MYHEART.
A ZINEOF TH E T TAHTSGNIH ZEEUQSAEVAH
T A B L E O F
C O N T E N T S
Xoxo Kate
Welcome to Main Squeeze A culmination of all the things I love; that have a squeeze on my heart. Whether that be places, people, experiences, food, drink, art, music, clothes â you name it. If itâs my main squeeze, this is where youâll hear about it
This issue shines a light on the beautiful country of Vietnam A place I was lucky enough to venture to this March. Where I was immediately enamoured by the misty haze, vibrant streets and mouth-watering food I hope this inspires you to want to visit it too
WHYTRAVEL
TO VIETNAM?
Traveling to Vietnam is a no-brainer. It's affordable for starters, with direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City sometimes as low as $400 AUD, and the eighthour journey is a breeze for us Aussies. Nice accommodation is easy to find, and if you want to simplify planning, tours like Intrepid's Essential Vietnam package I booked offer a comprehensive 10-day experience from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh for about $1,000, covering accommodation, transport, activities, and some meals I tacked on a few extra days in Saigon to unwind and explore, making for a fantastic two-week escape. With easy travel, delicious food, endless activities, and friendly locals, Vietnam is a standout destination. Keep reading, and you might just find yourself booking a flight by the end of this issue.
VIETNAM
The dishes and bevs no trip to Vietnam is complete without.
PHO
A staple of Vietnamese cuisine. Eating Pho in Vietnam is something you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. The chicken broth soup with rice noodles is a so delicious no matter where you eat it
BĂNHMĂ
BĂNCHáșą
I hadnât tried bĂșn cháșŁ until my first day in Hanoi when I visited the popular spot BĂșn CháșŁ HÆ°ÆĄng
LiĂȘn, where Obama and Anthony Bourdain once dined BĂșn cháșŁ features grilled pork meatballs and pork belly served with a dipping sauce, vermicelli noodles, and greens on the side It quickly became one of my favourite dishes of the trip, with the salty, barbecued meat leaving me salivating for more.
You canât visit Vietnam without trying a bĂĄnh mĂŹ. These crusty baguettes have an incredible fluffy crunch and are filled with fresh greens and juicy meat. Youâll be buzzing with energy after devouring one
Us Aussies are known for being coffee snobs when we travel. Back home, weâre spoiled for choice, and ironically, the best coffee abroad is often found in cafes run by Australians. Nevertheless, what surprised me in Vietnam was the distinct and vibrant coffee culture. Itâs not just about flat whites and cappuccinos; in Vietnam, coffee comes with condensed milk, egg, coconut, and other unique twists. Strong and sweet, iced or hot, the variety makes coffee drinking a daily adventure
I found iced coffee with condensed milk to be my favourite during the trip. In the sweltering heat of Ho Chi Minh City, it vanished almost instantly as soon as I took a sip. Here are a few standout cafes to try out on your way around this distinct Southeast Asian destination:
TOPCOFFEESPOTS
The Cafe Apartments in Ho Chi Minh City - Explore the multiple stories and different cafes. The coffee at Arabica was particularly good.
Blackbird Cafe in Hanoi - A cosy spot perfect for a barista-made coffee.
The Weavers Roastery in Há»i AnEnjoy a coffee as you sit al fresco by the river.
HANOI
Your guide to the riverside capital city.
Before boarding my flight to Vietnam, my aunty mentioned that Iâd quickly forget the countryâs communist backdrop She was spot-on. I braced myself for strict customs and heavy-handed controls, but the reality was far from that. I breezed through the airport, grabbed my bags, and stepped into a whirlwind of activity. Amid the bustling crowd, I anxiously scanned for my chauffeur, hoping I wasnât about to fall victim to a scam or worse
My first night in Hanoi was a vibrant spectacle neon lights everywhere and an endless stream of motorbikes I hadnât done much research before the trip, which turned out to be a blessing. My tip for exploring the city? Pop these next spots into a Google Maps list, wander, and let yourself get swept up in the cityâs vibrant nature while discovering the countless adventures that await.
VINTAGESHOPPING
A friend suggested I dive into Hanoi's vintage scene while I was there A quick Google search led me to an article highlighting all the top spots. I saved them to my map and set out for the day Turns out, most of Hanoi's vintage stores are nestled in the YĂȘn PhỄ neighbourhood.
YĂȘn PhỄ feels more serene compared to other parts of the city, with fewer crowds and less traffic. Itâs ideal for strolling and exploring the vintage stores scattered around. While I was mainly there for clothing, my favourite discovery was a vinyl record store I stumbled upon, ÄÄ©a Than Vintage. The owner specialises in rare Japanese pressings and unique editions of classic records. Enjoy the music playing from his DJ decks as you browse through hundreds of vinyls packed into this cozy shop After exploring, head over to Mystic Coffee and relax with a drink by West Lake.
PhaseTwo Thrift Shop
Vintage Stadium
FFHN x PUSW
Super Nasty Vintage
FRESH by Mountain Makaw Shop
The rest of my time in Hanoi was spent exploring tourist hot spots, cafes, and bars with new friends from my tour group Thereâs no shortage of places to visit, but I particularly enjoyed starting my day with a hearty breakfast at Hanoi Social Club, grabbing a fresh pork roll while perched on street-side stools at BĂĄnh MĂŹ 25 and soaking up the atmosphere at the infamous Train Street, Beer Street and the Solar Sky Bar rooftop.
THEACTIVITIES
THETOWN
Boats, kayaking, and swimmingâthere are endless activities to enjoy on the island. Whether you take a day trip or embark on a full cruise through the limestone mountains rising above turquoise blue water, itâs a breathtaking place to unwind and immerse yourself in the natural beauty / 14
THESEAFOOD
A quick boat ride around the island reveals an array of colourful fishing villages floating on the water Naturally, the local cuisine reflects this maritime influence. During our boat trip, we enjoyed a delicious seafood lunch featuring oysters, grilled fish with rice, cha gio (fried spring rolls) and fresh pineapple an ideal selection for a day out on the water
CĂĄt BĂ is a refreshing escape from the bustling metropolises of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City This charming seaside town boasts small shops, lively bars and cosy restaurants. Stroll along the waterfront at sunset and take in the vibrant, lantern-lit streets.
V I E T N A M
All there is to see in the ancient capital city.
/MAINSQUEEZE
TRANGANCAVES MUACAVE
Taking a boat ride through the Trang An caves offers a breathtaking view of limestone grottoes lining the peaceful Sao Khe River. Women in conical hats row boats filled with tourists in bright orange life vests, creating a serene way to admire ancient local temples and marvel at the stunning rock formations and caves. Plus, youâll pass by the King Kong film set, adding an exciting cinematic touch to your journey.
Another popular spot in Ninh BĂŹnh is Mua Cave. While the cave itself is somewhat underwhelming, the real highlight is the stone dragon perched atop the mountain. Climbing the steep, uneven stone steps is a challenge (especially if you ' re hungover, like I was), but the reward is worth it From the top, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding karst landscape and lush rice paddies below, making it the perfect spot for stunning photographs.
For an alternative way to explore Ninh BĂŹnh, consider renting bikes and riding through the scenic mountains and rice paddies. The trails are easy to navigate and youâll enjoy getting out in the fresh air while high-fiving cute little Vietnamese kids as you pass by Itâs a delightful way to witness local life people hard at work in the rice fields or young boys fishing in the creeks. Definitely a 10/10 experience.
BUSKARAOKE
Youâve probably done karaoke countless times, but have you ever tried it on a bus? In Ninh BĂŹnh, youâll find these vibrant buses on the main drag, lacking seats and a proper karaoke setup While underwhelming with just a Bluetooth speaker and YouTube karaoke tracks instead of a big screen and iPad itâs a fun experience if you and your friends are ready to party Grab some drinks at the bar and get your fave track queued up.
EN ROUTE
MOTORCYCLEDIARIES
If telling your parents you'll be hopping on the back of a stranger's motorbike will make them flip out, itâs probably best to keep it a secret until afterward. Riding a scooter in Vietnam is practically a rite of passage if you skip it, did you truly experience Vietnam?
With just 24 hours in Hue, a motorbike tour was an efficient yet exceptional way to see the city. We zipped through the bustling streets and ventured into the scenic, tree-lined roads of the outer suburbs. Highlights included a delicious home-cooked lunch at a charming historical property and visits to stunning temples and the Imperial Citadel of the Nguyen Dynasty It was an amazing experience and I felt completely safe throughout
THEBEACH
TODO
THENIGHTLIFE
As one of Vietnam's largest cities, Ho Chi Minh City is buzzing with nightlife The main street, ÄÆ°á»ng BĂči Viá»n, is an experience with its bright lights, throngs of people and pushy promoters. While the nightlife hotspot wasnât my favourite, The View is a cool rooftop bar with stunning 360-degree city views and a terrace decked out with bright lanterns
After a less-than-stellar night on ÄÆ°á»ng BĂči Viá»n, I was keen to explore Saigonâs hidden nightlife. Big, flashy nightclubs arenât really my scene, but cocktail bars and the like are more my vibe. Thatâs where Thao Dien comes in. This trendy, expat-friendly area quickly became my favourite spot. Located across the river from the chaos of the city centre, itâs packed with stylish bars and clubs that make you want to stay out all night.
For a chilled glass of red, head to Mad Wine Bar and Eatery If you ' re after sunset drinks, grab a margarita at Le CafĂ© des Stagaires. For a bit of Jenga and unique cocktails, check out ASMR Bar Craft beer lovers should sit on the rooftop at NEO-, where you can enjoy a brew while admiring the funky art on the walls. For a late-night boogie to house beats, The Observatoryâs dimly lit rooftop is the place to be. And if you want to keep the party going into the next morning with Bloody Marys by the pool and DJs spinning tunes, donât miss The Villa Project. / 23
THEHISTORY
A trip to Vietnam wouldnât be complete without delving into its rich history While confronting, the scars of the Vietnam War are still evident and youâll hear stories of historical events on nearly every corner of the city.
Day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta offer a glimpse into the harrowing innovations of wartime survival The War Remnants Museum is a must-visit, featuring a range of global perspectives through stark photography and powerful artifacts. Itâs particularly thoughtprovoking to see the exhibit on international opposition to the war, offering food for thought in light of ongoing conflicts today
THEREST
Like many metropolises, Ho Chi Minh City is packed with things to do and see. My few days there gave me just a taste of what the city has to offer and the longer I stayed, the more I wanted to explore. Thatâs the beauty of travel.
Whether you have a weekend or two weeks, thereâs plenty to discover Hereâs my list of must-see places and things to do during your stay:
Stay at Au Lac Legend Hotelâthe rooftop pool is a must for those balmy days in HCMC, and the buffet breakfast is top-notch.
Inhale and exhale the humidity away with a yoga class at Yoga Pod.
Enjoy an Aussie-style boozy brunch at WKND.
Chow down on crab spring rolls and bĂșn cháșŁ at QuĂĄn Nem VuĂŽng Experience the chaos of Ben Thanh Market and Saigon Square, and put your bartering skills to the test.
Savour super fresh sushi at Yakuzen Healthy Restaurant. Discover your new favourite cocktail at the hidden bar Climb.
Indulge yourself with a facial treatment at Ukiyo Spa
GRAB MONEY
South East Asiaâs answer to Uber, Grab is a lifesaver for trips in Vietnam. The app is incredibly handy for getting around, especially late at night. You can easily book a car or hop on the back of a motorbike to get across the city for just a few dollars It also doubles as the go-to app for food delivery, so you can satisfy any late-night cravings with just a few clicks
Carrying cash in Vietnam makes things a bit easier, especially if you ' re doing a tour like I did. Itâs handy for tipping your guides and bus drivers. As always, exchange some funds before you leave for your trip. While using your card and withdrawing money there is generally straightforward, be cautious with some ATMs. They might reject your card or keep it if you donât take it out immediately after itâs ejected
VISA
It might seem obvious, but itâs easy to forget: youâll need to apply for an e-visa before you leave. The website might look like itâs from 2002 and you may think youâre about to be scammed, but itâs legitimate and the approval process is quick and straightforward
USEFULSAYINGS
Luckily, many people speak English, but itâs always helpful to know a few simple phrases for your travels Here are my personal favourites:
1.Xin chĂ o & chĂ o em - Hello. Use chĂ o em when youâre greeting someone younger than you.
2 CáșŁm Æ n - Thank you
3.Delicious - Ngon!
4 Má»t, Hai, Ba, DzĂŽ! - 1, 2, 3, Cheers!
5.TáșĄm biá»t - Goodbye.
