your two-day Mekong Delta tour suggested by a local

A perfect itinerary for your two-day Mekong Delta tour suggested by a local

The Mekong Delta, otherwise known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, is a colourful display of various shades of green. Here in this water world, boats float in the lazy rivers, buffalos wander in the rice fields and ripe fruits adorn the trees. It is also here that visitors will get a true taste of the tranquil Vietnamese countryside. For those of you planning your dream trip to the Mekong Delta [https://local-insider.com/wonder-if-a-mekong-delta-day-tour-is-worth-it-read-this/], be sure to read o
A useful 2 day itinerary for your trip to Ho Chi Minh CityA useful 2 day itinerary for your trip to Ho Chi Minh City

A useful 2 day itinerary for your trip to Ho Chi Minh City

Most visitors spend around 2 days in Ho Chi Minh city, and although the city has a lot to offer, with a well designed itinerary you can certainly get a good taste of the city lifestyle and make the most of your time here. Here’s a list of things to do for your 2 day stay in the most vibrant, dynamic city of Vietnam. Day 1 Morning Spend your first morning exploring some of Saigon's landmarks such as the Opera House, which was once was the headquarter of the Vietnam Cong Hoa congress with stunnin
The best shopping experiences in Ho Chi Minh CityThe best shopping experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

The best shopping experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

99 percent of first-time travellers to Ho Chi Minh City will beeline for Ben Thanh Market in hopes of fulfilling all of their shopping needs. Locals, however, hardly frequent or recommend this market. Though it remains a must-see attraction, there are plenty of other shopping arenas that will delight all shopaholics visiting the city. Here, a list of the best shopping experiences in Ho Chi Minh City. Sai Gon Square Equipped with plenty of clothing, footwear, fashion accessories, tech gadgets an
Top 5 Nightlife Experiences in Ho Chi Minh CityTop 5 Nightlife Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

Top 5 Nightlife Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

The later the night, the more dynamic the life in Ho Chi Minh City!. You don’t want miss out on all the fun that this city has to offer. People say “Sai Gon never sleeps”, you don’t have to worry about searching for things to do here at night. Let’s explore our top experiences of Ho Chi Minh City nightlife! Saigon Opera House The Opera House is used to organize large scale performances. Professional art performances such as theater plays, traditional opera shows, ballets or fashion shows freque
Our tasty Saigon food tour: Too full to move!Our tasty Saigon food tour: Too full to move!

Our tasty Saigon food tour: Too full to move!

After seven years, I came back to Ho Chi Minh City with my wife. Previously we have travelled to other parts of Vietnam and enjoyed the cuisines of Nha Trang and Hanoi as well. Though some things have changed in the period between our visits, Ho Chi Minh City remains as charming as ever. For me Vietnamese cuisine is one of the best cuisines in the world. My wife and I have certainly eaten our way through the country, trying the most famous Vietnamese dishes and local favourites along the way. I
Why is Nguyen Such a Popular Name in Vietnam?Why is Nguyen Such a Popular Name in Vietnam?

Why is Nguyen Such a Popular Name in Vietnam?

You may encounter many Vietnamese people with Nguyen as their last name, but they actually share no relations. When hearing of someone with the last name Nguyen, you may think that he or she is Vietnamese, but have you ever wondered why so many Vietnamese people have the same last name? Introduction More than 40% of the Vietnamese population has Nguyen as their family name, meaning one in every three people in Vietnam has this as their last name. According to International Business Times, [http
Visiting Ho Chi Minh City in DecemberVisiting Ho Chi Minh City in December

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City in December

If you are planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City or Vietnam in December, you are making the right decision. We are here to tell you why December is the most ideal time of the year to travel in Vietnam and where you should visit during this time that perfectly suit the weather. HOW IS THE WEATHER? Ho Chi Minh City’s weather is similar to Bangkok’s and has two main seasons: a rainy and dry season. The dry season lasts from December to the end of April, and the wet season lasts from May to November.
Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour: Explore The Underground Minisize of VietnamCu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour: Explore The Underground Minisize of Vietnam

Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour: Explore The Underground Minisize of Vietnam

Cu Chi Tunnels is famously known as an underground network built by Viet Cong soldier to serve secret operations against American army. It’s even recognized as one of 12 most admirable underground constructions in the world by CNN and becomes a must see attractions towards both local and foreign visitors. Through a Cu Chi Tunnels half day tour, let take a closer look inside what’s it like to live in such a complicated yet comprehensive network during the war time. A must see historical attracti
4 best types of Vietnam local markets you should visit4 best types of Vietnam local markets you should visit

4 best types of Vietnam local markets you should visit

No one knows precisely how long ago local markets first came to be in Vietnam. Like many provinces around the country, there are countless ones found in Ho Chi Minh City. Beyond their economic aspects, local markets are also rooted into the locals’ lives and represent the lifestyle of the Vietnamese. Here, everything you need to know about Vietnam local markets. The local markets of Vietnam Because of the diverse history and distinct culture found in each region, local markets across the countr
Where you should travel in Vietnam based on your zodiac sign?Where you should travel in Vietnam based on your zodiac sign?

Where you should travel in Vietnam based on your zodiac sign?

Have you ever felt so connected to a city that you have never been to or just visited once? Blame it on your zodiac sign. But it’s beyond amazing to travel to a place where your soul belongs to. So let decide where you should travel based on zodiac sign, at least once. Aries -Born between: Mar 21st to April 20th While most of zodiac signs intensively research and prepare for a perfect trip before they go, it's not a big deal to Aries at all. With a spontaneous nature, Aries can unexpectedly jum
6 must-visit local markets in Saigon6 must-visit local markets in Saigon

6 must-visit local markets in Saigon

For first time visitors, the Ben Thanh market is one of the most iconic bazaars in all of Vietnam. There are plenty of other impressive Saigon markets that are just as noteworthy, however, and they are filled with unique finds, exciting history and fascinating local people manning their shops. Here, the six most noteworthy markets to visit when travelling to Ho Chi Minh City. Ben Thanh market The Ben Thanh market was built by Brossard et Maupin. The Construction began in 1912 and finished in Ma
Nguyen Van Chiem: The first official street food area in Ho Chi Minh cityNguyen Van Chiem: The first official street food area in Ho Chi Minh city
Where to eat

Nguyen Van Chiem: The first official street food area in Ho Chi Minh city

Vietnam is famously known for its rich and fascinating cuisine, and it has become an endless exploration for many travelers. With over 3000 km of coastline, the food changes from North to South and there are plenty of dishes that represent each region. If your time in Vietnam is not a lot, yet you still desire to travel deep into the foodie culture, then Ho Chi Minh City should be your top destination! With most authentic Vietnamese foods easily found, along with countless local markets, food st
My perfect getaway weekend in Saigon with a localMy perfect getaway weekend in Saigon with a local

My perfect getaway weekend in Saigon with a local

I am a French intern in Singapore, and I try to seize all the opportunities I can in order to travel around on the weekends. So when I was searching Skyscanner and saw cheap flight tickets to Ho Chi Minh City, I knew I had to take my chance to travel there. A two-day trip to Vietnam? Yes, it would be a challenge, but I felt I had to make the most of my weekend in Ho Chi Minh City and I was able to do so thanks to Inspitrip and my lovely local guide, Bella. How did I find my local guide to avoid
Best traditional Vietnamese restaurants in Ho Chi Minh CityBest traditional Vietnamese restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

Best traditional Vietnamese restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

Philip Kotler, a famous U.S marketer, once said “kitchen of the world” could be suitable title of Vietnam, due to its bounty of good dishes. Vietnamese traditional foods differ from place to place, each region having its own flavourful traditional dishes. Ho Chi Minh City is the land of immigrants; therefore, its cuisines are diverse as its culture. One of the best ways to get a real taste of Vietnam is going to some authentic restaurants in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Here are top Vietnamese
Comprehensive guide to visiting Vietnam with kidsComprehensive guide to visiting Vietnam with kids

Comprehensive guide to visiting Vietnam with kids

Vietnam has been staying on the bucket list of many travellers. With rich culture, authentic cuisine and stunning nature, there'd never “enough time” to explore all the amazing things that the country has to offer. To those who travel with kids (especially with small ones), travelling is a great family bonding time yet it'd be a total disaster if you don't plan your trip carefully beforehand. How to reduce the stress when travelling in Vietnam with kids? How to keep your family safe, healthy and