Paul Christiansen

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Ruminate on Our Natural Legacies While Surrounded by Cây Sao at Ao Bà Om

I never pass up an opportunity to reflect on chò nâu and its dipterocarp relative, cây sao. The massive trees that gracefu...

Paul Christiansen

in Travel

Art, Flowers Bloom at Huế’s Hidden Museum, Lebadang Memory Space

People often think that art is distant and difficult to appreciate, but a garden is different; everyone knows how to admire a flower.

Brian Letwin

in Travel

The Quiet Calm of Hiding From the Heat Under Phan Rang's Grapevines

The punishing mid-day sun dictates the pace of life in the corridor between Phan Rang and Cam Ranh, where locals escape to their living rooms or hammocks, and tourists seek the cooling breeze of the beach, seafood restaurants or resort pools. Perhaps one of the most underrated ways to take refuge from the heat is to duck into one of the nearby grape vineyards where winding vines create a natural oasis.

Paul Christiansen

in Travel

The Curious Case of Quy Hoà Leprosy Colony's Park of Busts

A delightfully bizarre place, Quy Nhơn’s Quy Hoà leprosy colony deserves exploration in full , but clustered in a grove of...

in Saigoneer Getaways

On Japan’s Shonan Coastline, a Wintry Vista of Mount Fuji

It was my first trip to Zushi Beach and the sun was beginning to set. 

in Saigoneer Getaways

Finding Solace in the Placid Water of Trị An Lake as a City Dweller

I took a deep breath, realizing that I was suspended in the midpoint of everything, above the calm, glassy surface of Trị An Lake and beneath the vast, enveloping azure sky that blanketed Mã Đà forest.

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In Gò Vấp, a 'Floating Temple' Stands the Test of Time and River Currents

On an isle amid the Vàm Thuật river in Gò Vấp District, Phù Châu Temple, colloquially known among locals as the “floating temple,” has welcomed religious practitioners looking for a serene quarter in fast-paced Hồ Chí Minh City for over three centuries.

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[Video] Adventure Cyclist Takes on Vietnam’s Hinterlands

While Vietnam is often billed as a cultural and culinary destination, the country also boasts its fair share of adventure sports.

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North-South Train Service to Resume This Month After Bridge Collapse

Repairs to a railway bridge that was severed in March are wrapping up, and Vietnam's north-south service is expected to resume later this month.

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[Video] 30 Days in Vietnam

In the abundance of Vietnam travel videos available online, there are a few surprises. Take, for instance, this entrancing clip featuring outtakes from an instant noodle commercial or the tear-je...

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[Video] Co To: Vietnam's Best-Kept Island Secret

Three hours from northern Vietnam's Cai Rong Port, Co To Island is one of the few island attractions which remains a mystery to most Vietnamese travelers.

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New Caves Open to Tourists at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Tourism officials in Quang Binh province have opened two new caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to visitors.

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Saved by Street Art: Penang's New Lease on Life

Of the 1,031 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the planet, Penang manages to stand apart from its peers.

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Vietnam Through an Upbeat Lens

Vietnam has spawned no shortage of travel videos over the last few years. From adrenaline-pumping motorbike adventures to bird's eye views of the country, these pieces have highlighted Vietnam's ...

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Thailand Decides to Close Popular Island Being Trampled by Tourists

Thailand has decided to close one of its popular tourist islands, citing environmental and conservation concerns.

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VietJet to Buy 100 Boeing Aircraft for $11.3bn

On the sidelines of American president Barack Obama’s visit to Vietnam, major aircraft manufacturer Boeing has secured a major business deal with the country's leading budget carrier.

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5 Great Routes for Your Next Saigon – Hanoi Road Trip

Sometimes it seems like travel blogger Vietnam Coracle spends more time on Vietnam’s roads than a strung out truck driver. As such, we thought it wise to present his latest road trip guide that offers...

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Passport Index Ranks Vietnamese Passports 157 Out of 199

Depending upon where a person – and their passport – are from, certain citizens of the world have greater access to foreign countries than others.

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[Video] Flashy New Million-Dollar Boats Begin Saigon – Vung Tau Service

As the age of inferno-inducing hydrofoils draws to a close in Saigon, one local transport company is putting three brand new catamarans into operation between Saigon and the coastal city of Vung Tau.

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Air New Zealand, Turkish Airlines to Fly Directly to Vietnam

Beginning in June, there will be direct flights from both Turkey and New Zealand to Vietnam.

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Vietnam Removes Liquids Ban on Domestic Flights

Good news for those forced to chug their bottle of water in the airport security line before heading to the gate: Vietnam now allows you to bring your liquids, aerosols and gels on all domestic flight...

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Man Boards Plane to Hong Kong, Loses $250,000 Mid-Flight

Last week, one airline passenger arrived in Hong Kong with his pockets considerably lighter, after an inflight thief robbed him of US$250,000 on board the aircraft.

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[Photos] Con Dao: From Prison to Paradise

Fast earning a place on travelers' radar, sleepy Con Dao is home to pristine beaches, ornate rock formations and some of Vietnam's best diving. Pair these natural attractions with the island's trouble...

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[Video] 5 Places to Get out and About in Yangon

Though Yangon remains far less developed than the urban centers in other Southeast Asian countries, Myanmar's largest metropolis definitely has some bits and pieces going on. From tasty street food&nb...

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[Photos] Saigon Backpacker Brings His Furry Travel Companion to Phu Quoc

Traveling with friends can be difficult. While the old adage suggests that opposites attract, what might be a beautiful, blossoming friendship in your home city can quickly turn into a disaster when y...

Brian Letwin

in Travel

[Photos] Inside Taiwan’s Premier Fish Market

Taiwan has plenty to be proud of: it sports an efficient public transportation network, some of the highest food safety standards in the world, an abundance of nature and incredible seafood.

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[Photos] Nature Takes Over Abandoned Chinese Fishing Village

On tiny Gouqi Island, one of the 394 Shengsi Islands at the mouth of China's Yangtze River, lies Houtou Wan, a long-lost fishing village which now sits abandoned.