Dong Hoi (Vietnamese: Đồng Hới)

Dong Hoi, a small coastal town in Vietnam that you have to experience yourself

I, mr.hotsia, recently had the chance to visitDong Hoi (Đồng Hới)A small seaside town in Vietnam often overlooked by many, but for me, it is full of unique charm. Dong Hoi is located in Quảng Bình Province, which, although not as famous as Hanoi or Hoi An, offers nature and a way of life that left a lasting impression on me.

Arriving in Dong Hoi — Experience Simplicity and Local Life

I traveled from Hanoi by a slow train passing through the northern and central Vietnamese countryside until I arrived in Dong Hoi in the morning. Upon stepping off the train station, the first thing I noticed was the fresh air. Although the sun was getting strong, the cool sea breeze made me feel very comfortable. I chose to stay at a small guesthouse by the river, which was very affordable, and the owner was lovely and friendly. It felt more like staying at a friend's house than a luxury hotel.

Street Food in Dong Hoi — Delicious Must-Try Flavors

What excites me as much as traveling is the food. Dong Hoi has both morning markets and local restaurants packed with fresh seafood ingredients. I tried orderinggrilled button squidwhich is small sea squid grilled until the skin is crispy, fragrant with charcoal and spices. Eating it with hot sticky rice was truly an impressive meal. Additionally, I also triedVietnamese-style chicken biryaniwhich was flavorful and aromatic with spices without needing extra seasoning. You can watch the full eating experience fromVietnamese grilled button squid clipandVietnamese chicken biryanithat I recorded myself.

Exploring the Morning Market and Local Life

The morning market in Dong Hoi is lively from early dawn. I walked around stalls of fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits, and fresh seafood that hardworking vendors brought to sell. The market here is not as large as those in big cities but is full of vibrancy and authentic Vietnamese culture. I also saw a vendor selling fresh spring rolls, a favorite local snack. I stopped to taste and chat with the vendor, hearing stories of a simple yet joyful daily life.

Nature and Attractions Around Dong Hoi

Besides the charming town itself, Dong Hoi is close to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a tourist attraction I, mr.hotsia, recommend visiting to experience the long caves and beautiful landscapes. For those who love adventure and pristine nature, this park is perfect for visitors wanting to explore beyond the town.

Connecting Travel with Local Experiences

If you are planning to travel in northern or central Vietnam, I recommend stopping byLạng Sơn Provincewhich I have visited before and offers mountainous scenery and culture different from Dong Hoi. Traveling from Lạng Sơn to Dong Hoi is easy and adds a more complete Vietnam travel experience.

What You Should Know Before Coming to Dong Hoi

Although it is a small town, I recommend preparing an internet SIM card in advance for convenient communication and information during your trip. You can check my advice onVietnam 3G Internet SIMthat I have written before. Also, bring comfortable walking shoes because many streets and alleys are uneven and can be slippery during the rainy season.

Summary of mr.hotsia's Impressions of Dong Hoi

For me, Dong Hoi is a town suitable for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle and seek authentic travel experiences. Whether it’s fresh local food, friendly local lifestyles, or beautiful, unspoiled nature, I believe everyone who visits will feel the same warmth and peace that is hard to find nowadays.

If you enjoy deep travel and experiencing real local life, Dong Hoi is the answer that mr.hotsia wants you to try walking around, eating, and exploring. You will fall in love with this small town just like I did.