Nestled within the bustling city of Udon Thani in Thailand, a tapestry of vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas unfolds. This is Vietnam Town, a vibrant enclave pulsating with the heart of Vietnamese culture and cuisine. More than just a street market, it is a portal, a bridge uniting two nations through the universal language of food and shared history.
Photo: VN Express
Vietnam Town bursts onto the scene as the world’s first Vietnamese street model, born in December 2023. The air hums with excitement, a chorus of Vietnamese and Thai melodies weaving through the stalls. This is a space curated not just for the Vietnamese community, but for all – a stage to tantalize taste buds and nourish souls with the essence of Vietnam.
Stepping onto Lane 2, Si Suk Street, you’re transported to a kaleidoscope of sights and smells. Lanterns adorned with intricate Vietnamese calligraphy sway gently, casting warm hues on the colorful facades. Smiling faces, etched with years of culinary wisdom, beckon you towards steaming hot pots and crispy delights. The menu is a symphony of regional flavors, a journey from the verdant landscapes of the North to the sun-kissed shores of the South.
Vietnam Town: A bridge of flavors and culture in Thailand’s Northeast
Beyond the feast, Vietnam Town offers a glimpse into the soul of a culture. Traditional handicrafts, intricately woven baskets, and vibrant silk scarves whisper tales of generations past. Live music, the lilting notes of the đàn bầu monochord or the rhythmic beat of the trống drum, pulsates through the air, a heartbeat connecting past and present.
This cultural and culinary haven is more than just a bustling market. It is a testament to the enduring power of shared history and human connection. The Vietnamese community, long interwoven into the fabric of Udon Thani, finds its voice here, its heritage celebrated and embraced. In the clinking of glasses and the sharing of plates, barriers dissolve, replaced by the camaraderie of shared experience.
Photo: VN Express
Banh mi, the iconic Vietnamese baguette, beckons with its symphony of textures: crusty bread yielding savory fillings of pickled vegetables, tender meats, and vibrant herbs. Steamy bowls of phở simmer, their fragrant broth promising a warm embrace and a soothing comfort. Tiny pancakes of bánh xèo sizzle on griddles, each of which is covered by a golden vessel overflowing with fresh greens and succulent shrimp. Even the humble bánh giò, rice dumplings usually enjoyed on special occasions, finds its place here, a testament to the rich tapestry of Vietnamese tradition.
The crowds speak volumes. Tourists, lured by the exotic aromas and intrigued by the unfamiliar names, mingle with Thai locals who have long embraced the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality. Conversations blend into a delicious jumble of languages, punctuated by the clatter of spoons and the contented sighs of those satiated.
Vietnam Town is an invitation, a culinary passport to a vibrant culture. It’s a bridge of understanding, built brick by brick of fragrant rice paper, seasoned with the warmth of spices, and sweetened with the smiles of its people. For those seeking an adventure beyond the familiar, a journey into the heart of Vietnam awaits, right in the heart of Thailand.
Rooted in history, blossoming into flavor
For generations, Udon Thani has served as a welcoming haven for the Vietnamese community in Thailand, with over 60,000 individuals calling it home. While the seeds of Vietnam Town were sown long ago, it has recently blossomed into a vibrant project, bolstered by the local government’s 3 million Thai baht investment to upgrade and build its infrastructure.
Photo: VN Express
This bustling market, open every day from 7 am to 12:30 pm, is a culinary tapestry woven from the threads of Vietnamese tradition. Foreign tourists, Thai locals, and Thai-Vietnamese families alike gather here to experience the diverse flavors of Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnamese cuisine. From the delicate rice crepes of banh xeo to the fiery charm of central Vietnamese bun bo hue, each bite is a passport to a new culinary landscape.
Reaching Udon Thani, nestled roughly 530 km from Bangkok, is a breeze. Budget-friendly airlines like Nok Air and Air Asia offer daily domestic flights, with the journey taking only an hour. Round-trip tickets hover around 50-60 USD, making it an accessible escape for both local and international travelers.
For those seeking a more immersive journey, buses and trains offer an alternative, albeit slightly longer, route. The 8-9 hour travel time allows for scenic glimpses into the Thai countryside, while tickets start at an even more budget-friendly 20 USD.
So, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, Vietnam Town awaits. It’s more than just a market; it’s a vibrant tapestry of flavors, a cultural bridge, and a testament to the enduring power of shared traditions. Come savor the symphony of Vietnamese cuisine, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, and experience the warmth of Thai hospitality infused with the soul of Vietnam.