'Banh xeo’ (savoury filled pancakes) is a popular dish in the south and centre of Vietnam. (Photo: VNS)

The renowned travel guide book publisher describes Vietnamese food as balanced between sour and sweet flavours, crunchy and silky textures, fried and steamed dishes, soups and salads.“Essentially it’s all about the freshness of the ingredients – chefs shop twice daily to collect just-picked herbs from the market,” it says, adding that eating out in Vietnam is just a feast for the eyes and treat for palate.

In the Vietnam’s top 20 experience list, food tour is followed by Hoi An Ancient Town in the second place and Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park in third.

Hoi An is dubbed as Vietnam’s most cosmopolitan and civilised town and a beautiful ancient port where visitors can immerse themselves in history in the warren-like lanes of the Old Town, tour the temples and pagodas and dine like an emperor on a peasant’s budget.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang is referred as one of Vietnam’s most spectacular national park with “jagged hills shrouded in verdant rain forest and mountain river coursing through impressive ravines” above ground and underground, the “cathedral-like chambers” of Son Dong, the world’s largest cave.