Last update: March 12, 2024

Welcome to my Vinh Guide. I have lived here since 2013. This guide is my collection of hidden gems, delicious treats and interesting places. You can learn not only about Vinh but also about Nghe An and Central Vietnam. Contact me if you have any questions.

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

What is Vinh? – Vinh is the capital city of the Nghe An Province. It’s in North Central Vietnam. Vinh offers an authentic look at the Vietnamese way of life. Compared to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, it has a lower cost of living and a lot less traffic. You can make some great memories here by meeting locals, trying exotic food and experiencing Vietnamese culture.

**TOP 11 THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL VIETNAM**

  1. Bot Coffee
  2. Quyet Mountain
  3. Ho Chi Minh Square
  4. No Escape Chicken
  5. Coconut Jelly
  6. Nocenco Coffee
  7. Cua Lo Beach
  8. Nam Dan Eco Zoo (Nghe An)
  9. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park & Cave (Quang Binh)
  10. Van Long Nature Reserve (Ninh Binh)
  11. Trang An Grottoes (Ninh Binh)

**VINH STUFF**

English Clubs – Here’s a list of English clubs in Vinh. My English club is Hello! English Club. There are meetings every Thursday night at 8 at LAK Coffee.

Accommodation – If you’re visiting, I recommend the Tecco Sky Hotel or the Lam Giang Hotel. If you need a place to stay, contact me. I can help you find a place to live. You can also check out Amai Vinh (Google Map). They have apartments which are fully serviced and furnished.

Vinh Guru Tours – They offer tours of Vinh and Central Vietnam. They can answer your questions about Vinh, Nghe An or Vietnam. Contact them through their Facebook page. A friendly tour guide (who can speak English) will help you.

Vinh Videos – Recreation & Nature and Restaurants + Swimming Spots + Night Life

Facebook Groups

Massage

**VINH EXPERIENCES**

Ho Tung Mau Walking Street - A street in Vinh is closed to traffic. There are food vendors, a stage for singers and sometimes breakdancers. It’s every Friday and Saturday night (7 PM - 12 AM). Go to Ho Tung Mau Street.

Cua Lo Beach - It’s not in Vinh but it’s about 20 minutes away by car. Some things you can do there are listed below. Check out Kent Wallace’s Cua Lo Beach website for more.

A. Eat Fresh Seafood - Go there in the late afternoon / early evening to swim and eat fresh seafood on the beach.

B. Sunrise Fish Market - If you get there early enough you can buy fresh seafood right off the boat.

C. Glamping at Tia To - This is a beautiful place to hang out, enjoy some good food or even stay over night in a big tent.

D. Squid Fishing – Go squid fishing at night with a local. Ask a restaurant owner on the beach about it.

Vinh Market (Vietnamese: Cho Vinh) – A gigantic indoor/outdoor market.

Bot Coffee – It’s inside Vinh Market. It’s hard to find but worth it because of the unique coffee and experience. If you go to the market and show someone a picture of the coffee, they will point you in the right direction. Find the picture on the Google maps link.

Quyet Mountain – A short, easy hike to the top on a paved path rewards you with beautiful views of Vinh.

Ho Chi Minh Square – See the statue of Ho Chi Minh. There’s a small forest with hiking trails behind the statue.

Central Park – It’s free to the public.

Cần Linh Temple – A small Buddhist temple surrounded by a lotus flower pond. It’s next to the Cua Nam Bridge.

Goong Lake – There’s a nice footpath around it.

Nghe An Museum - This museum is the bigger of the two history museums in Vinh. You can make betel nut, wood block prints and more. Follow this link for their website.

Vinh Historical Museum – Learn more about the history of Vinh. Follow this link for their website.

**SNACKS**

Coconut Jelly – It’s near Ho Chi Minh Square.

Moon – They’ve got delicious finger food. Try the chicken wings or the fruit bowl with coconut milk.

TH True Mart – They have fresh soft serve ice cream (vanilla only). It’s on Quang Trung Street next to Bac A Bank.

Fruit-flavored frozen yogurt – It’s diagonally across from Happy Bakery.

Fresh Fruit Store with Smoothies – They have great fresh fruit like mangosteens and lychees. Try the sugar apple smoothie. It’s on the 2nd floor.

King Juice - They have fresh fruit juice drinks.

Sourdough Bakery - They have delcious apple cinnamon buns and other homemade baked goods. It’s delivery only. Find them on Facebook or Instagram.

Andy’s Honey – He sells natural honey from deep within the jungle. It’s 800,000 VND/liter. Contact Andy at 0978906493 or on Facebook. He can speak English. He also gives jungle tours!

Balut - This Vietnamese snack is only for adventurous eaters. It’s a steamed fertilized duck egg. When in Rome!

**VIETNAMESE RESTAURANTS**

Saigon Deli - They’ve got noodle bowls, rice plates and more. Fresh, quick and delicious. Ideal for solo eaters or groups.

Thanh Chuong Chicken – They’re famous for the “no escape” chicken (gà không lối thoát). It’s a chicken which is cooked inside a ball of crispy rice. You can dip the rice in a peanut sauce.

Fox (Cáo) Restaurant – This is a great Vietnamese restaurant.

Oc Nho Sai Gon – They have amazing fresh seafood.

Vịt 117 – Everything in this restaurant is made with duck. The crispy duck is fantastic.

Quán Bún Đậu Hiền Lý – A delicious bowl of noodles with vegetables, beef and more.

Gà Sạch 113 – Try the crunchy chicken.

Cháo Canh – A noodle bowl with pork, beef and eggs.

Eel Soup – It’s very popular in Vinh for breakfast. It’s considered a local delicacy.

Rotisserie Duck – This is a family-run food cart, not a restaurant. You can get a delicious whole duck for 160,000 VND or half for 80,000 VND. I recommend the half. It’s enough for two people. They’re usually open from 4:30 to 8:00 PM (or whenever he sells out). The cart is opposite VRC. There are two carts that sell duck next to each other. You want the cart with the older guy.

**FOREIGN RESTAURANTS**

Del Posto Pizzeria - Try the Four Cheese Pizza. It’s excellent! They’ve got great pasta and salads too. This is my new favorite restaurant in Vinh. I highly recommend eating here when you come to Vinh.

Hao Chi Dimsum - I recommend the Taiwan Shrimp Rolls and the Guang Dong Fried Noodles. It’s on the third floor of Vinh Centre.

Khao Jao Thai Food - Try the chicken cooked inside a banana leaf. It’s on the third floor of Lotte Mart.

Nathan Thai - Delicious food from Thailand.

Tao Bistro - It’s the only Chinese food restaurant in Vinh and it’s great. I recommend the Beef Chow Fun or the eggplant dish.

No Duh Burrito - It’s the only place in Vinh that makes burritos. They’re opening a restaurant in April. It’s delivery only for now. Call 0915730060 or send a message to their Facebook. They can speak English. {added March 12, 2024}

Midori – It’s healthy and delicious Asian fusion.

Han Quoc Quan – A Korean place.

Shogun Japanese Street BBQ – It’s inside City Hub.

Tohoku - It’s a new Japanese restaurant. They have delcious ramen.

Geisha – A Japanese place.

Fujimo – Another Japanese place. Watch a video tour.

The American Steak – They have cheeseburgers, steak and curry.

Vuvuzela – A mixture of Vietnamese and foreign food.

Kinh Vĩ Brasserie - A place to take your date.

The Garden Salad – They have more than just salad.

Artisan Bakery & Cafe – They have deli style sandwiches.

La Pasteleria Filipina – They offer delicious homemade baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, donuts and macaroons. Delivery only.

Hutong Hot Pot Paradise – It’s in the CityHub building.

Kebab Torki – You might have to buy two to fill you up.

**VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS**

Vegan Planet - My vegetarian friend loves this place.

Nhà hàng chay Hoan Châu – The chef graduated from Le Cordon Bleu and he can speak English. They have cooking classes.

Bồ Đề – This one is popular with the Buddhist monks.

Dat Thuan Chay

Duyen Lanh

Nhà hàng chay Thiên Phúc

Nha Hang Anh Quoc – It’s near Vinh Stadium.

**CAFES**

Nocenco Coffee – It’s two floors with nice views from the rooftop. The architecture here is amazing. You must visit it before you leave Vinh.

Feribe Cafe - It’s hidden in a sleepy neighborhood. It has a chill vibe, good music and delicious drinks. They have an English Breakfast and other foreign food on their menu. They stay open until 2 AM.

Hi Camping - It’s a cafe, not a camping place. They have a bubbling brook and it feels like you’re in a rainforest. It’s a relaxing place.

Passenger Coffee - A lovely place to get a cup of joe.

Leaf Coffee / Cà phê Lá - It isn’t like any cafe I’ve been to in Vinh. I feel like I’m in the middle of the jungle. I’m surrounded by fruit trees, butterflies and nature. It’s beautiful. It’s worth the drive to get there. They have arts and crafts workshops.

Giang Cafe - It’s tucked away in a small alley. You’re surrounded by lush greenery. You’ve discovered a secret garden behind a forgotten castle. You must visit this wonderful place before you leave Vinh. It’s on the corner of Phung Chi Kien Street and To Ngoc Van Alley.

Mori Handbrew – It’s a relaxing island in the city. It’s a great place to slow down and take a break from your busy life.

Mori Signature - This is definitely a hidden gem in Vinh. Or I should say a hidden forest. There are lush green plants everywhere. You feel like you’re in the middle of a forest. There’s a great coffee bar where you can sit and chat with other customers. They have delicious drinks and snacks too.

Indi Cafe - It’s nestled in a quiet neighborhood next to a small lake. They have delicious freshly made juice drinks and a fish table! Watch my video on Instagram or Facebook.

Cổ Mộc Trà Teahouse - You’re surrounded by natural wood, peaceful music plays and you feel calm. This is the vibe of this place.

Cu’s Cafe / Tiệm Cà Phê Cù - It’s like stepping back in time. Everything here is like old Vietnam.

Thanh Xuan Cafe - This is another cafe where the style is like old Vietnam.

Thôi đi – This is the best place in Vinh to get egg coffee.

Soon-Min Garden Coffee – It opened 2 months ago. It’s a nice mixture of inside and outside space.

Maison NAP - A cool lakeside cafe.

East West Book Cafe – This is a reader’s paradise. It’s basically a library and a cafe combined. It’s mostly Vietnamese books (with some French, English and German). They have a lot of children’s books.

La Ca Cafe, Bakery & Playground – They have a really comfortable couch upstairs and their playroom for kids is fantastic.

TimeFlow – They have beautiful natural sunlight.

Lim Coffee – It’s opposite an outdoor playground.

Base Coffee - It’s 3 floors.

Cong Cafe - Try their White Coffee. It’s half coconut milk and half coffee.

Moisa Boardgame Cafe - All of their boardgames are in English.

Choa & Sonata Cafe – Both have live music.

**BARS**

Hometown - A cozy bar.

The Local Wine & Cocktail Bar - Unique mixed drinks.

The Local Garden - It’s a new beer garden in the new beer garden area of Vinh.

Boong Mixology - They’ve got live music every Friday night.

Serene - This is another cocktail bar with live music on Fridays.

Good Beer / Beer Ngon - It’s a beer garden with indoor and outdoor seating.

Star Beer / Bia Star - Another beer garden in Vinh.

MTSL Rooftop Bar - You’ll find it on the 33rd floor of the Mường Thanh Sông Lam Hotel.

Delos Bar - EEL Cafe during the day and Delos bar at night.

Goong Lake Beer Street - On Phan Dang Luu Street you’ll find a series of places to get bia hoi (fresh / draft beer). There’s a Vida brewery nearby. This is a popular place to try local beer and meet friendly locals.

**CLUBS & LOUNGES**

Dune - A futuristic new cocktail bar in Vinh.

Nyxx Cocktail Bar - It’s got a lounge vibe. The bartenders are friendly.

Zuly – It’s a nightclub.

Club 48 - Bring your earplugs and get ready to talk to the person next to you on your phone because it’s so loud.

**LATE NIGHT**

Feribe Cafe - It’s hidden in a sleepy neighborhood. It has a chill vibe, good music and delicious drinks. They have an English Breakfast and other foreign food on their menu. They stay open until 2 AM.

Laklu - It’s across the street from the Hometown Bar. Check their FB for pictures if you can’t find it.

Dream Mart - Go to the Seven AM clothes store on Nguyen Van Cu. Turn the corner and it’ll be on your right.

Sept & More - It’s on Nguyen Van Cu next to the Adidas store.

Food behind the old citadel - It’s pretty much the only place that’s open late night for food.

**SHOPPING**

Lotte Mart - It’s a supermarket with lots of restaurants and cafes.

WinMart – It’s a grocery store.

Au Viet Gourmet Market – They’ve got a lot of products from America, Korea and Europe. They have 3 locations in Vinh.

GO! – It’s a supermarket. Formerly known as Big C.

CityHub – It’s five floors with Shogun Japanese Street BBQ, Hutong Hot Pot Paradise, a movie theater and more.

Vinh Recreation Center (VRC) – It’s five floors with a bowling alley, Highlands Cafe, BreadTalk, King BBQ, a movie theater and more. It’s across the street from the train station.

Vinh Centre – It’s next to Ho Chi Minh Square. They have a Highlands and a Jollibee there.

Avino Wines - Avino Wines offers a vast selection of over 80 wines from six countries: France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, and Chile. Their wines are carefully chosen by a French expert with 20 years of experience, who has been working in Vietnam for 13 years. They also provide a wide range of liquors, mainly Scottish, from standard to premium brands. Avino Wines frequently hosts wine tasting events, many of which are free of charge, welcoming both expatriates and the local community. Their English-speaking staff make it easy for customers to find their preferred wines and whiskies. Keep an eye out for these events to explore and enjoy the diverse offerings at Avino Wines!

MM MegaMart – It’s a big box store. It’s near the Lam River.

Hong Ha – Electronics, computers and repair.

Viet Nga Computer Store – Gaming PCs, laptops and repair.

Guu Music Shop – For your musical instrument needs and classes.

Phương Nam Bookstore – It’s the best bookstore in Vinh. They have English books for adults and kids.

Baker’s Home – For all your baking needs.

Tung Moscow – A shoe shop for people with Western-sized feet.

**NEAR VINH**

The first three places are accessible by train from Vinh.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park & Cave (Quang Binh)

Van Long Nature Reserve (Ninh Binh)

Trang An Grottoes (Ninh Binh)

Nam Dan Eco Zoo – They have a very small zoo, a miniature waterfall you can swim in, an aviary and a tree house. There’s also a place where you can have a BBQ. It’s quiet and surrounded by beautiful nature.

Hong Lam Camping - This campsite is nestled in a glade of lovely pine trees. It’s on a small island of 400 people. It’s well taken care of, clean and a fantastic place to relax. The air is so fresh and it’s quiet. It’s a great place to watch a sunset or sunrise. The stress is guaranteed to melt away when you come here. The owner is so friendly and helpful. She can speak English. They have BBQ, paddle board rentals, a campfire and 3 friendly corgis. There are tents (small and large) where you can stay overnight. You take a small boat there (it can carry your motorbike). Hong Lam Camping is a very relaxing place. Here’s a Google maps link to where you get on the boat.

Hồ Thạch Kèn Lake – There are beautiful mountains around it. It’s a perfect place to swim or have a picnic.

Dai Tue Pagoda – A Buddhist pagoda on the mountaintop. It’s been there for 1,000 years. It’s 30 minutes by car (1 hour by motorbike) from Vinh. You can hike there. It’s about 2 hours from Nam Dan. There are scenic views and miniature waterfalls along the way. Here’s a drone video.

Birthplace of Ho Chi Minh – It’s in Kim Liên, Nam Dan District.

The Thai Ethnic Group (Hoa Thu Homestay, Nua Village, Yen Khe Commune, Con Cuong District, Nghe An Province) – The Thai are the second largest ethnic minority in Vietnam. When you visit them you can try on their traditional clothes, sample the local food/drink (such as “ruou can”) and take part in traditional dancing.

Dong Du Village Lakeside Farm Stay – It’s a village retreat which offers cultural experiences.

Mooc Spring (Quang Binh Province) – It’s a trail through the jungle lined with beautiful orchids. There’s a wooden footpath. There is an amazing place to swim there. It’s so clear and blue.

Ozo Treetop Park - It’s also in Quang Binh.

Kèm Waterfall – It’s in Pu Mat National Park.

Rainbow Container Hotel – It’s near Cua Lo Beach (watch a video tour).

Đảo Chè Tea Islands – It’s in the Thanh Chuong District.

Vinpearl Water Park – It’s in the Ha Tinh Province.

Mương Thanh Safari Land – Here you will find a resort with villas, a hotel, an amusement park and water park, a small flower garden and a zoo with a petting area for kids.

Sunflower Farm – (Google Maps link, Nghĩa Đàn District). It’s open twice a year. Usually from around mid December to early January and early March (depending on the weather and the planting schedule).

Son Kim Hot Springs – They have thermal pools.

**MORE ABOUT VINH & VIETNAM**

“Exploring Vinh” – It’s an ebook. A group of Vietnamese university students and two volunteer teachers from Finland worked together to create a travel book. In it you can discover ten interesting places in Vinh.

10 Things You Should NOT Do in Vietnam (from What The Pho)

Vietnam Weekly – A newsletter about the latest developments in Vietnam, from essential news to under-the-radar stories, delivered every Friday.

Vietcetera – A weekly newsletter in English delivering the latest and most important stories shaping the economy and businesses in Vietnam right to your inbox.

Cho Vinh (Vinh Market) – It’s an online marketplace for people living in Vinh. It’s like Craigslist.

Travelfish Vinh Travel Guide

Vietnam Coracle

Rusty Compass