Paul Christiansen in Environment
An Octopus? In My Cà Mau Swamp? It's More Likely Than You Think.
Worms live in the ground, birds live in the air, cá lóc live in lakes and octopuses live in the ocean, right? Wrong! Octopus can also live in the river.
Hanoi's Largest Indoor Aquarium Is Surprisingly Impressive for a Mall Attraction
I am a champion of the public aquarium. For many people, the aquarium is the only place where they can meet marine life outside of perhaps a wet market or seafood restaurant. Some research suggests th...
Paul Christiansen in In Plain Sight
On a Boat Ride Through Nhiêu Lộc Canal, a Fish's-Eye View of Saigon
Could your life in Saigon be made into a quirky indie film?
Vietnam Officially Extends E-Visa to 90 Days, Allowing Multiple Entries
Beginning August 15, tourist visas will be extended from 30 days to 90 days.
I Went Cloud-Hunting and Found Peace Atop Đà Lạt's Tea Hill
Northern California is blessed with serene nature. Growing up there, pathless trails and cloudy mountain peaks were my safe havens, and when returning home on break from college, it was a tradition to...
In 2022, Vietnam's Domestic Tourism Flourished, but International Arrivals Lagged Behind
The most recent Tết holiday witnessed an outstanding performance by Vietnam’s domestic tourism sector, while international tourism had a year of underwhelming figures.
Paul Christiansen in Travel
How a Film Turned a Historic H'Mông Homestead in Hà Giang Into a Tourist Attraction
The photos don’t do it justice. That’s what you’ll often hear from people who visit Hà Giang to cruise its famed highway loop.
Đà Lạt to Debut Double-Decker Bus Tours by End of 2022
Following in the wake of popular open-bus tours in some of Vietnam's other metropolises, Đà Lạt will begin the service by the end of the year as part of a pilot program.
Hanoi Railway Cafe Gets Into Trouble for Hosting Dortmund Footballers
A photo of players from the Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund enjoying coffee on the tracks running through Hanoi's shuttered train street circulated earlier this week, prompting authorities to say th...
From North to South, Glimpses of Street Life in Vietnam in the Early 1990s
If there’s a thing this writer remembers distinctly about the early 1990s, it would be nothing, because I was barely a person that could eat and survive by myself.
Huế Announces Plan to Transform Hồ Thủy Tiên Waterpark Into Public Space
Authorities are planning to turn the long-abandoned Hồ Thủy Tiên Waterpark into a public space with the construction of a walking path, lighting, drainage system and water supply.
Hanoi Starts Revoking Operating Licenses of Cafes on 'Train Street' This Week
Hanoi is shutting down its infamous "Train Street" starting this weekend.
Vietnam Removes Health Declaration Requirement for Domestic, International Travelers
Citing Vietnam's continued success in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health announced domestic travelers will no longer need to make health declarations and restrictions will be ea...
Vọng Cảnh, the Picturesque Hill in Huế That Even Emperors Cherished
The poetic Hương River flows calmly, the fresh air and breeze whisper through the lush pine forest, a coming sunset colors the peaceful natural spectacle. All of this can be experienced during a late-...
[Photos] Look Back at Hanoi's Nội Bài Airport in 1995
In February, 1995, Yuichi Kobayashi, a Japanese businessman, came to Vietnam with a mission to set up a factory here.
Vietnam Reopens to International Tourists With No Quarantine Requirement
Bring on the elephant pants.
Cracked Glass Panel on Tourist Bridge a Feature, Not a Bug, Owner Says
Maybe just don't build glass bridges?
In 2020, Vietnam Only Welcomed 21% of Last Year's Tourist Arrivals
Unsurprisingly, it's been a rough year for the international tourism industry.
Khoi Pham in Saigon
[Photos] Inside a Ben Thanh Devoid of Tourists, Forlorn Kiosks and Mass Closures
Plump mangosteens, cheap iPhở shirts, freshly ground coffee, and paper cut-outs of city landmarks — there was a time when the northern gate of Ben Thanh Market was lined door-to-door with dynamic shop...
Vietnam to Extend Stay for Foreigners Stuck Due to Flight Ban Until June 30
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign nationals who arrived before March 1 will have their residence permits extended until June 30 if they can prove they are unable to return to their home co...
Hanoi Visitor Numbers Down 92% Over Holiday Weekend Compared to 2019
The recent national holiday weekend saw Hanoi's visitor numbers plummet in the face of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Vietnam Airlines to Suspend All International Flight Routes Until April 30
Due to the worrying escalation of the Covid-19 pandemic, many airlines have stopped certain flight routes connecting Vietnam to coronavirus-infected regions.
Vietnam Launches Campaigns to Revitalize Tourism Industry Hit by Coronavirus
The campaigns are the effort to compensate for the losses in tourism revenue due to the Covid-19 epidemic.
Almost 2m Foreign Tourists Visited Vietnam in January, a Record Number
Vietnam's tourism industry saw unprecedented growth in international arrivals last month, though the timing of this success — right in the middle of a coronavirus outbreak — is unfortunate.
HCMC to Launch Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Service for Tourists
From January 15, these buses will start operating in Districts 1 and 3.
Vietnam Welcomes 18m Foreign Tourists in 2019, an All-Time Record
According to the General Statistics Office, in December 2019, the country welcomed 1.7 million tourists from other countries.
Vietnam Extends 15-Day Visa Exemption for 8 Countries Until 2022
The government recently made changes to a visa exemption program.
New Policy to Allow Foreigners to Change Visa Status Without Leaving Vietnam
The new law will take effect from July 2020.
Illegal Hotel on Ma Pi Leng Pass Becomes Center of Controversy
Located in Ha Giang Province, Ma Pi Leng Pass is known for its breathtaking views of natural beauty.
With Steady Increase in Healthcare Seekers, Saigon Embraces Medical Tourism
The number of international visitors who travel to Vietnam for medical services is on the rise.
Saigon Welcomes 6.2m International Tourists in First 9 Months of 2019
Compared to the same period last year, the city saw a 14.3% increase in international visitors.
Taiwan to Reinstate Special Visa for Vietnamese Tourists, Albeit With Stricter Rules
Beginning March 20, Vietnamese will again be able to travel to Taiwan under the Kuan Hung, or Quan Hồng in Vietnamese, visa.
Vietnam Expands E-Visa Pilot Program to 35 More Countries, Territories
A pilot program granting tourists 30-day electronic visas has been expanded to include 35 additional nations and territories.
South Korea to Grant 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa to Saigon, Hanoi, Da Nang Residents
The South Korean government will consider extending the policy to other Vietnamese provinces if the implementation of the policy goes smoothly.
Vietnam Extends Visa Exemptions for Five European Nations for 3 More Years
Previously, the policy was subject to annual renewal. The current exemptions would have expired in June this year.
Khoi Pham in Saigon
Memories of 1997 Vietnam Through the Lens of Saigon's Canadian Consul General
Digging into one’s collection of old mementos can be a thrilling experience. From antique watches to tattered letters, these trinkets serve as a remembrance of a period of time in our past. For Kyle N...
Brian Letwin in Travel
[Updated] Vietnam Moves Closer to Joint Visas with Thailand, Cambodia, ASEAN
[Update Below] After years of discussion, Vietnamese, Thai and Cambodian foreign relations authorities are getting closer to a joint visa agreement.
Brian Letwin in Roundups
Morning Links: 701 Vietnamese Travelers Abandoned in Thailand
Here's what's making news around Vietnam this morning: - Prostitution ring targeting foreigners busted in Vietnam metro [Thanh Nien] - Gold Premiums in Vietnam Hit $217 Over Spot In Heavy Demand [Go...
