Stock up on greens at a street market

Eating is an adventure unto itself in Vietnam. Food is everywhere - from simple street stalls tended by squatting women fanning the coals to upmarket restaurants where there is an emphasis on immaculate presentation.

Dog is considered a delicacy in Vietnam but few Western tourists have the heart - or stomach - to chow down on man's best friend.

Rice, followed by fruit and vegetables, make up the staple diet. Chicken and pork are the most popular meats while Vietnam's extensive coastline means seafood is fresh and abundant.

The national dish is pho, a delicious sinus-clearing beef or chicken-based broth served with rice noodles and fresh greens - make sure to slurp as you hoover up your noodles.

Try washing it all down with Vietnamese beer (bia hoi) or sweet ca phe phin (coffee).

Throughout the country, cooking classes are offered to travellers and are sometimes preceded by a trip to the local market with the chef to stock up on ingredients.