Nam Dinh Province, Vietnam (Nam Dinh)

Experience traveling to Nam Dinh Province, Vietnam with mr.hotsia

Just 90 kilometers south of Hanoi lies Nam Dinh Province, a city that remains peaceful and not overwhelmed by tourists. It is perfect for those who appreciate the charm of a small town with a simple lifestyle and nature close by. I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to visit this province myself in May 2015 and want to share openly that Nam Dinh is not only known for its sea but also has other charms waiting to be discovered.

Nam Dinh City and Its Simple Way of Life

The capital of Nam Dinh Province is located in the center of the province, featuring a lake in the heart of the city where locals exercise and socialize in the mornings and evenings. You will see people jogging as if this lake is the city's heart. I stayed atLakeside Hotelwhich is not far from the lake, allowing me to truly experience the city’s atmosphere.

One interesting aspect is the difficulty in finding food in the city because the zones for restaurants, shops, and businesses are clearly separated. Unlike typical tourist cities where eateries are scattered everywhere, I struggled to find food until I discovered unusual places like “Lao Meow” and “Lao Ma,” local dishes I had never encountered before. But if you love fresh seafood, you must not missQuat Lan Beachlocated on the coast of Nam Dinh Province.

Experience the freshness of the sea at Quat Lan Beach

I took a taxi from Nam Dinh city to Quat Lan Beach, which took about half an hour. The beach atmosphere here is different from the bustling beaches worldwide because the sea water is quite murky and hardly anyone swims. However, you will see groups of people enjoying fresh seafood at lively beachside restaurants. There are both general seafood restaurants and places where Vietnamese women warmly invite customers. The dish that impressed me was Vietnamese-style grilled pork, called “Nam Bo Nuong,” which is thinly sliced meat grilled on a hot pan brushed with Chinese-style butter, with vegetables added similar to Korean BBQ. The flavor is rich and very delicious. I tried it at a restaurant named “Sau Nuong Quan,” an experience not to be missed when visiting this province.Vietnamese Grilled PorkThis dish reminded me of Chinese grilled pork I have had before but with its own unique character here.

Additionally, I stayed at Bac Ha Resort on Quat Lan Beach for 600 baht per night, which offers sauna, bathing, and Vietnamese-style massage services. The rooms were clean and the massages very relaxing. For those wanting a comfortable rest after traveling and enjoying fresh seafood, this is highly recommended.

Nam Dinh Morning Market: Coffee Council and Daily Life

In the morning, I explored the fresh market near my hotel, a covered market mostly visited by elderly people aged 40-70. This market acts like a coffee council for locals, with tea shops and people chatting casually. I witnessed the true lifestyle of the locals here, unlike tourist markets filled with visitors and profit-driven sales. Nam Dinh’s morning market still carries the old charm that made me feel like I was stepping back in time.Nam Dinh Morning Marketis an ideal place to stroll and genuinely experience the culture.

Big C in Nam Dinh: Changes in Lifestyle

Although Nam Dinh is a small and quiet city, there is a large Big C department store about 2 kilometers from the city center. This Big C has somewhat reduced the importance of the fresh market as locals now prefer convenient and modern shopping. Near Big C, there are upscale and pricier night restaurants compared to street vendors. Here you can find seafood and unusual dishes such as “Meow,” a local dish rarely seen elsewhere.

Travel and Relaxation Tips for Nam Dinh

I, mr.hotsia, found that accommodations in Nam Dinh city are quite scarce and not cheap, mostly catering to business travelers rather than tourists. For those wanting to stay near the sea, I recommend Quat Lan Beach, which offers 3-5 resorts and hotels with a pleasant atmosphere perfect for relaxing, like my stay at Bac Ha Resort, which provides good service at a reasonable price.

If you enjoy walking around the city, I suggest staying near the central lake to truly experience local life. Don’t forget to try Vietnamese grilled pork or fresh seafood at beachside restaurants. This was an unforgettable experience for me, mr.hotsia.

Summary of mr.hotsia’s Impressions of Nam Dinh Province

Nam Dinh is ideal for those who love tranquility and want to experience small-town life in Vietnam untouched by mass tourism. I encountered fresh seafood, delicious Vietnamese grilled pork, a warm morning market, and good resorts on the beach offering relaxing massages. The trip from Hanoi is convenient, taking about 1.5 hours. If you want a change from the hustle and bustle of big cities, Nam Dinh is an interesting alternative to other famous tourist destinations in Vietnam.

For anyone interested in more details aboutQuat Lan Beachor wanting to learn aboutNam Dinh Morning Marketyou can read my article at mr.hotsia. I guarantee you will gain unique knowledge and information.