Page 71 - 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers

Traveler tip
20 Unique market experience in Chiang Mai

Visit the Bu alo Market early (7-8am) on a Saturday morning.
The market is in Hangdon (suburbs of Chiang Mai, Thailand). They sell
bu alo, cows, chicken, motorbikes, new and antique clothes, food, garden

supplies, household supplies and much more.

—Mu y Lutzin, 8-time traveler, Quincy, MA
21 Get your eyeglasses in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

There’s an entire street of optical shops near the Ben Thanh Market (on
Lê Thánh Tôn) where you can get great deals on fashionable frames, as well as

on prescription lenses (even progressives) and contacts. Many o er same-day
service. Bring your prescription from home.
22 Linger over coffee in Vietnam

Especially in the major cities, Vietnam has quite a co ee culture—

and plenty of charming cafes where it takes place. Enjoy a cup of cà phê tr ng,
a delicious dessert co ee with egg whites in it.

What to Eat in Vietnam

Vietnam’s national dish is pho, a classic rice noodle soup. Its name refers to
the noodle, but it’s the aromatic, savory, long-simmered broth that makes
the dish. The two main varieties are chicken (pho ga) and beef (pho bo). Both
are served with di erent cuts of meat and accoutrements like basil leaves,

bean sprouts and condiments. For lunch, try banh mi, a delicious French-
Vietnamese sandwich. It starts with a crusty toasted baguette, which is layered
with pâté, pickled vegetables, cilantro, chilies and your choice of protein such
as pork belly, chicken, or fried fish.
Bún cha are rice vermicelli noodles served in bowls filled with grilled ground
and whole pork drenched in nuoc cham, a sweet yet savory mix of fish sauce,
sugar and vinegar. This is what President Barack Obama and the late Anthony
Bourdain ate on a famous episode of Bourdain’s show Parts Unknown—washed
down with frosty Hanoi beer.

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