“Bun thang” has long been a culinary icon in Hanoi, enticing guests with its refined flavors, elegant presentation, and painstaking preparation. “Bun thang” is more than just a wonderful food; it is also an artwork that reflects the finesse and craftsmanship of the Hanoi people.
The story about “bun thang”
Bún thang
“Bun thang”, a traditional Hanoian meal, is unique in both its name and preparation method. Women in Hanoi used to be rather creative when it came to repurposing leftover food from the Lunar New Year to make new dishes that were inexpensive and delicious.
“Bun thang” is made with rice vermicelli noodles, featuring a variety of other ingredients. The name “bun thang" has different explanations for its origin. These explanations add to the intrigue of this delightful specialty.
In the Sino-Vietnamese dictionary, the term “thang" is rendered as “canh", which means “soup." This perspective emphasizes the importance of the broth, which is considered the soul of “bun thang". The broth, made with chicken bones, dried shrimp, squid, and dried radish, has a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that distinguishes “bun thang" from other dishes.
Some believe the word “thang" is similar to “thang thuốc," which refers to traditional Chinese medicine tonics. Just as a tonic is a harmonious combination of ingredients, “bun thang" is a culinary symphony in which each element plays an important role in determining the dish’s specific flavor.
Making “bun thang” – a cooking art of Hanoi people
Rice noodles
“Bun thang”, though it sounds simple, is a dish that needs to be prepared with care. This colorful noodle soup requires at least twenty components, each of which is expertly prepared.
Picture a rainbow of vibrant, shredded ingredients above a bed of snow-white vermicelli noodles. Perfect harmony is created by the combination of soft yellow-skinned chicken, tart and sweet pickled radish, delicate fried egg ribbons, slivered pork sausage, and bright green herbs like cilantro and chives, together with shiitake mushrooms.
The broth is a work of art in and of itself. It is a clear, strongly flavored liquid that is boiled from bones for hours until it has the ideal consistency—light but aromatic and devoid of any foam on top.
The beauty in a bowl of “bun thang”
From selecting ingredients to processing, particularly the broth-cooking step, making a classic bowl of “bun thang" requires a great deal of talent. Sea worms, shrimp, and chicken bones must all be well-simmered in the broth to provide a rich, natural sweetness that can be achieved without the use of mononatri glutamate. To keep the broth clear, you also need to regularly skim the foam.
Presenting a bowl of “bun thang” is similar to painting a picture. The vermicelli will be positioned at the bottom of the bowl following its hot blanching. The ingredients, like pickled radish, sliced omelets, pork sausage, and shredded chicken, are placed on top of the vermicelli bowl in each corner to resemble petals of flowers, while the green of the vegetables or the brown of the mushrooms represent the pistil, filling the center of the bowl. As a result, you will be presented with a bowl of vermicelli noodles in the form of a five-colored flower with a lovely, harmonic arrangement that will please the viewer’s eyes as well as their taste sensations.
Locations to savor delicious “bun thang” in Hanoi
The vibrant environment of Hanoi’s “bun thang” restaurants, where patrons are often coming and going, has been a part of the city’s food picture. There are many places to find “bun thang”, but if you’re still looking for the best places to eat this delicious food, let’s go on a culinary adventure together!
Giang Vo Bun Thang
Even though Giang Vo Bun Thang is not in a central location, a lot of people still visit it. With its clear, sweet broth, soft and manageable toppings, and the fiery taste of garlic and chili peppers, this diner is regarded as having kept the classic Hanoi flavor. When coming to Giang Vo Bun Thang, your taste buds will undoubtedly be treated to a flawless symphony.
Address: No.144 D2, Giang Vo Street, Giang Vo Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Lan Ong Bun Thang
Airy and clean, with a welcoming owner, is what Lan Ong Bun Thang has to offer. The version of “bun thang” in this diner includes a transparent chicken broth that is just slightly sweet. Garlic, vinegar, and shrimp paste are some of the condiments that are typically served with real “bun thang”, giving it a unique flavor.
Address: No.16, Lan Ong Street, Hang Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hang Hom Bun Thang
Hang Hom Bun Thang is one of the most important diners in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Their “bun thang” is a delicious blend of flavors, from the carefully chosen ingredients to the creamy broth, true to Hanoi’s culinary tradition. With finely sliced eggs, delicate chicken, aromatic pork rolls, and crunchy and sweet pickled radish, each bowl is a sensory feast.
Address: No.48, Cau Go Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hang Hanh Bun Thang
When visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, many visitors make a familiar stop at Hang Hanh Bun Thang. Here, “bun thang" is made with carefully chosen ingredients. The result is a bowl of “bun thang” that is both striking in terms of color and appealing in terms of flavor, all thanks to the chef’s deft handling.
Address: No.29, Hang Hanh Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Ba Duc Bun Thang
Ba Duc Bun Thang is a diner with a rather rustic-sounding name. Pork sausage, chicken, shiitake mushrooms, radish, omelet, green onions, and laksa leaves are all included in this bowl of “bun thang". You will have an incredible flavor experience because of the careful and exquisite presentation of every ingredient, mixed with a clear and thick broth.
Address: No.48, Cau Go Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Ngoc Tuyen Bun Thang
Hanoi’s traditional flavors may be found in the restaurant Ngoc Tuyen Bun Thang. Everything about making a bowl of vermicelli, from selecting ingredients to cooking, is done with care. More than 20 ingredients come together to produce a flavorful and harmonious dish that guests will never forget.
Address: No.58, Dao Tan Street, Cong Vi Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tuan Minh Bun Thang
Visitors and locals in Hanoi are both familiar with Tuan Minh Bun Thang. The visually appealing bowls of “bun thang” here have sweet, fragrant chicken with a hint of lemon and fish sauce for seasoning. Many people frequent this diner because a bowl of “bun thang” here is reasonably priced, making it quite affordable for students.
Address: No.3, To Hien Thanh Street, Bui Thi Xuan Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Ba To Hang Be Pho & Bun Thang
The owner of Ba To Hang Be Pho & Bun Thang is adorable, gregarious, and full of energy. The “bun thang” in this diner is topped with sliced chicken, a few chopped eggs, crunchy radish slices, a few mushrooms for taste, and a fragrant, clear broth with hints of shrimp and chicken. If you’re looking for a great place to consume “bun thang”, this is definitely an address to check out.
Address: No.66, Trung Kinh Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam
To Hieu Pho & Bun Thang
To Hieu Bun Thang is only available in the early morning, so plan to be there early if you want to savor “bun thang”. Along with many other traditional dishes, “bun thang" is the diner’s main claim to fame. Here, the vermicelli is meticulously chosen before being cooked. It is blanched in broth until very soft and fragrant, just before being added to the bowl. Diners are drawn in at first glance by the attractive decoration of every item in this dish.
Address: No.102 B8, To Hieu Street, Nghia Tan Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Ha Hoi Bun Thang
Ha Hoi Bun Thang, which is situated in a quiet little lane in the heart of Hanoi, never fails to draw diners in with its rich “bun thang" flavor, which is distinctive of old Hanoi. The most remarkable component is the flavorful and aromatic sweet broth made from simmering chicken bones, which combines with the flavorful shredded chicken to create a harmonic and delectable bowl of “bun thang".
Address: No.11, Ha Hoi Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Ba Am Bun Thang
When discussing “bun thang” in Hanoi, it is impossible to ignore Ms. Am, an artist who helped popularize this cuisine and extend its popularity across the city. “If you haven’t eaten Ms. Am’s “bun thang”, you’re not a resident of the capital," is a jocular proverb that circulates. Even after all these years, Ba Am Bun Thang’s classic flavors and essence continue to draw in customers.
Address: No.37, Cua Nam Street, Cua Nam Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Summary
“Bun thang" is a sophisticated and delicate meal that is essential to Hanoi cuisine. The culinary spirit of this ancient region is reflected in each bowl of “bun thang", creating a vibrant artistic picture. Experience the distinct traditional flavor of “bun thang" once and become fully immersed in Hanoi’s distinctive culinary culture.
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We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. First, North Vietnam Hanoi Tour will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city, with a half-day city tour, you will visit the most iconic attractions in Hanoi such as President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter of Hanoi. After Hanoi, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. For ending two days of Inspirational Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Tour, we will spend one night stay on a cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world. Let’s explore the Magnificent North of Vietnam with Impress Travel.
HANOI ARRIVAL – GREETING – HANOI CITY TOUR– Private Tour (L)
Good morning, pick you up at Noi Bai International
Airport and transfer to Hanoi Capital city.
Check-in the hotel then have lunch at the restaurant.
Afternoon sightseeing tour begins with a visit to President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ( closed on Monday and Friday, every afternoon, and whole from 15 June – 15 August, view the outside the building). Inside the mausoleum, there are sightseeing of the Presidential Palace (view from outside), President’s Fishpond, House On Stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda.
Next, we will pay a visit to the Temple of Literature. It is where Confucius – The founder of Confucianism was worshiped. This place as known as the first National University of Vietnam. It is where kings, mandarins, talented people of Vietnam training to the functionary.
Our tour continues with an exciting visit. We will visit one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, we will go to the Ngoc Son Temple, which is in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Continue a short walking tour around the old quarter with a tour guide.
Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi
Day 02
HANOI – NINH BINH (TAM COC, HOA LU) TOUR (B/L)
Good morning, have breakfast at the hotel.
7.30 – 8.00 AM: Pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter and transfer to Tam Coc.
8.00 – 10.00 AM: After two hours of transferring, our tour guide will introduce you to Vietnam as the history, culture, lifestyle of local people. On the conical hat, we will have a mini-game show to teach you how to say and write some Vietnamese simple words such as Xin Chào, Tạm Biệt, Tôi yêu Ninh Bình, etc. We will give you a little souvenir and you can wear it during the trip.
10 AM: We will prepare for a boat trip to visit the beautiful Tam Coc. It takes 1.30 hours rowing along the Ngo Dong river through the three mysterious caves. You can enjoy spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies and towering limestone mountain peaks.
11.30 AM: We will get on Thanh pier for a short walk to visit Thai Vi Temple, which is one of the well-known temples in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. We will continue 10 minutes walking along majestic valley with rice fields, rivers and lotus ponds for Tam Coc Nature Lodge where we will relaxing
Enjoy your lunch in here – Vietnamese food.
1.30 PM: you have a chance to be a fisherman and learn how to catch the fish in the pond or river.
2:00 – 3:00 PM: We ride a bike to Thung Nang, along the river among the rice field, lotus ponds, and limestone Mountains. We will continue to through a peaceful Dan Khe Trong village. This area is a real picture of the rural countryside in the north of Vietnam.
15: 00: Return the van, drive to visit Hoa Lu Ancient citadel which was built in the 10th century, and the temple dedicated to King Dinh and King Le
4:00 PM: Back to Hanoi Capital.
18:30: Arrive in Hanoi & we will drop you at your hotel in the Old Quarter.
Have dinner is available on your request.
Overnight at the Hanoi Hotel.
Day Inclusions: Car/Mini-Van, Outstanding English speaking guide, Lunch – Vietnamese Cuisine at Tam Coc Nature Eco Lodge, All sightseeing tickets, Good bike with gears, 02 bottles of Mineral water, Services charges and government tax, Rowing boat to visit Tam Coc, One conical hat as souvenir, Demonstration of teaching to learn how to write, speak Vietnamese, and catch fish
Day 03
HANOI – HALONG CRUISE (B/L/D)
Good morning! Enjoy your with have breakfast at your hotel, then check-out the hotel.
07:30 am – 08:00: Pick up from your hotel to travel to Halong Bay (notice: pickup time can be a bit flexible depending on each different Cruise, distance Hanoi – Halong bay is 160km, a stop for break time on halfway for a refreshment).
You enjoy the drive and sightseeing the peaceful countryside scenery during the bus trip (4 hours), we arrive at the Ha Long bay seaport at around noontime.
12h 30: You will aboard the cruise, check-in & enjoy a welcome drink while your cabin will be assigned.
Check-in your cabin and put your luggage in, relax and may do a short inspection tour by moving around the cruise to discover about the cruise’s architecture & design
Enjoy the sumptuous lunch with fresh seafood meal while cruise slowly gliding out into the Halong bay.
15h00 – 16h00: Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
16h00 – 17h00: Cruising to Titop Island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titop or climb up to the top of the island for a view panorama of Halong Bay.
17h00 – 17h30: Return to the boat, enjoying beautiful seascape on the way.
17h30 – 19h00: Enjoy Sunset Party on the sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.
Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)
Day 04
HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/L)
Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
07h00 – 07h30 Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
08h30 – 09h30 Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Drum Cave.
09h45 Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
10h00 – 10h30 Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
10h30 – 11h30 while heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
11h45 – 12h00 Disembark V’Spirit Classic.
12h15 – 12h30 Transfer back to Hanoi.
About 16:00 – Arrival back to Hanoi central city, recheck in the hotel
Dinner is available on your request.
Free time & Overnight in Hanoi city
Day 05
HANOI CITY CENTER TO NOI BAI AIRPORT – DEPARTURE (B)
Good morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then, you have some free time to explore Hanoi city before going to Noi Bai airport for your scheduled flight.
The end of the tour, thank you and see you again!
What’s included in this trip :
A/C accommodation with DOUBLE or TWIN ROOM (2 persons share 1 room; single room can be available on request) with daily breakfast
A/C transfer from Airports to the hotel and other tourist destinations according to the itinerary
Bus round trip to Hanoi – Ha Long Bay; (private land transfer available on request)
2 days 1 night on Joint Cruise trip in Ha Long Bay, with DOUBLE or TWIN (2 persons share 1 cabin; single cabin can be available on request), full meals on board
Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
Meals as indicated in the itinerary. (Breakfast = 04; Lunch = 04; Dinner = 01)
English- speaking guides as specified (Chinese/ Malaysian speaking guide can be available on request)
Entrance fees
Mineral water (2 bottles/ per day with sightseeing tour)
What’s excluded in this trip:
All international and domestic flights
Specified as Chinese/ Malaysian/ Indonesian/Thai speaking guide can be available on request to pay for extra-fee.
Travel Insurance
Airport taxes
All meals not mentioned
Tips for tour guides, drivers, crew members in Ha Long Bay, other attendants if may have (3 USD/pax/day)
Other personal expenses not mentioned.
3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination
Room Type
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE
Hanoi 3-star Hotels
Adamas Deluxe City
ADAMAS HANOI HOTEL Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/
3-star Halong Bay Cruises
Swan Cruise Deluxe
SWAN CRUISE HALONG BAY
Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/
4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination
Room Type
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE
Hanoi 4-star Hotels
The light deluxe with window
THE LIGHT HOTEL HANOI
Refer: thelighthotelhanoi.com/en/
4-star Halong Bay Cruises
Sealife Suite Canbin
HUONG HAI SEALIFE CRUISE HALONG BAY
Refer: www.sealifegroup.com
5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination
Hotel Category
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE
Hanoi 5-star hotels
Deluxe Sketch Apricot Hotel
APRICOT HOTEL HANOI
Refer: apricothotels.com/room/sketch
5-star Halong bay Cruises
Deluxe Room with Ocean View Margaret
MARGARET CRUISE HALONG BAY
Refer: https://margaretcruises.com
The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked
Ranana
You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Ebrahim
Tour of Vietnam
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
Solly Pochee
The tour was fantastic
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating! We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC. The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T". I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all. Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team. Sulaiman Pochee
Bernard Lim
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
Derek.Schooling
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress. Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide). Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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