Dong Xoai, Binh Phuoc

Dong Xoai, the capital city of Binh Phuoc Province, that you should not miss

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today, I will take you to get to know Dong Xoai, the capital of Binh Phuoc Province, located in the northern part of southern Vietnam. For those who enjoy deep travel experiences, not just passing through, I assure you this place has charm and stories more interesting than you might think.

Traveling from Thu Dau Mot to Dong Xoai

My journey started from Thu Dau Mot city, Binh Duong Province. This city is close to Ho Chi Minh City, which is very convenient for travelers wanting to leave the big city and experience local life. On the day I headed to Dong Xoai, I chose to take the northern bus line because there is no clear bus station in Dong Xoai. I had to get off in the city center instead, which gave me an unplanned experience of walking around the city, looking for a hotel, and soaking in the atmosphere before heading to the Central Highlands.

Accommodation and Atmosphere in Dong Xoai

There are very few hotels in Dong Xoai city, about 4-6 places only. Most also operate karaoke bars. The room I chose was next to Coop Mart, costing about 500 baht per night. The air conditioning system was not very good and there was a cigarette smell in the room, but it was a convenient and comfortable place near the market and restaurants.

Dong Xoai is a small town with houses quite far apart. The locals are not as lively as in big cities but the town has its own charm. The city monument is not far from the morning market, which I will tell you about next.

Dong Xoai Morning Market: A Colorful Way of Life

The Dong Xoai morning market is one of my favorite places because it shows the real lifestyle of the local people. The market is on a small sloping street, making photos look beautiful and lively. The market has many fresh goods including freshwater fish, local fruits, and notably two separate dog meat shops. For those unfamiliar, this might be surprising, but here it is a culturally accepted food in some parts of northern Vietnam and Dong Xoai itself.

Additionally, the market sells a fair amount of mangoes, which is interesting because the city name “Dong Xoai” means “mango.” I tried the mangoes at the market and found them to be sweet and crisp.

If you want to fully experience the morning market atmosphere, I recommend coming early in the morning when it is lively and vendors bring a variety of fresh goods and freshly made local dishes to taste.

Food and Spa in Dong Xoai

After walking through the morning market, I tried local-style duck rice at a restaurant near the hotel. The dish was flavorful, affordable, and the restaurant atmosphere was very friendly. On the second day of my stay, I scheduled a session for oil massage and shampoo face massage in Dong Xoai, which are popular services here. The prices are budget-friendly and the quality exceeded expectations. The massages helped me relax from traveling and the tiring sun exposure.

If anyone is interested in details about massages in Dong Xoai, you can read more in the articlesOil Massage in Dong XoaiandShampoo Face Massage in Dong Xoaiby me.

City Atmosphere and the Lake I Didn’t Reach

Dong Xoai also has a lake, but it is not in the city center. I tried to walk there but arrived after dark and had to cancel. The feeling of this town is peaceful, with scattered houses and not as crowded as big cities. I like this atmosphere because it allows experiencing a truly slow lifestyle.

Summary of Experience and Impressions

Dong Xoai is a city suitable for travelers who want to travel unhurriedly and seek the true local life of southern Vietnam. For those who enjoy morning markets, local lifestyles, and traditional food, I recommend visiting here at least once. It is also a good stopover before heading to the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

If you want to know more about Dong Xoai and Binh Phuoc Province, you can read the articlesTraveling Binh Phuoc ProvinceandDong Xoai City, Binh Phuoc Province 2016that I wrote, which will give you a broader and deeper understanding.

Finally, I leave you with some Vietnamese food videos I like to enjoy while planning your Dong Xoai trip, such asVietnamese Grilled Button Squid, Vietnamese Chicken Biryani, andVietnamese Nem FangI hope this article helps everyone see the image and charm of this small town more clearly.

See you again with mr.hotsia in the next travel article!