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A day in the lunar calendar traditionally known as the day of the ‘God of Wealth’ in Vietnam is when people normally rush to buy gold in search of good fortune. However this year many have observed the tradition even before the day itself. As per Vietnamese tradition and custom, the tenth day of the Lunar New Year, which is today (February 17), is the day when the God of Wealth returns to heaven, creating the belief that buying gold then will bring good luck and prosperity throughout the year. Despite this, gold shops in Vietnam’s larger cities were packed with buyers...

THOUSANDS OF YEARS IN THE MAKING For centuries, Vietnamese cooks have been adapting the techniques, ingredients, and recipes of conquering overlords, trading partners, and neighboring nations, to create a cuisine that is arguably the best in the world, and certainly one of the healthiest. The flavors of Vietnam are fresh and light, featuring herbs such as basil, Vietnamese mint, lemongrass, and coriander/cilantro. The versatile fish sauce known as nuoc mam makes an appearance at most meals, as does seafood, and rice noodles, fresh vegetables, rice, and lime juice. Vietnam's three main areas, the North, Central, and South, each have their own regional variations, reflecting...

Vietnam offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip Halong Bay Thousands of limestone karsts jut skyward from emerald waters in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed seascape. The best way to see it is to hop by boat between islands, including scenic Cat Ba, home to a national park.   The Imperial City, Hue The jewel of Hue’s Citadel, this sprawling complex of majestic palaces and evocative temples brings the magnificence of Vietnam’s royal dynasties to life. Markets From Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter to floating outposts in the Mekong Delta, markets reveal colorful slices of local life. Plunge right...