Dong Xoai City, Binh Phuoc Province 2016

Tracing back Dong Xoai City, Binh Phuoc Province with mr.hotsia in 2016

After I, mr.hotsia, visited Dong Xoai City, Binh Phuoc Province (Bình Phước) three years ago, in 2016, I decided to return here once again with the intention to experience the lifestyle and changes of this small town once more. For this trip, I chose to stay at the same hotel located next to the mall.Coop MartThis location is very convenient for walking around the town center and easily accessing the local market.

I remember on the first night arriving in Dong Xoai, it was almost evening, so I chose to go out and find authentic local dinner at a southern Vietnamese-style duck rice shop full of rich flavors and the aroma of local spices. After a satisfying meal, I returned to rest and prepare for the next day full of activities and exploring the town thoroughly.

The lively Dong Xoai morning market

The next morning, I woke up early to visit the morning market of Dong Xoai, a market with a unique charm. The bustling crowd of sellers and buyers almost filled the main street of the town. The market is located on a gently sloping street, giving a view from the hilltop that looks like waves of people and motorcycles moving busily but harmoniously.

This morning market atDong Xoaioffers a variety of fresh goods, from unusual fish, chicken, duck, to seasonal fruits. Especially mangoes, available in many varieties, which made me jokingly think that the name “Dong Xoai,” meaning mango, might have originated from this.

One distinctive and unusual thing for foreign tourists like me is the presence of dog meat shops clearly separated from other stalls, which is normal in the eating culture of some areas in northern Vietnam and this town near the Central Highlands. I recommend that if you encounter such shops, please respect their way of life and avoid taking photos or drawing too much attention to maintain good feelings on both sides.

Relax and recharge with Vietnamese-style spa

After walking through the market and experiencing the morning life atmosphere in Dong Xoai, I returned to the hotel to reward myself with a full oil massage and facial treatment at a local spa. The spa I tried in town was very affordable compared to the quality of service received. The massage time was when I truly relaxed my body and mind after a day of traveling and sightseeing.

For those interested in trying this experience, I recommend checking outOil massage in Dong XoaiandFacial and hair wash massage in Dong Xoaiwhich are popular services highly recommended by locals.

Local food and impressive simplicity

Besides the market and spa, what I really liked in Dong Xoai was the local food stalls inside Coop Mart mall, offering southern Vietnamese curry rice at prices affordable for locals. The simplicity of the shop and the taste of the food made me feel like tasting the true flavor of everyday life in Vietnam. No ceremony, just delicious taste and a warm atmosphere.

Dong Xoai in the context of Binh Phuoc Province

Speaking of Binh Phuoc Province, Dong Xoai is the capital and an important center of this province. Binh Phuoc borders Cambodia, with Dak Nong Province to the east and Tay Ninh Province to the south, making this area culturally and naturally diverse and fascinating.Traveling Binh Phuoc ProvinceSo it’s not just about visiting Dong Xoai, but also exploring the surrounding areas full of charm from southern and lower central Vietnam.

I traveled from Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong Province, a small town with a peaceful atmosphere, and drove north to Dong Xoai. This town does not have a large bus station like other cities, so I had to get off in the town center and find accommodation, which is limited to only 4-6 hotels. This made me feel like truly experiencing the local life, not a town overly adapted for tourists.

Memories and feelings from Dong Xoai

This time, returning to stay at the same hotel and walking through the morning market again, I hardly recognized that I had been here before. The lively life, small changes in the town, and the time I spent living fully each day made everything feel fresh and exciting as if it was my first visit.

Dong Xoai is not just a stopover before heading to the Central Highlands but a lively town with an interesting lifestyle and warmth that cannot be found in bigger cities. I, mr.hotsia, recommend everyone to try walking the morning market, tasting local food, and experiencing the spa massage here at least once. I guarantee you will have an experience unlike any other usual tourist destination.

Watch a video introducing Dong Xoai’s food and lifestyle

For fans who want to see fresh images of Vietnamese food such as grilled button squid, Vietnamese chicken biryani, and delicious nem fang, I recommend watchingVietnamese Grilled Button Squid, Vietnamese Chicken BiryaniandVietnamese Nem Fangwhich are dishes I tasted and recorded during this trip.