Escapism Awaits This Summer at The Grand Ho Tram
Vacations offer glimpses into idealized versions of your life.
Chris Humphrey in Travel
'Living Hanoi' Series by Joseph Gobin Delves Into the Capital's Eccentricities
Is there a photographic format more suitable for capturing Hanoi's abundantly complex and alluring culture than the crystalline clarity of medium format film?
Insights, Polished History Lessons Await in Hanoi's Massive, Brutalist Military Museum
When I pitched a review of Hanoi’s massive new Vietnam Military History Museum to the Saigoneer editorial staff, I expected to find the museum somewhat boring. After all, although I am a historian, I am not really that interested in military stuff, and I’d been to the original location on Điện Biên Phủ Street several times — how could this new museum improve on the old one? What could this new museum say that the old one didn’t? What could I learn here that I haven’t already learned at Saigon’s War Remnants Museum and Hồ Chí Minh Campaign Museum, at Điện Biên Phủ’s war museum, at Hải Phòng’s naval museum, and at the countless other shrines to Vietnamese martial prowess across the country? Quite a lot, it turns out.
Paul Christiansen in Travel
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.
Live Music, Sports, Art and Activities Fill District VUI with Summer Fun
Vietnam’s south-central coast is blessed with warm sunshine, cool waves, and relaxed vibes all year round, creating a perpetual vacation atmosphere. With school breaks and summer holidays, there is no better time to explore the tropical regions at the nexus of forest and sea.
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...
[Photos] Sapa Is Currently Covered in Ice
While the sun seems intent upon scorching every surface in Saigon, it's winter elsewhere in Vietnam. Up north, people are pulling out their heavy coats and staving off the December chill with scarves,...
Vietnam Approves Proposal for 1-Year Visas for American Citizens
After months of discussion and foot-dragging, the Vietnamese government has finally approved a proposal to extend the validity of temporary visas for Americans from three months to one year.
Nha Trang Just Held Its First-Ever LGBT Tourism Seminar
In the last couple years, Vietnam has made some impressive strides in the realm of LGBT rights. From legalizing same-sex marriage (though such unions are still not officially recognized by the state) ...
Brian Letwin in Travel
[Photos] Saigoneer Getaways: Boracay and Tourism Done Right
With picture-perfect beaches, well-organized tourism activities and customer service a cut above its Southeast Asian neighbors, could the Philippines' Boracay be a glimpse into the future of Vietnam's...
Epic Drone Video Takes You From Saigon to Hanoi
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from drone video maker Troy Nguyen, and for good reason. The Youtuber has spend the last few months traveling the length of Vietnam to produce this 1 hour video tha...
Foreign Arrivals in Vietnam Surge 20% in November
Vietnam’s tourism sector has had a strong showing in November with 723,740 international arrivals, a 12.9% increase over October and 20.4% compared to the same time period last year.
You’ll Soon Be Able to Play Slot Machines at Vietnam’s Airports
In what may be a push to compensate for poor mixed airport rankings earlier this year, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved a proposal that will allow Vietnam’s international airports to i...
Who Are the Top-Spending Tourists in Vietnam?
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has released its first-ever annual tourism report that contains some interesting data about visitors to Vietnam.
What CNN's Saigon Guide Got Right
Earlier this month, CNN released its Insider Guide to HCMC, hitting all the usual highlights of our fair city, from Ben Thanh Market to the Reunification Palace. Here's what it got right and what we f...
British MP: Tourists Won't Visit Vietnam If They Know About Dog Meat Trade
For whatever reason, last week Britain's House of Commons decided to discuss the number of dogs killed annually in Asian countries like China (20 million), Vietnam (5 million) and South Korea (2 milli...
Vietnam May Waive Visas for Tourists on Package Holidays
In the ever-changing world of Vietnamese tourist visas, a new crop of foreign visitors may soon receive a free pass into the country.
Hanoi, Saigon Make No. 2 Spot on Lonely Planet's List of Value Destinations
On Tuesday, guidebook publisher and thorn in the side of locals everywhere Lonely Planet released its list of 'Best Value Destinations for 2016'. Of course, Vietnam was on it.
Tourists Are Ruining Ha Long Bay With Cave Graffiti
Ha Long Bay, the crown jewel of northern Vietnam's tourism industry, is looking a little worse for wear these days. Between the toxic slurry flowing into its waters earlier this year and the ghos...
[Video] One Traveler's Mind-Bending 3D Images of Southeast Asia
When photographer Garret Suhrie packed his bags and bought a ticket to Southeast Asia, he had plans to make a travel video, something more and more travelers seem to be into these days.
Dana Filek-Gibson in Travel
Pham Ngu Lao Looks Downright Whimsical in This Travel Video
There are a lot of mixed feelings when it comes to Pham Ngu Lao. Some see it as a haven for cheap beer and wild nights; others avoid Bui Vien like the plague.
Miniature Landscape Video Showcases Snapshots of Nature in Ba Ria
In a city that's increasingly devoid of nature, it can be hard to recall the sight of a lush, green forest or a crystal-clear river.
Vietnam Tourism Authority Supports Son Doong Cable Car
It's hard to argue with the majesty of Son Doong. As the world's largest cave and one of the most remote places not just in Vietnam but on earth, this never-ending subterranean wilderness is truly one...
Vietnam to Cut Visa Fees Next Month
In the wonderful world of Vietnamese tourist visas, the rules seem to change everyday. Whether it's permitting certain passport holders to enter the country visa-free or discussing whether to wai...
Pack Your Bags: VietJet Now Flies to Yangon
Planning a trip to Myanmar just got a little easier, thanks to VietJet.
Vietnam May Waive Visas For 19 More Countries But Who Knows
In this week's installment of visa-related news, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) is discussing the possibility of waiving visas for 19 more countries in an end-of-year push to ra...
