Region: Northwest Vietnam> Province: Dien Bien> Location: Tuan Giao

Tuan Giao

Even if you aren't staying there, try to stop in for a western-style snack or some breakfast at the HongKy Hotel and Cafe Restaurant, or just for a cup of coffee in their pleasant little courtyards. Expect really slow service and a lot of smiles. For a quick bite, there's plenty of Com and Pho, and two places to seek out to dine on local specialities are Quan Thai Ky near the market, for goat or dog meat hot pots, and the swankest place in town, Pham Thi Hai, located along the road to Dien Bien Phu. Seating is on the second floor of an old wooden building with bouncy floorboards covered in carpet -- it's Vietnamese-style seating along long tables, and the ranging menu includes all the usual stuff for this type of place -- beef, shrimp, chicken, snail, eel, etc. It's also a good place to show up and crash a wedding.

Pham Thi Hai Restaurant: 74 Truong Xuan, Tuan Giao. T: (0230) 862 408;(0904) 296 288. Hours: 06:00 to 22:00.
Quan Thai Ky: No. 36, Town Centre, Tuan Giao. T: (0230) 862 551. Hours: 04:00 to 22:00.