What to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is busy and always full of life. The traffic can be heavy, so visitors should be ready for that. Still, the city is a top destination for tourists from around the world.

It was once called Saigon during French colonial rule in the 19th century, and you can still see the influence in its colonial buildings and street layout. After Vietnam’s reunification in 1975, it was renamed to honor leader Ho Chi Minh.

 

Today, the city is developed and growing fast. While not everyone speaks English, most tour guides can speak it well and are trained to help tourists. Sightseeing is easy and enjoyable with a guide (BANGKOK THAILAND TRAVEL).

Kerabu Mangga - Vegetarian Mango Salad

Kerabu Mango or Mango Salad is a beloved and well-known Asian mango dish, especially popular in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. While the core ingredients are similar - green mango, chilies, herbs, and a tangy dressing, each country adds its own local touch. It's called Kerabu Mangga (VEGETARIAN OKRA SALAD/KERABU BENDI) in Malaysia, Som Tum Mamuang in Thailand, Gỏi Xoài in Vietnam, Nhoam Svay in Cambodia, and Rujak Mangga in Indonesia.

 

This raw mango salad is easy to prepare at home, including vegetarian versions of kerabu mangga or mango salad. The method is effortless: just slice, mix, and toss the ingredients together. Some versions include roasted white sesame seeds, but the crunch of affordable roasted or fried peanuts often steals the food show (VEGETARIAN HERBED RICE/NASI ULAM).

Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry)

Thick, spicy, tangy, and with a balanced saltiness, this Salted Fish Curry is truly delicious. This recipe features mochakottai (field beans) that are pre-simmered or boiled with turmeric powder. And what's a salted fish curry without skin-on pototoes? You can also use common and affordable ingredients like brinjals or okra (PINEAPPLE SALTED FISH CURRY).

For the salted fish, ikan kurau (threadfin) is considered the best choice, though other varieties work too. The salted fish bones add depth of flavor, but be careful, as some bones may soften and fall into the curry.

Rangoon Creeper: Cultivating Zen Blooming Bliss

(Updated Version)

Rangoon Creeper, or Combretum Indicum, is also known as Drunken Sailor, Akar Dani, Chinese Honeysuckle, and Red Jasmine. This charming plant originates from Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar. Its name pays tribute to Rangoon, now known as Yangon. In Nava's Zen garden, it brings both beauty and fragrance (ROSELLE - BENEFITS & USES).

 

Fragrance and Blooms

Rangoon Creeper isn’t just about its appearance; its scent is truly captivating. The sweet, fruity aroma fills the air, creating a serene and relaxing ambiance. The flowers begin as delicate white buds and gradually transition into clusters of rich red blooms. Over time, the slender stems grow into strong, lush vines, perfect for adorning pergolas or trellises.

Siamese Laksa Lemak

A revelation of bold flavors that awaken your palate instantly - spicy, sour, sweet, and fragrant herbs lifting your senses. This is the heart of Thai food. From quick, simple dishes to recipes with long ingredient lists, Thai cooking always leaves a lasting impression.

 

Siamese Laksa, or Laksa Thai, is a fusion of Asam Laksa and Curry Laksa, developed over time through gathered knowledge. Using familiar ingredients from both noodle dishes, it becomes Siamese Laksa, enhanced with Thai herbs that are also common in Malaysian and Southeast Asian kitchens.

Mee Rebus (Vegetarian)

What makes or breaks a Mee Rebus dish? It’s the gravy, or kuah. Made with the right balance of spiciness, sweetness, aroma, and thickness, it becomes the best Mee Rebus. The gravy is the central star of this beloved Malay noodle dish, which is also part of Indian-Muslim food (MALAY STYLE MEE UDANG) and Malaysian street food.

Yellow sweet potatoes are an important ingredient, giving the gravy its rich texture and subtle sweetness, even for the vegetarian version.

Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand

Whether you're a solo traveler in Bangkok, or visiting with family or friends, one of the best ways to discover Bangkok is by joining a guided tour. From half-day to full-day options, tours cover top Bangkok attractions and usually include hotel transfers and lunch (AYUTTHAYA THAILAND TOP THINGS TO DO).

Booking a tour saves time and avoids the hassle of negotiating with tuk-tuk drivers, helping you steer clear of unwanted issues such as language barriers or drivers insisting on tips. It’s a more convenient and structured approach to sightseeing in Bangkok.

Top Things to Do in Ayutthaya Thailand

When it comes to traveling in Thailand, Ayutthaya is a destination not to be missed. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1351 to 1767, Ayutthaya was among the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities at its peak in the 17th century. Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. Despite its fall, Ayutthaya remains a lasting symbol of Thailand’s cultural and historical identity.

Whether you choose to stay overnight in Ayutthaya or prefer a day trip from Bangkok (BANGKOK TOP ATTRACTIONS), exploring the ancient city is convenient and accessible. Most hotels in Bangkok and local tour operators offer affordable packages to Ayutthaya, with transport included. These tours typically handle all the arrangements, including pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation. If you're heading out in the morning, be ready by 7:00 AM. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. (KULLU MANALI INDIA SIGHTSEEING).

Pepper Soup: Instant Rasam

The healthy, nutritious and oilless Pepper Soup, also called Rasam. A nourishing tasty South Indian soup with the peppery taste and the natural sourness of tomatoes, along with the aroma of curry leaves. Rasam can be made in many ways, but the main ingredients are usually kitchen staples (MORINGA LEAVES STIR-FRIED).

 

For those who want a quick option, instant Rasam is available in pre-packed rasam powder at Indian grocery stores. Over time, you will discover which brand or mix suits your taste best.

 

Some people say nothing beats homemade Rasam. Made with freshly ground spices or a paste. But this quick Rasam recipe is for anyone short on time and still wanting one of the best pepper soups.

Bangkok, Thailand - Top Attractions to Visit

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is one of the country’s most visited destinations, drawing countless tourists from around the world. While the city’s traffic can be overwhelming, Bangkok remains the ideal entry point via Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main international hub for transiting to other parts of Thailand or abroad.

There’s plenty to experience. The best things to do in Bangkok often revolve around its legendary landmarks and classic tourist spots. No matter your travel style, the top attractions in Bangkok continue to draw visitors. These sightseeing spots are must-visits at least once, whether or not you plan to return again. 

No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe

This vegetarian no-bake cheesecake uses just 5 simple ingredients (excluding decoration) and is for anyone looking for a simple homemade cheesecake recipe. It features a crumbly, buttery bottom layer topped with a creamy, smooth, and slightly tangy cheese layer. A delicious easy dessert you can make at home (MOIST BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE).

No need to spend on digestive biscuits. Cream crackers are a cheaper alternative and give a delightfully crumbly base. For a denser base, simply add more butter.

Malay Style Prawn Noodles/Mee Udang

There is the Chinese-style prawn mee and the Malay-style prawn mee, known as Mee Udang. Both dishes use prawns and prawn broth, though the Chinese version, sometimes called Hae Mee, may also include chicken or pork bones.

Mee Udang is a traditional Malay dish. It is popular in Malacca, Klang, and coastal towns in Penang. The dish is part of Indian-Muslim (Mamak) cuisine and well-known in Malaysian street food and Malay eateries (FRIED KEMBUNG WITH ASAM SAUCE).

Moist Banana Chocolate Cake Recipe

Moist, tender, and melting in the mouth, this Banana Chocolate Cake recipe combines two classic favorites in one delightful loaf cake. Baked as a simple chocolate banana loaf cake, the best part is that there’s no creaming or beating of eggs with a mixer.

Ideal for those who prefer straightforward baking without the need for special utensils. Everything is handmade. Just mixing and combining before it goes into the oven.

Portuguese Vegetable Pickle/Achar

Although time-consuming and best made in bulk, making this Portuguese Vegetable Pickle, also known as Achar, is well worth the effort. Crunchy green chilies, shallots, and garlic soak in an aromatic, zesty, and slightly tangy vinaigrette, creating an appetizing homemade spicy vinegar pickle.

This version features only chilies, shallots, and garlic, though you can add vegetables such as long beans, French beans, carrots, white radish, or cabbage, or any other firm vegetables that pickle well (NO-COOK CUCUMBER SALAD).

Things to Do in Verona, Italy

For those who have visited Verona, it likely feels like a city of love and romance. It’s simply the vibes. During autumn, the weather is cool, although the morning breeze can be overwhelming,  further adding to the sense of love in the air. The stone buildings, still preserved from yesteryear, enhance that feeling (WHAT TO SEE IN VENICE ITALY).

Verona is a city in northern Italy, located in the Veneto region between the larger cities of Milan and Venice. Travelling from Venice to Verona takes around two hours by coach. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Verona has existed for over 2,000 years. No wonder it stands as one of the top tourist spots in the world and a must-visit destination in Italy.