Vietnam among 6 most budget-friendly foodie destinations

Scotland-based travel agency Skyscanner has named Vietnam among six best foodie destinations "without worrying about blowing your budget" alongside Mexico, India, Thailand, Nepal and Singapore.

"If you've ever tucked into a steaming bowl of pho, you'll understand why foodie travelers fall in love with Vietnam," Skycanner said.

Though pho originated in Hanoi, it has gradually become a favored dish in the south as well, with options that include the original raw beef, a mix of raw and cooked beef, brisket and tendon.

Foodies can try a perfect bowl of pho for less than £1 ($1.21) and a local beer for about £0.5, the agency notes.

A bowl of pho in Saigon normally costs VND40,000 ($1.71), according to VnExpress survey.

Don't forget to enjoy banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) served with stuffed rolls and goi cuon (fresh summer rolls) filled with shrimp and mint leaves, it adds.

It also says that the ancient town of Hoi An in central Vietnam is considered as Vietnam's foodie capital where Chinese, French and Japanese influences combine to create a unique take on Vietnamese cuisine.

The signature dishes in Hoi An are cao lau (Vietnamese thick noodles) and chicken rice.