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Showing posts from January, 2025

STORIES OF SACRIFICE: INSIDE THE CU CHI TUNNELS

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 The Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-visit destination for international tourists in Vietnam, offering a glimpse into the country’s remarkable history and the immense sacrifices of its soldiers. These underground passages served not only as a hub for revolutionary missions such as communication, ambushes, and strategy planning but also as a space for daily activities like washing and cooking. Join Joy Journeys to uncover the  daily lives of Viet Cong soldiers in Cu Chi Tunnels  and witness how they adapted to life underground amidst extraordinary challenges. A Day Lives of Viet Cong Soldiers in Cu Chi Tunnels The daily lives of Viet Cong soldiers in Cu Chi Tunnels exemplified their remarkable resilience and unwavering determination to achieve independence for their country. Cu Chi tunnels tour Top 4 best-selling tours See details Waking Up in the Tunnels Each day began with soldiers adjusting to the challenges of their underground environment. D...

WHY MALABAR SPINACH IS A VIETNAMESE SUPERFOOD

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 Soup is an indispensable part of Vietnamese meals, and among the many varieties, Malabar spinach soup stands out as a favorite. Loved for its convenience, ease of preparation, and high nutritional value, it has become a household staple. If you’d like to experience this delicious Vietnamese spinach soup at home, join Joy Journeys as we explore it in this article! What is Canh Rau Mong Toi? Malabar spinach is a nutritious vine characterized by its round, slimy stems and thick, heart-shaped leaves that alternate along the stem. It’s a superfood in Vietnamese cuisine, packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and K, and folic acid, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Discover the magic of Malabar spinach—a climbing plant with thick, silky leaves, packed with flavor and nutrition ‘Canh rau mong toi’, or Malabar spinach soup, a classic dish, combines this healthy vegetable with lean meat or fresh shrimp. Variations like Vietnamese...

MAKE VIETNAMESE OMELETTES YOUR NEXT FOOD OBSESSION

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 The Vietnamese omelette showcases incredible diversity and richness in both preparation and presentation. Far from being just a simple fried egg dish, it can be found paired with an array of spices and served alongside various accompaniments like bread, fried rice flour cake, and more. Explore the unique and delightful flavors of Vietnamese omelette with  Joy Journeys . Types of Vietnamese Omelettes Crispy Pancake The crispy pancake, also known as the crispy Vietnamese omelet, refers to the beloved street food ‘banh xeo’. At first glance, it resembles a thinly-fried omelette filled with various ingredients. The golden, crispy crust of banh xeo is crafted from rice flour, turmeric powder, chicken eggs, and beer. Fillings vary by region: in the Central region, it often includes squid, bean sprouts, and shrimp, while in the West, it features meat, shrimp, beans, and coconut tubers for a distinct flavor. https://www.youtube.com/embed/bu6z3bqyIWA?feature=...

VIETNAMESE UDON: WHERE TRADITION MEETS FLAVOR

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 ‘Banh canh’ is a flavorful soup featuring thick noodles, often referred to as ‘Vietnamese udon.’ This name likely arises from their visual resemblance, but one taste will reveal that they are entirely distinct in flavor and texture. If you are a noodle lover, join  Joy Journeys  to explore banh canh—a unique and delightful specialty of Vietnamese cuisine. What is Banh Canh? Vietnamese udon vs banh canh is the same. It is a classic Vietnamese dish featuring thick, opaque or transparent noodles served in a flavorful broth with various toppings such as pork, seafood, and more. The Noodles ‘Banh canh’ noodles come in several varieties, each tailored to regional preferences and the type of soup they accompany: Rice Flour Noodles : The most popular type, made from rice flour with a small amount of tapioca starch. These noodles are ivory white and slightly chewy. The key to making perfect rice flour noodles lies in selecting high-quality, suitable rice...

BALUT IN VIETNAM: MORE THAN JUST A SNACK

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 In Vietnam, ‘balut’ or “trung vit lon” is a popular street food choice, celebrated for its unique flavor as well as cultural significance. This highly nutritious dish can be prepared in various delicious ways, and the way it is enjoyed often carries a symbolic meaning, such as warding off bad luck. Discover the story behind balut Vietnam with  Joy Journeys  and prepare for an unforgettable culinary adventure in Vietnam! For more information about our food tours, visit:  joyjourneys.com.vn/tours/food-tour-saigon-motorbike/ What is Balut? The Fertilized Duck Egg Balut is a popular dish in Eastern countries, particularly in China, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Known as balut Vietnam, this delicacy is made from fertilized duck eggs, typically incubated for 17-21 days. Balut: A unique delicacy crafted from 17–21 day incubated duck eggs Stages of Development Most people prefer newer, younger eggs because they are softer and easie...

SAVOR EVERY MORNING WITH VIETNAM BREAKFAST FOOD

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 The highlight of Vietnam tourism lies in experiencing its incredible local cuisine, and  Vietnam breakfast food  is a perfect example. From iconic dishes like ‘pho’ (Vietnamese noodles soup) and ‘banh mi’ to regional specialties such as ‘mi Quang’ (Quang style noodle), ‘banh cuon’ (Steamed rice roll), each offers a flavorful way to start your day. Join Joy Journeys to discover the best breakfast options Vietnam has to offer! Classic Vietnamese Breakfast Dishes Vietnam breakfast food is incredibly diverse, offering a variety of flavors that visitors can enjoy. Here are some top recommendations. Pho ‘Pho’ is a renowned soup often enjoyed as breakfast in Vietnam. This iconic dish comes in many variations, including ‘pho bo’ (beef pho), ‘pho ga’ (chicken pho), ‘pho Bac’ (Northern-style pho), and ‘pho Nam’ (Southern-style pho). Visitors can easily notice the difference between Northern and Southern pho. In Hanoi, Northern pho features flat noodles, a clea...

EXPERIENCE VIETNAM’S FAST FOOD LIKE NEVER BEFORE

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The evolving Vietnamese lifestyle, culinary trends, and the arrival of iconic global brands have sparked a fast food revolution in Vietnam. In recent years, this vibrant market has flourished, capturing the attention of both local foodies and international visitors. With rapid urbanization and the embrace of modern living, the growing demand for  fast food in Vietnam  offers travelers a unique blend of global flavors and local twists to explore. International Fast Food Chains in Vietnam With the rise of fast food culture, international chains have steadily expanded their footprint in Vietnam. Familiar Faces Fast food appeared in Vietnam in the 1990s, with the opening of the first KFC store at Saigon Super Bowl Trade Center in 1997. After that, other global giants entered the scene, fueling the growth of this vibrant market segment. KFC was the first international fast food chain to open in Vietnam Recognizable names like Lotteria, McDonald’s, Burger Ki...

SAIGON HISTORY & CU CHI TUNNELS WITH WAR MUSEUM 1-DAY TOUR

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  Description Joy Journeys always care for our client’s experience. All of our tours have a small group with maximum of 10 guests visiting Cu Chi Tunnels. Our knowledgeable, experienced, and well-English-speaking tour guides will provide you with fascinating insights into the history and significance of each location, making this an unforgettable experience. Our tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the war history of Vietnam by exploring the underground Cu Chi Tunnels. You’ll have the chance to see the booby traps used during the war and explore the ex-US Army tank from the Vietnam War by touching it. Additionally, you’ll be able to crawl inside the tunnels of Cu Chi and taste the locally grown Viet Cong food, tapioca, next to the tunnels. Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to the secret Hidden Bunker, providing a unique insight into the guerrilla tactics of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and adding more understanding to the war background by visitin...

‘COST-SAVING’ CU CHI TUNNELS & MEKONG DELTA 1-DAY TOUR

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  Description This tour is exclusive and limited to a small group of 10 people, ensuring that you receive unparalleled personalized service from our expert English-speaking guide. Our tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the war history of Vietnam by exploring the underground Cu Chi Tunnels connected to the Ho Chi Minh Trails. You’ll have the chance to see the booby traps used during the war and explore the ex-US Army tank from the Vietnam War by touching it. Exploring the history at Cu Chi Tunnels with Joy Journeys As you embark on a relaxing cruise on the Mekong River from My Tho to Ben Tre, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the traditional rowing boat in the water coconut canal. The picturesque scenery is a feast for the eyes and will leave you spellbound. During the tour, you’ll have the privilege to indulge in fresh fruits, and coconut candy, giving you a taste of the local culture. Additionally, you’ll visit a floating fish farm, enjoy ...