xpath.co is an online platform that connects locals who have something valuable to offer with travellers from every corner of the world. Our ultimate goals is to create remarkable travel experiences. It all comes from the nights wandering around a new city with local friends you just made, stories shared, home cooked meals, and the amazing insights into the culture and history that no books or travel sites ever mentioned about.
Typically will be good for those anti-social because you can meet a lot of people. be it the locals or other travelers and backpackers just like you.
2. It helps you experience the places you visit
Not like going on a usual Ho Chi Minh city tour or Hanoi one-day trip where you usually just go to famous tourist spots, eat some local food and then go back to your room in the hotel after a long day of walking and sightseeing, backpacking makes you experience the place more. You can take the time to take in everything beautiful about a country. You don’t fit into 2-3 days the things you want to see and experience in a particular place since you have enough time to explore it.
There are still many dishes that you've not tried in Saigon. It would be a pity to miss any of them .
1. Bun bo Hue : Served with chili and lemongrass to bring up the signature spicy flavours of the central regions, the broth is cooked with thick cuts of meat, with paprika and fermented shrimp paste to add flavor and color. It has origin from Hue – ancient capital of Vietnam.
2. Bun cha Hanoi : Grilled pork patties and pork belly are served with a bowl of flavorful sauce with slices of carrots and papaya. A platter full of herbs and a plate of rice noodles accompany this local and visitor favorite.
3. Bun Rieu Cua : This incredible rich crab and tomato soup has a lot of ingredients served in a bowl including tofu, blood cake, Vietnamese sausage, a garden of fresh herbs & vegetables. Back in the old days, you’ll find locals carrying baskets on their shoulders with a steaming hot pot on one side and the other filled with tasty side dishes.
4. Bun Thit Nuong : A common favorite both for locals and visitors, this dish is made of cold noodles with grilled marinated pork, a bunch of fresh herbs, peanuts, bean sprouts, pickled cucumber and carrots, chili sauced with a special nước chấm.
5. Hu tieu : Also served with a platter of raw vegetables, hu tieu is a Chinese-style flat noodle soup served with pork, sometimes prawns, quail eggs, or squid depending on the seller. There are many types of hu tieu. You can try dried hu tiu, which the bowl of noodles and other accessory elements are served in one bowl while the broth is poured into a separate one.
Vietnam is stunning in various perspective. The lifestyle, the wide party, the nature. All that you could ask. In any case, voyaging is best when you have an accomplice to share those shocking experiences and minutes.
Thusly, xpath.co was made with the mission to spread the shine for travel. xpath is an online stage that interfaces pioneers from each side of the world with neighborhood individuals to share key culture encounters that have never been said in any manuals or travel targets. They could be things as clear as the nighttimes turning, investigating the city with your related sidekicks or influencing the chance to be clearly alright with new accessories while getting a charge out of a home-cooked supper. Our whole target is to make extraordinary voyaging experiences by pulling in our customers to manage unmistakably with each other to change their treks.
Moreover, we have confidence in the probability of the Sharing Economy and plan to affect an impact, to oversee, and reinforce course for flight mates to build up extra pay or even bear the cost of a living by doing what they are vivacious about (if all else fails remarkable conditions are surged toward travel experts). Additionally, we interface with close individuals to pass on sublime impression of their seeing to home to general sidekicks and keep voyagers a long way from traps, which add to the tourism business and the general people.
Imagine coming to Vietnam and having a Travel Buddy to exhibit you around. Join here.
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A complete guide to mouth-watering dishes, right on the streets!
Where to find the best of Ho Chi Minh City Street Food?
Although you can find food stalls in almost every street, there are some hot spots that you can visit:
The tourist hub of District 1: Ben Thanh Market (although this mainly serves tourists, so the price is higher), Co Giang Street and Tran Khac Chan Street
District 2: Thanh Da Street
District 3: Nguyen Thuong Hien St and between Ly Thai To & Nguyen Thien Thuat streets
Binh Thanh district: Van Kiep Street
District 4: Vinh Khanh Street
District 10: Su Van Hanh Street
Part 1 of Ho Chi Minh City Street Food: “Bánh”
1. “Bánh cuốn”
2. “Bánh xèo”
3. “Bánh mì”
4. “Bánh bèo”
5. “Banh da xuc hen” (Crispy rice papers served with clams)
Somwhwere, nested in the fancy high rise of#saigon, exists still the remains of what-has-been. This is the oldest apartment complex in Ho Chi Minh city, situated in District 3. From the balcony, you can see the #locals hanging their clothes to dry since owning a frying machine is still something of a #luxury to most #Vietnamese. The scene sort of has a sadness to it, but also a sense of serenity.
Check with your immigration or consulate if you need a visa going to Vietnam. There are countries who can enter the country and stay here for up to 15-30 days without visa, while some would be required a visa-on-arrival or even invitation from someone already living in Vietnam.
2. Book your hotel from a reputable booking site or agency:
There are a lot of hotels, hostels, dormtels, and even serviced apartments available for you to choose. Just make sure that you do enough research about the accommodation you are considering to book before you click ok. Check the location also if it is near or far from the city center or the tourists spots.
3. Know the basic rules and regulations of the country:
Research about the do’s and don’ts of Vietnam to avoid troubles. Things like taking photos in places where there is a police or military present is prohibited.
4. Exchange your money in banks and other well-known and trusted money changers:
Usually, tourists exchange their money in the jewelry shops. Some locals will also suggest you to do that. There is no problem in doing so, but you just need to be wary and be vigilant. Make sure you know the latest conversion rate and count your money before leaving the counter.
5. Wear appropriate clothing:
This goes especially for women. Vietnam is a tropical country so expect a warm or an even hotter weather. Given that, don’t make weather a reason so you can wear super skimpy clothing. Wear proper clothes at all times.
6. Keep an eye on your valuables:
If possible, wear lightweight backpacks when going around the city and don’t keep using your mobile phones while on the street.
7. Be alert and focused when crossing the street:
There are a lot of motorbikes on the street which makes it harder to cross the street. But don’t worry. You won’t be stuck on the other end of the street if you follow the traffic rules and you cross on pedestrian lanes. Make sure to look to left and to the right before crossing and always be prepared for motorbikes that will pop up on your side suddenly even when you are walking on the pavement.
8. Learn to say no:
There are also vendors coming to you while you are eating in a restaurant to sell to you various stuff. Don’t fret. You just need to say no if you don’t want to buy from them.
9. Do a lot of researches on Vietnam safety tips
This will make your life easier and your trip hassle and trouble-free.
We went on a one-day adventure in the outer brim of #saigon with our guest, Japanese vlogger Akaki from aNcari room, to Mekong delta,
Did you know?
The Mekong Delta in Vietnamese is called “Đồng bằng Sông Cửu Long”, or the “Nine Dragons river delta”.
This is the home of delicious tropical fruits, one of which is the famous “dừa nước” (see thumbnail) natural sceneries, (some people even call this region the Amazon of Vietnam) and wonderful locals. This is absolute truth! You won’t find any friendlier people than here, in the Western area of Vietnam. If you’re lucky enough, they would most likely treat you to a serious feast with delicious Southern cuisine made right from the home kitchen. The dishes will taste authentic and heart-warming, something you can never find in a touristy restaurant.
Mekong Delta is a famous tourist attraction, with various activities for you to try out. One of the popular one is the floating market, where people perform trading activities on the boats! An experience that you should not miss when visiting Vietnam.
Traveling on a special diet may be challenging in some countries, but not in Vietnam as food here are generally lavished with leafy plants you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you are on a strict vegetarian diet or maybe a meat-avoidance friend is coming over to visit you here, this list is for you.
We have compiled the following list of favorite Saigon Vegetarian Restaurants.
5 gestures that have different interpretations in Vietnam.
Did you notice any of them?
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1. Crossed Fingers: This simple gesture can easily be seen as inappropriate in Vietnam if done without care.
The crossed fingers are similar to raising the middle finger in Western countries and the F word. If you do, just apologize and explain that all you want to say is "Good luck!"
2. Peace sign: The finger “V” peace sign was used by the hippie subculture during the late 60s to demonstrate their opposition to the Vietnam War. Some say it acts as a visual cue to make people smile for photographs, like the word “cheese”. So, don't be surprised when you see the same pose in every pictures ever taken of Vietnamese.
3. Waving hands: In Vietnam, this is an easy way to say “ Hello” and “Goodbye”.
When friends meet, they often rapidly wave, even when standing at arm’s length from each other. Some might be overwhelmed by how passionately some Vietnamese wave their hands. The secret is that the faster one waves, the more likely that he or she is more intimate towards the one being waved at. So next time you see a Viet friend, wave like you've never waved before!
4. The smile: In many Western countries, a smile can means a million things. Smirk, teasing, anything can be interpreted from a simple smile .
However, in Vietnam, most of the time it is used when you made small mistakes such as coming late; crashing into people on the street or just forgetting to do housework for your mom! If your partners smile back at you, it means you don’t have to worry about your mistakes, they've all forgiven you! And don't be offended by their smile when they try to apologize to you, they are probably just ashamed and trying to hide it with a smile.
5. Nodding: When you agree with someone in Vietnam, nod! And as for winning one's respect, also nod! But this works for kids, mostly. They would cross their arms an bow before they leave for school and when they come home. Adults rarely nod in this manner; but they would nod quite a lot during conversation, to show that they are listening tentatively to your story without interrupting you.
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Today is the second time Vietnamese celebrate and appreciate the lovely ladies, apart from the International Women’s day on Mach 8th.
Vietnamese women are kind, and gentle; but strong and fierce at the same time. When the going gets tough, they are the one you can count on to remain calm and be a trusting source of reliance.
Get some flowers for the wonderful women in your life today. Treasure them like the special gem that they are.
On this day, xpath would like to say thank you for lighting up the wold!
1. Hotels: a more relaxing and lavish holiday in Vietnam.
2. Home-stays: a more real or raw view of Vietnam and what it is like to be living the lives of the local families, a good choice if you intend to visit some of the more rural parts
3. Hostels: the most popular Vietnam accommodation option for tourists, fairly priced, with the streets outside noisy because people will be karaoke and hang out until late and get up to start work early
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More travel tips | Connect with locals in Vietnam | Download xpath.co iOS app
Vietnam food is irresistible! The aromas and flavors of Vietnam are rich and unique, all served on a plastic chair and table on the side of the bustling streets.
1. Bun Thit Nuong: A sensational taste of saltiness, sweetness, and sour
2. Banh Mi: One of the most beloved food by both locals and foreigners
3. Bun Cha: Even #obama liked it!
4. Banh Xeo: It’s crepes, but very crispy and would be great as lunch or even dinner.
5. Goi Cuon: Super fresh, super healthy, and dupe delicious.
6. Com Tam: This dish will literally “break” you in half with its tastiness; also, a good dish to start your day.
Did you know?
Vietnamese women are serial killers on the run. That’s why they cover themselves up while riding their motorbikes!
You are probably confused with this unique “street style”. Let us break it down to you.
Since fair skin is considered a beauty trait here, Vietnamese women fear the sunlight more than clown from the IT movie. They would literally do anything to keep themselves from the heated sun! That’s the origin of this special “sun-proof dress”, which is a combination of a “more-than-needed” long-sleeved jacket and a small blanket for your legs. The trick is to wrap the blanket around your waist then tie it up nicely at your back.
With the addition of flip flops and socks, you can now become a professional “ninja” in Vietnam!
Try this trend out sometimes, especially during the hot season ;)
