We highly recommended the Rung Rueang Pork Noodles for a bowl of authentic Thai-style Pork Noodles if you are looking for the local taste food in Bangkok.
Rung Rueang Pork Noodles is another Michelin Bib Gourmand in Bangkok. For over 50 years, this tiny shop serves a bowl of authentic Tom Yum pork noodles for locals. It started from its humble beginning as a food cart and to a well-established shop in Sukhumvit. The shop is very popular among locals and tourists.
We tried the famous Michelin Bib Gourmand Rung Rueang Pork Noodles during our trip to Bangkok and highly recommended. Let’s share our food trip to this must-eat food in Bangkok.
Roong Rueng Pork Noodles
Finding the Rung Rueang Pork Noodles shop is not difficult. From the Phrom Phong BTS Station, there are about 5 minutes of walking distance.
Once you arrived, you’ll be noticed there are two shops with the same names and selling the same type of noodles. The corner shop is run by the original and the other on belongs to the daughter. Both are equally good and serve the very similar taste of pork noodles.
The shop is always packed with locals, especially those working in Sukhumvit. During weekday lunch hour, you will always be seeing people queuing for a table to have their bowl of pork noodles. There are also many people also order the food online for delivery.
The price is very reasonable and only costs you less than THB50 depending on the serving size (Small – THB50, medium – THB60, Large – THB70). With a Michelin recommendation, it can be considered very affordable, especially for the food price in the Sukhumvit area.
Rung Rueang Pork Noodles Address: 10/3 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110. Business Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 17:00. Getting there: Less than 5 minutes walk from the Phrom Phong BTS Station. Price Range: Less than THB100 for a bowl of noodles (Small – THB50, medium – THB60, Large – THB70).
What To Eat
Rung Rueang is famous for its Tom Yum Pork Noodles, but don’t worry, the combination of what you can order is beyond the limit.
Ordering is easy and it is very well organized and systematic. From the multi-language menu and picture displayed, choose the types of noodles (thin, flat, vermicelli, egg noodles, and wonton). Next, the noodles are to be served in dry, clear soup-based, or tom yum spicy soup-based. You can choose various toppings from fish ball and minced pork, minced pork only, fish ball and fish cake only, to your bowl. Lastly, the size which offers in small, medium, and big sizes.
Without a long wait, our bowl of Michelin Bib Gourmand Pork Noodles were served.
Tom Yum Pork Noodles
I ordered the tom yum soup noodles topped with minced pork and fish ball.
My bowl of pork noodles is filled with their popular homemade fish balls and flavorful pork minces. It’s so porky and tastes good! I also added on the pork liver and intestine, but it’s depending on you. The aroma of minced pork is perfectly matched with the tasty spicy soup. It was so satisfying!
Clear Soup Pork Noodles
While the clear soup based pork noodles are the least glamorous compared with the tom yum soup base. But don’t get me wrong, the broth is very flavorful. It has been cooked for hours and it’s so delicious and full of flavors.
The fish ball was exceptionally fresh and bouncy. Nothing fancy but truly local taste and traditional food you can enjoy in this restaurant.
Overview: Bangkok Best Pork Noodles
All in all, the Rung Rueang pork noodles are a down-to-earth food to eat in Bangkok. It is affordable, delicious, and filling. I personally like the Tom yum Pork Noodles as it comes with a burst of flavors and spiciness.
With a Michelin recommendation at an easily affordable price, we highly recommended giving Rung Rueang Pork Noodles a try when you are in the area. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Traveling to Bangkok? Here is the inspiration for Bangkok travel stories:
If you’re visiting Bangkok and enjoy Thai food as much as we do, then this Bangkok food guide with a list of must-eat food and the best restaurant will be very useful to help you decide where and what to eat when visiting the city.
Bangkok is one of the world’s greatest food cities. When looking for the best Thai food, Bangkok is always the best place to try the most authentic Thai dishes in the country. From Thai curry rice, Pad Thai, Papaya Salad, Mango Sticky Rice, and many more, there is so sure something suits your taste bud.
As food lovers, we enjoy the Thai food in Bangkok so much and are always excited to come back to the city just for food. From local Thai food to street food, there is an extensive range of Thai food to eat when visiting Bangkok. Travelers might be overwhelmed by the number of restaurants, food stalls, and street food vendors stretching along the streets of Bangkok. Everywhere you walk around the city, you’ll be tempted by something delicious.
To make it as well-rounded as possible, we are going to share some of the best food in Bangkok that you should not miss in the city. We’ll also list out some of the best restaurants serving up the most delicious food for you to try when visiting the city.
Here is the Bangkok food guide for all the must-eat food in the city.
The list of the best food in Bangkok is long and compressive. Here is a quick view of this Bangkok food guide for the best Thai food in Bangkok to help you decide where and what to eat.
Bangkok Food Guide for the Must-Try Bangkok Food Place:
Tom Yam Mama Noodles from Jeh O Chula
Tom Yum Pork Noodle from Rung Rueang
Braised Pork Trotter (Khao Kha Moo)
Peppery Noodle Soup (Kuay chap)
Pad Thai from Thip Sa Mai
Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai) from Go-Ang Pratunam
Crab Omelette (Kai Jeaw Poo) from Jay Fai
Fried Rice with Crab Meat (Khao Pad Poo) from Here Hai
Spicy Pork Spine Soup (Leng Saap)
Yaowarat Street Food and Seafood Restaurant
Yaowarat T&K Seafood Restaurant
After You Dessert
Tom Yam Mama Noodles
Jeh O Chula – Tom Yam Mama Noodles
Located near Chulalongkorn University, Jeh O Chula used to be popular amongst students. But this shop gain its popularity after being featured in the Michelin Guide Big Gourmand for exceptionally good food at a reasonable price. Local foodies and foreign tourists flock over to slurp down a bowl of Tom Yum Mama Noodles. So be prepared to wait for hours.
The shop is open daily from 17:00 but their signature “Tom Yum Mama” is only available after 10:30 pm to 2:00 am. The favorite place for Bangkok late-night supper!
The hearty bowl is filled with mama instant noodles and generous toppings such as seafood, well-marinated handmade meatballs, a bright orange yolk, and some fresh greens in an iconic savory broth. The tom yum broth is so addictive and appetizing. Definitely flavorful and pleasant. High recommended for a bowl of authentic Thai noodle soup.
Jeh O Chula – Michelin Guide Big Gourmand
Jeh O Chula – marinated spicy salmon
Besides the mama noodles, Jeh O Chula also serves numerous top-notch street food snacks such as Thai-style shrimp omelet, crispy roast pork belly, pork neck, morning glory, and more. Overall all the food is excellent and locally priced. Do order the Thai-style marinated spicy salmon with herb and garlic, it is very fresh!
Pro Tips: Being the long wait time, I would suggest reserving online at Klook with a shorter waiting time. The price is slightly higher but no need to wait in line if booked through Klook.
Jeh O Chula in Siam (Michelin Guide 2020) Address: 113 Khwaeng Rong Muang, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330. Business Hours: Daily from 16:30 to 00:00. Tom Yum Mama is only available after 22:30. Getting there: The nearest metro station is the National Stadium BTS station. Price Range: About THB250 for a bowl of mama noodles.
Tom Yum Pork Noodle
Rung Rueang Pork Noodles
For over 50 years, Rung Rueang is best known for its Tom Yum pork noodles in Bangkok. It is a local’s favorite shop and has been rewarded with Michelin Bib Gourmand in Bangkok.
Rung Rueang is always packed with locals and that’s how you know it’s good! During the weekday, you can even see those working in Sukhumvit queuing for a table during lunch hour.
Roong Rueang Tom Yum Pork Noodles
The bowl of tom yum pork noodles is served with their homemade fish balls, and tasty pork minces. Foodies can also opt to add on the pork liver and intestine. The broth has been cooked for hours and it’s so thick and full of flavors. With the choice of noodles topped with quality ingredients, giving you the best in each bowl.
Rung Rueang Pork Noodles Address: 10/3 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110. Business Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 17:00. Getting there: Less than 5 minutes walk from the Phrom Phong BTS Station. Price Range: Less than THB100 for a bowl of noodles (Small – THB50, medium – THB60, Large – THB70).
Braised Pork Trotter (Khao Kha Moo)
Bangkok must-eat food – Braised Pork Trotter
Braised Pork Trotter (Khao Kha Moo) is one of the popular Thai street food dishes. You can find this tender sweet-salty pork leg stew all over the streets of Bangkok and all over the country.
The succulent pork leg is braised and then simmered for long hours in a broth made with Herb until the pork meat, skin, and fat are just melted in your mouth when you eat. The soft braised pork trotter is so tender, juicy, and flavorful. Something to die for. It is normally served together with steamed rice with spicy and sour sauce, boiled eggs, and some pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
We highly recommended the authentic braised pork trotter from Charoen Saeng at Silom Road. The shop has been running for more than 50 years and it is hidden down an alley side street in downtown Bangkok. It can be hard to find but you will be surprised there are so many locals and tourists who come to Saeng Silom to eat this juicy pork leg. Get there early as the pork legs sold out pretty fast.
Charoen Saeng Silom Address: 492/6 Soi Charoen Krung 49, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500. Business Hours: Daily from 7:30 to 13:00. Getting there: About 5 minutes walk from BTS Saphan Taksin.
Peppery Noodle Soup (Kuay Chap)
What To Eat in Bangkok – Kuay Chab Nam Sai
Also known as Peppery Noodle Soup, Kuay Chap is another must-try food in Bangkok if you are comfortable with eating pork innards. This unique noodles dish is loaded with tasty peppery broth with a side of rice noodle rolls. While mixed in with the noodles are crispy pork belly and pork offal such as pork liver, pork intestines, pork kidney, and pork lung.
What To Eat in Bangkok – Kuay Chap Nam Kon
Two main types of Kuay Jab are commonly found in Bangkok.
Kuay Chap Nam Sai (clear soup) is the Thai version of pepper pork soup. It is made from pork bones with lots of pepper so it has a strong aromatic pork flavor. The best Kuay Jab Nam Sai can be found in Yaowarat (Chinatown).
Kuay Chap Nam Kon (dark soup) is a dark brown, thicker soup broth. The soup has a mild Chinese spice braised flavor to it.
Sirichai Pork Leg & Seafood
Kuay Jap can be easily found around the streets of Bangkok. We tasted the mouthwatering Kuay Chab at the Sirichai Pork Leg and Seafood on Pracha Songkhro Road. The shop is famous for incredible Thai braised pork, but they also served the mind-blowing delicious kuay Chap.
The Kuay Chap here are wonderful, each with its own unique texture. It is cooked to tender perfection and excellent in taste. I personally prefer the Kuay Chab Nam Sai as the broth is intensely peppery. It is so flavorful that it doesn’t need any extra seasoning. The bowl is not entirely filled with offal though, as there are also come with pork meat and crispy pork belly.
Sirichai Pork Leg & Seafood Address: 40 Pracha Songkhro Rd, Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400 Business Hours: Monday to Saturday from 16:00 until next day 6:00. Sunday from 16:00 until 00:00. Price Range: Depending on the order. Wide variety of seafood and Thai dishes available.
Kway Chap Uan Photchana
Kway Chap Uan Photchana
Another popular Kuay chap shop is “Guay Jub Ouan Pochana” or “Kway Chap Auon Pochana” located at Yaowarat. This tiny shop has been serving this street eater for over 50 years and was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand.
They are best known for serving handmade rolled noodles in thick aromatic peppery pork broth.
The rice noodles are chewy and tender and the fragrant, hot peppery soup here is to die for. It is simply bursting with peppery flavors and will make you want more and more. You’ll have to try it for yourself to see how good it is.
Kway Chap Uan Photchana Address: Address: 408 ถ. เยาวราช Chakkrawat, Chakkaphat, Bangkok 10100. Business Hours: Daily from 11:00 until 00:00. Closed on Monday. Price Range: About THB30-50 per bowl.
Pad Thai
Bangkok Food Guide – Pad Thai Thip Sa Mai
Pad Thai is definitely a dish that you shouldn’t miss when you visit Bangkok. The thick handfuls of dry rice noodles are stir-fried and then soaked in sauces. It is then added with other ingredients such as tofu, baby shrimp, leeks, and bean sprouts as per the recipe and tossed into the mixture before this tasty plate is served hot to you. Pad Thai goes great with a squeeze of lime and a spoon of ground peanuts. The condiments such as chili flakes and vinegar can be added to bring a perfect taste.
Pad Thai stalls are available around every city in Thailand. But if you need a further recommendation, locals suggest the Thip Sa Mai for the best Pad Thai in Bangkok. The original shop is located in the old town area but now you can find Thip Samai in many famous malls around Bangkok. Recommended Pad Thai with shrimp with or without egg cover. The Pad Thai is tasty and the price is very reasonable.
Pad Thai Thip Sa Mai Address: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200. Business Hours: Open daily from 10:00 until 00:00. Closed on Wednesday. Getting there: The shop is located on Maha Chai Road near Khao San Road. Price Range: Around 70 THB for a plate of Pad Thai.
Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai)
Bangkok Food Guide – Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice
Established in 1960, Go Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice (Pink Shop) offers a Thai version of Hainanese-style chicken rice in Bangkok. It is the best well-known chicken rice shop among both locals and tourists. Besides, the shop is listed under Michelin Bib Gourmand for its quality food.
The location is convenient and situated within a 5-minute walk from the Platinum Fashion mall, making it a quick shopping break for some local food in Bangkok.
The chicken rice is a plate of light fluffy fragrant rice with perfectly poached chicken. The rice is cooked to perfection, and it is flavorful without being too oily. While the boneless chicken was succulent, moist, and tender. It is best paired with their homemade chili sauce which gave a nice touch to the rice and chicken.
The Go Ang chicken rice in Bangkok is reasonably priced, so make yourself a food visit if you are nearby!
Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice Address: 962 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Business Hours: Daily from 6:00 to 22:30. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the Platinum Fashion mall. Price Range: About THB40 for a plate of chicken rice.
Crab Omelette (Kai Jeaw Poo)
Thai crab omelette (Kai Jeaw Poo) is a very famous Bangkok street food thanks to the Jay Fai. This street-side Thai shop is a legendary food stall that awarded a Michelin Star in the Bangkok Michelin Guide for four years in a row (2018-2022). It is so popular and even getting featured in Netflix’s Street Food series!
The crispy golden-brown crab omelets are simply unparalleled! It comes at a price tag of THB 1,200 which is insane for street food. But you’ll understand what you’re paying for once you see the amount of crab meat stuffed into that omelette.
The owner, Supinya Junsuta, better known as Jay Fai cooks each dish on her own. So expect an incredibly long wait for a plate of this crab omelette. We’d highly recommend booking a table thought you might need to book it a few months ahead!
Jay Fai Address: 327 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200. Getting there: 8 minutes walk from Sam Yot MRT station (Blue Line). Price Range: Expected at least THB 1,200 to taste the insane crab omelette.
Fried Rice with Crab Meat (Khao Pad Poo)
What To Eat in Bangkok – Here Hai Khao Pad Poo
Located at the small shophouse on Ekamai road, Here Hai serves Bangkok’s best seafood fried rice and quality seafood dishes. You’ll be delighted to know that their seafood is as fresh as fresh can be. This eatery is popular among seafood lovers and awarded the Bangkok Michelin bib gourmand.
Their specialty is the crab meat fried rice (Khao Pad Poo), another popular Thai dish in Bangkok. The plate of fried rice is loaded with numerous amounts of succulent crab meat. It is so delicious and lives up to expectations.
Besides the popular crab fried rice, the stir-fried mantis shrimp with garlic and pepper is also highly recommended. The food prices may be considered high for street food, but the ingredients are superb. Plus, the portions are large and it even comes in an XXL version that is enough for four to six people.
Here Hai Restaurant Address: 112, 1 Ekkamai Rd,Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110. Business Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 14:30 and 15:30 to 17:00. Closed on Wednesday. Getting there: About 20 minutes walk from BTS Ekkamai. Alternative, take a grab motor (THB20) to the shop! Price Range: Average THB500 for a plate of crab fried rice per person.
Spicy Pork Spine Soup (Leng Saap)
Leng Saap (Spicy Pork Spine Soup) in Bangkok
Known as “volcano ribs”, Leng Saap is a Thai dish of boiled pork spine bones served with spicy sauce. It is one of the trending food dishes in Bangkok and is popular among locals and visitors. Leng Saap can be found in the railway market in Bangkok but the more popular spots are at the Jodd Fairs Mae Klong Noodles (the new version of Ratchada Train Night Market).
A high mountain of pork spine is stacked to form a tower with spicy soup, dressed with chilies, herbs, and spice. It comes in four sizes, ranging from THB150 to THB 599, We ordered a medium portion which came flooded in chili and lime. The meat was really tender and mouthwatering!
Jodd Fair’s Mae Klong Noodles Address: Rama IX Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310. Getting there: 8 minutes walk from Sam Yot MRT station (Blue Line). Price Range: Range from THB 150 to THB599 depending on the size.
Yaowarat Street Food
Yaowarat Street Food
Bangkok’s famous Chinatown, known as Yaowarat is a popular place for street food in Bangkok. In the daytime, you’ll find markets and some food shops, but the area is completely lit up by neon lights and street food carts at night!
Many street vendors will set up their food carts along the small alleys and boast of a thriving food scene. The street is full of food gem surprises and packed with delectable eats. You’ll discover a variety of Thai and Chinese street food with the food smells everywhere.
Don’t be afraid to explore down a dark side alley or follow the instinct of your nose when you smell something delicious. It was an experience sitting on the streets and eating the food just like locals.
Cheng Teung Mhee Dessert from Aaii Waan Yen Yaowarat Bangkok
Here are some of the recommended food to eat in Yaowarat Chinatown Bangkok:
Roll Noodle Soup from Nai-Ek Roll Noodles.
Fish Ball Egg Noodle from Lim Lao Ngow Fishball Noodle.
Cheng Teung Mhee Dessert from Aaii Waan Yen.
Roll Noodle In Peppery Soup With Crispy Pork from Nay Lek Uan.
Bangkok Food Guide Tips: Mondays are the street cleaning day in Bangkok. Avoid visiting Yaowarat on Monday as many street food cart vendors take the day off.
Yaowarat T&K Seafood Restaurant
Where to Eat Seafood in Bangkok – Yaowarat T&K Seafood Restaurant
T&K Seafood Restaurant is a must-try seafood restaurant if you are in Bangkok. It is one of the most popular restaurants in Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) and is always super packed with locals and visitors. You’ll recognize the staff by their bright green shirts and the crowd waiting in line.
Tom Yum Seafood from Yaowarat T&K Seafood Restaurant
We personally have been visiting Bangkok for years and always come back here for their amazing seafood. The food is cooked fresh and tasty with Thai authentic flavor. We recommended the tom yum soup, clay pot glass noodles with fresh river prawn, grilled crab, and steamed fish with lemon and garlic, so delicious!
The seafood was incredible with wide variety of dishes at attractive prices. The restaurant is always packed so please expected to wait in line to get a table.
T & K Seafood Address: 49, 51 Phadung Dao Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100. Business Hours: Daily from 16:00 to 00:00. Getting there: Coupled your trip with Yaowarat visit. Best to get there by taxi or Grab. Price Range: Average THB800 per person, depending on the food order.
After You Dessert
After You Dessert Cafe Bangkok
For those with a sweet tooth, After You Dessert is the best option for a refreshing icy treat in Bangkok. It is a popular dessert cafe and gaining popularity among dessert lovers. So it is no surprise you are seeing many people waiting in line to get seats, especially on weekends.
Mango Sticky Rice Flavor shaved ice from After You Dessert Cafe
The menu is attractive with a wide variety of unique dessert choices that you can also give a try when in Bangkok, such as flavor shaved ice, Shibuya Honey Toast, Nutella Toast, traditional Thai sweet Toast, and Western dessert options, like chocolate lava, brownie, or cookie dough topped with ice cream. It’s good if you go with a group so you can try different desserts.
Whenever I am in Bangkok, for sure I will try some of the unique desserts in After You. So far all the desserts I tried never disappoint me. My personal preference is Thailand’s unique mango sticky rice kakigori and Shibuya Honey Toast is amazing! The flavor of shaved ice was delectable and perfect for a sunny day in Bangkok. It is so satisfying and melts in your mouth.
After You Dessert Cafe Bangkok Getting there: There are aver 10 branches opened up around Bangkok. Get the one near you. Price Range: Average THB400 per person.
Overview: Bangkok Food Guide
All in all, we hope this Bangkok Food Guide is helpful when looking for where and what to eat in Bangkok. There are so many mouthwatering foods that you can eat when you explore the city. Enjoy a bowl of piping hot noodles, Pad Thai, Tum Yum, green curry and rice, green papaya salad, and many of the foods you’ll encounter when looking for what to eat in Bangkok.
For me, Thai food is always one of the ultimate joys of being in Bangkok. The atmosphere of dining on the streets and in the restaurant is amazing. I truly love Bangkok street food and never have an empty stomach when I am in Bangkok. If you love food, Bangkok is the best place for your ultimate food adventure!
Traveling to Bangkok? Here is the inspiration for Bangkok travel stories:
When looking for what to eat in Kuala Lumpur, Yut Kee Restaurant is one of the best places to try some local traditional Chinese food. It is well known for its traditional Hainanese cuisines and is not to be missed for Kuala Lumpur’s local food.
Yut Kee is one of the well-known foodie places when looking for what to eat in Kuala Lumpur for traditional old taste food. Since 1928, Yut Kee serve old-time favorites such as chicken chop, toast bread, kaya roll, soft-boiled eggs, and coffee. It is the best place for breakfast and brunch and is also packed with local people and some tourists graving for their authentic Hainanese food.
On another busy Sunday morning, we visited Yut Kee for their famous Hainan-style breakfast. Let’s check out more detail about our food journey to Yut Kee in Kuala Lumpur.
The popular Yut Kee is a local Hainanese coffee shop operating since 1928. It is the typical traditional Chinese style coffee shop turned into a modern-day coffee shop cum restaurant. For decades, Yut Kee served their famous kaya swiss roll and Hainanese pork and chicken chop. The current owner is the third generation.
This family-owned restaurant was relocated from Jalan Dang Wangi to Jalan Kamunting a few years back but the restaurant keeps its nostalgic vibes. The establishment is painted in red color with traditional settling. The marble tables and wooden chairs lend a nostalgic ambiance to the restaurant. You can also see crops of newspapers on the walls, which shows the age of the Kopitiam quite well. A nice place for some nostalgic breakfast.
Yut Kee Restaurant Address: 1, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. Operating Hours: From 7:30 to 15:00. Close at Monday. Price Range: Average RM20 per person for food and drink.
A Food Trip To Yut Kee
There are a lot of people patrons here and mostly are local Chinese. To get a seat, you need to inform the cashier inside the restaurant of your name and the number of people eating with you. Once arrived, we place the name and number of pax at the counter and wait for our turn. The seat number will be called when it is your turn.
Be aware of the long queue as this place it’s very crowded during the weekend. Lunchtime can be really crowded so be prepared to share a table with strangers. It was still early and we only waited for almost 10 minutes for our seat. Overall, the service is swift and ordering is easy.
As you are seated, the menus are immediately placed there. You will notice there are some chef’s recommendations and I would definitely recommend trying them.
What To Eat
Yut Kee offers a variety of Hainanese food, a mixture of Western and Chinese styles. It is a good Kopitiam set with a wide variety of options for breakfast and lunch. All the dishes are shown on the menu with a price well listed.
Looking at the food offered, here is the recommended popular food to eat in Yut Kee:
If it’s your first time visiting the Yut Kee, you must try their toast with kaya (coconut jam) and butter. Unlike most kaya jams, the homemade Kaya from Yut Kee appears chunky. The toast set is coupled with the butter in a tiny cube, something you have never tried outside there before.
We ordered a cup of coffee, half-boiled eggs, and toasted bread with the amazing tasty kaya. The bread is so fluffy and soft, eating it with their kaya and butter just melts in your mouth. Nothing flash but just plain down-to-earth tasty foods.
Hainanese Chicken/Pork Chop
Yut Kee Signature Hainanese Pork Chop
Many local people came to Yut Kee for their famous Hainanese chicken chop or pork chop.
This time, we tried the Pork Chop instead of the popular chicken chop. The heavily battered pork is deep-fried to crisp and drenched in a pool of gravy. There are also generous sides such as green peas, carrots, and corn sitting majestically on the freshly prepared pork chop. There are also some potato wedges coming together.
Uniquely Hainanese! Not a bad try.
Roasted Pork Chop
Yut Kee Must-Eat Roasted Pork Chop
Another Yut Kee’s signature food is roasted pork chop. The crunchy skin is roasted up to perfection golden level. The crispy skin is a bit too salty but the meat is tender and juicy. Best to eat the fatty meat with their apple sauce gravy to eliminate the oily. Something to die for!
It’s always in limited quantities and only serves on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Come earlier as it might be sold out before noon.
Roti Babi
We tried Roti Babi on my previous visit but I am not enjoying it. The shredded pork and onion are wrapped inside the deep-fried bread. The bread is a bit too greasy and the pork filling inside is tasteless.
I don’t think the Roti Babi is nice, anyway is my personal taste bud.
Noodles Dishes
My favorite food in Yut Kee is beef noodle soup. It was excellent and my bowl of beef noodles soup was served with radish and beef cuts. Slightly salty but suited for my taste bud.
Not the best beef noodle in Kuala Lumpur, but still recommended if you are into tripe and tendon.
Besides, we also recommend the Hainanese Lum Mee. The noodle was much bigger than usual and the taste was so flavorful.
Kaya Roll and Marble Cake
Yut Kee is known for their cakes. So don’t forget about their homemade kaya rolls and butter marble cake, which are decedent and magnificent. Many local people used to buy home boxes of their cakes like kaya swiss roll and marble cake.
Getting To Yut Kee
Parking can be a hassle and we advise coming early or slightly off-peak hour. You can take the parking nearby where they charge per entry or find a proper parking lot at the roadside. Reminder to pay for parking on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur. We always managed to find a good parking space on a weekend morning.
If you are getting to Yut Kee by public transport, you will need to get to Dang Wangi LRT station and then walk about 10 minutes to the restaurant. Alternatively, Grab is a great option within the KL downtown area.
Overview: Visit Yut Kee For Hainanese Food
Overall, Yut Kee Restaurant is a good place for breakfast or brunch if you’re visiting Kuala Lumpur. The service is good, the portion is respectable, and the price is reasonable. Honestly, the food quality is not the finest but it has an old-school taste. Simply awesome and deliciously tasty!
Be prepared to wait and definitely worth the waiting time. Value for money for such sumptuous food.
Last but not least, if you’re planning on visiting Kuala Lumpur for the first time, free feel to read through our KL travel stories.
This quick and simple Northern Vietnam travel guide blog will introduce you to all of the top Northern region’s highlights and attractions. Hopefully, this will get you inspired to start planning your Northern Vietnam itinerary as soon as possible!
Northern Vietnam has so much more to offer than the typical tourist spots. There is so much to see and experience in the region. Not only this region is very affordable for budget travelers, but it is also rich in the cultural and breathtaking scenery.
North Vietnam is home to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, one of the bustling hectic cities in Vietnam with loads of authentic Vietnamese cuisines to experience. During your visit, spend your time strolling around the historical old quarter and hectic streets. Try as much local food and eat like a local!
For the nature lover, Northern Vietnam is where you’ll get off the beaten path and interact with minority ethnic people in local villages. You will find breathtaking bays, stunning rice terraces, and unbeatable scenery.
If you’re visiting Northern Vietnam for the first time, then this comprehensive travel guide will tell you all you need to know to plan your trip. We will be shared what to do and see during my trip to the Northern Vietnam region. So, keep reading if you want me to walk you through the best way to travel to Northern Vietnam!
Before planning a trip to Northern Vietnam, it is best to plan and have a brief introduction on what to do and see before your travel date. At a first glance, the attractions that you must add to your Northern Vietnam itinerary are Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, and surrounding attractions such as Lan Ha Bay and Ninh Binh.
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city. It’s also the second-largest city in Vietnam by population, behind only Saigon. Most people will choose Hanoi as a base when traveling around the Northern Vietnam region.
Halong Bay is the most touristy spot in Vietnam with thousands of visitors flocking into mesmerized by its spectacular scenery. This UNESCO heritage-listed site is one of the natural wonders of the world, and consists of a bay made up of around 1,600 limestone islands. This not to be missed attraction is about three hours east of Hanoi.
Lastly is Sapa, a mountain town in Lao Cai Province. It is located in the most northern region of Vietnam, about 5 hours northwest of Hanoi. Known for its rice terraces, trekking activities into the local village, and meet with minority ethnic people.
Best Time To Visit Northern Vietnam
Vietnam falls within the tropical zone of the northern hemisphere. So technically, Vietnam has only two seasons – dry (Oct-Apr) and rainy (May-Sept). However, in more northern areas, the climate does experience variances with four distinct seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter).
The most popular times to visit Northern Vietnam are during the Spring and Fall months. During these months, the weather is ideal and not too hot. The pleasant temperature will enable you to enjoy all activities while making sightseeing as perfect as it could be.
Spring (February to April) is the best time to visit Northern Vietnam. The weather is milder and fairly constant throughout the year. So it is best for traveling around and visiting the region.
Summer (May to October) is the hottest month in the Northern Vietnam region. So expect more sunshine and scorching heat with humidity as high as 40 degrees. The rainy season is also in full swing which started around July to September. Severe weather can occasionally cause Halong Bay cruises to cancel departures.
Fall (October-November) is another best time to visit Northern Vietnam. Like spring, the sky was clear with chilly temperatures throughout the region.
Winter (December to January) – The weather is surprisingly cold, especially in northern mountainous regions. However, Northern Vietnam does not snow but it is possible seeing snow-capped on the top of Mount Fansipan.
Traveling To Northern Vietnam
By air: Vietnam has two main international airports, which are Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Saigon. Both are busy international airports, serving thousand of travelers every day, from both internationally and domestically flying to Vietnam.
If you’re an international traveler arriving in North Vietnam by air, most probably you’ll fly into Noi Bai International Airport. Besides, Northern Vietnam is well-connected with other cities in Vietnam with countless daily flight connections between Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh, and Hanoi. There are also many low-cost carriers within South East Asia where you can find plenty of a good deals to get into Northern Vietnam.
By train and bus: If you are already in Vietnam, you can travel to the North region from Saigon, Hoi An, or other cities by train and bus. There are very comfortable and clean, but the traveling time is very long. Alternatively option, you can look for the sleeper bus or overnight train where you can save on the accommodation cost and time.
Getting Around in Northern Vietnam
Transportation is truly a headache for travelers when getting around in Northern Vietnam. It is also the most tiring part of the trip as the traveling journey from one destination to the next destination can be from 3 to 6 hours. If you are traveling with kids and older folks, it is best to allocate more time or spend at least one night stay at the attraction.
Besides, it is also important to arrange to pre-book the transportation to avoid the last-minute hassle. There are plenty of local tours with transportation included in the city. But it is best to look for a guided tour company with the reputation and good reviews.
We had a very pleasant Northern Vietnam trip and it was all made very easy for us by booking an online tour with Klook and Viator. Be sure to check for more information in each section below.
Planning Northern Vietnam Itinerary
Thanks to its beauty and attractiveness, we have a fantastic time in Northern Vietnam and I’m pretty sure you’re going to love it too. Next, let’s run through my Northern Vietnam itinerary below in more detail.
Things To Do on Northern Vietnam itinerary:
Day 1: Arrived at Northern Vietnam.
Day 2: From Hanoi to Sapa. Visiting local market.
Day 3: Trek into Sapa Local Village.
Day 4 to 5: Halong Bay.
Day 6 to 7: Hanoi.
Above Northern Vietnam itinerary can easily be reversed and swapped if they sound more suitable for your trip. You can base on our suggestions to make your own Northern Vietnam itinerary or customize it based on your travel interest and schedule.
Day 1: Arrived Northern Vietnam
We arrived at Noi Bai International airport and were picked up and transferred to the Hanoi city center. From Hanoi to Sapa, you can either take a bus or train which takes you around 5 to 6 hours. We decided to take the overnight train as it is the best budget option as it will save on traveling time and accommodation costs.
Once settled the transportation from Hanoi to Sapa, we had our first meal in old quarter at one of the infamous restaurants for Bun Cha after the tiring flight. We didn’t plan anything on the itinerary as we have around half day to blast around Hanoi before we take the night train to Sapa.
We enjoyed sightseeing around the old quarter until late evening and take the night train to Lao Cai. You may also do some orientation tours around Hanoi old quarter if time allows.
Northern Vietnam Travel Tips: The overnight train is very tiring, especially for families with kids and the elderly. Check below if you are looking for more transportation options.
Over-night Train – The best budget option for those with limited time as you will arrive in Sapa in the early morning to kick start the Sapa itinerary.
Located at Lao Cai Province, Sapa is one of the top destinations in North Vietnam. The misty Sapa is well-known for its mild climate, traditional hill tribes, colorful traditional markets, and stunning rice terraces. You can also learn about the Vietnam’s cultural heritage of minority groups such as Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Yi on your visit to Sapa.
For about 5 hours of traveling time, we arrived in Sapa in the early morning. Firstly, we headed to Bac Ha Sunday Market, another 2 hours painful journey into the rural area of the hilly village.
Bac Ha Sunday market is the place where I had been looking forward to for so long. As the name said, the Bac Hac weekend tribe market is held on Sunday. It is the local market where locals including the minority peoples are gathering here to buy and sell a wide variety of goods. You might also meet the Flower Hmong people who live in Lao Cai and Ha Giang Provinces with colorful traditional clothes.
In the late afternoon, we backed into Sapa town and have a good rest at the hotel. The hotel is simple yet comfy.
For more Sapa accommodation at different budget for your selection – Where to Stay in Sapa.
On the next day, we started our day in the early morning by trekking into the local village. This is a leisure hike but remember to put on a pair of comfortable footwear so that you won’t get blisters on your toes due to the long walking.
Known as the home of the Black Hmong ethnic minority, Cat Cat village is also the most popular destination on the Sapa trekking tour. This is probably because the village itself is fairly easily accessible compared to the other villages in Sapa. But this also makes it very touristy with lines of souvenir shops.
Trekking down the alley, we were able to see what this minority group does for a living. It is part of their culture where they sell lots of handmade crafts just for subsistence. We visited Black Hmong families and visit the Cat Cat waterfall and rice paddies in this village. Every corner in this place is so picturesque. What a breathtaking view!
There are a few local villages in the region to choose from. If you are planning to witness the settlement of the local’s life I would suggest visiting other villages such as Ma Tra and Ta Phin Village. For Sapa trekking tour to the local village:
Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spectacular scenery. It is home to sparkling emerald waters, with more than 1,600 towering limestone islands and islets, caves, and traditional floating villages.
Day 5 and day 6 on the Northern Vietnam itinerary are where we spend the time in Ha Long Bay!
Halong Bay is one of my favorite places to visit in Northern Vietnam. We sailed through the bay between the limestone outcrops, stop at a cave for a visit, and kayaked on the emerald water. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did.
Halong Bay is a perfect day tour from Hanoi. It is a pretty comprehensive and value-for-money experience! However, if budget is not a concern, it is highly recommended to stay at least one night on the cruise to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
We visited Halong Bay twice on my last few years of visit, one with a day trip from Hanoi and another we spend an additional night on the cruise. The itinerary is pretty much the same, where the tour guide will pick you up from the hotel in Hanoi with a transfer arrangement.
By spending a night in Ha Long Bay, you’ll get more time cruising the bay. In additional, you’ll also spend a night sleeping in your own cabin, waking up with the serene scenery, and have a more wonderful time in the bay with its breathtaking scenery.
We recommended booking the Halong Bay Day Cruise from Hanoi through Klook and Viator – a TripAdvisor company. Both are reputable companies with good customer reviews.
With about 2 days in Hanoi, we have plenty of time for exploring the city at your leisure. The downtown is bustling with people and full of motorcycles. You can lost in the city with lines of local food stalls, teeming streets, and colonial buildings. Some travelers find Hanoi overwhelming, but I truly enjoy my time wandering around and watching the locals and activities.
Hanoi is a history city dates back 3,000 years. Spend the time sightseeing in the Hanoi Old Quarter and French Quarter, strolling around the Hoan Kiem Lake, passing through the bustle of streets, and ending with a cup of Vietnamese coffee in one of the authentic coffee shops.
Don’t leave Hanoi without trying the bun cha, pho bo, banh mi, and many more local authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The Vietnamese food in Hanoi is world-class and should not be missed on the Northern Vietnam itinerary.
Besides, if you are in Hanoi during the weekend, don’t miss the night market on the walking street. There are many street food stalls with an unlimited variety of street food to choose from. Just make sure you’ll have maximum stomach space for the food!
Where to Stay: The best neighborhood to stay in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem. It is also known also as Hanoi City Centre or Hanoi Old Quarter. We stayed at the Acoustic Hotel & Spa and fell in love with the convenience and all that it has to offer. Many great restaurants and interesting attractions are within walking distance. Highly recommended.
There are too many wonderful places to discover in Northern Vietnam. With several days to fill in the Northern Vietnam itinerary, it is easily planned out for a few days of visit within the region. However, due to the long-haul traveling journey, it is highly recommended to spend at least two days when visiting each attraction.
I think 5 to 7 days on your Northern Vietnam itinerary is the bare minimum if you want to explore the region. If you only have 1 to 3 days, it is best to stick to only one place and visit it properly. You can spend your days either in Hanoi or Sapa.
If you have more days, you can spend an extra day in Hanoi, an additional night at Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island, or even have one day trip to Ninh Binh. Most important, don’t you pack the itinerary and you should visit the region without feeling rushed.
Final Northern Vietnam Travel Tips
If you’re going to stay in a different area follow this Northern Vietnam itinerary. So it is best to look for accommodation with at the action to ease on transport arrangement. Some people may choose to come back to the same hotel after a few days of the visit at another attraction, it is advised to check and request with the hotel to keep your luggage.
The best way to know the local culture and lifestyle is to join them! We highly recommended a trek into the mountainous rural local village in the North region. It is a unique experience to interact with the minor ethnic group. The traveling journey is painful to reach the rural village but glad that we visited it before it got more touristy.
Most likely you will trek into the local village or involve a lot of walking. Make sure to bring a comfortable sneaker and keep hydrated.
Is north Vietnam worth visiting?
North Vietnam is definitely worth visiting. Fantastic scenery, amazing historical monuments, mouthwatering food, and most importantly it is relatively cheap to visit.
What are the must-visit places in North Vietnam for a first-time visitor?
In my humble opinion, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa are musts for any first-time visitor to North Vietnam’s travel itinerary.
How many days are enough for North Vietnam?
For me, seven days is the perfect amount of time to experience the best of North Vietnam and its attractions. However, if you have more days, it will allow you to visit multiple attractions comfortably.
Is North Vietnam expensive to travel?
Similar to the entire Vietnam, North Vietnam is a cheap place to visit and best suited for a budget traveler. However, it is getting more expensive every year but is still comparable or cheaper compared to nearby countries such as Thailand and Cambodia.
Overview: A Trip To North Vietnam
All in all, Northern Vietnam is a region of the country not to be missed. We covered three main must-visit places in this region that you could visit on this 7-day Northern Vietnam itinerary. There are still many attractions and amazing places that this region has to offer. We shall return to North Vietnam for another time!
Looking for more travel information for your trip to North Vietnam? We shared the travel stories into more detail manner for each destination. Feel free to read my Northern Vietnam itinerary to Hanoi, Halong bay, and Sapa.
