Private BBQs, Expansive Breakfast Buffets and Ocean-Inspired Meals Await at Non Nước Beach
The soft rhythm of an empty ocean makes an ideal background for any meal. The scene’s grandeur takes on greater intimacy when it’s a private dinner with loved ones, as is the case with a private villa BBQ at Danang Marriott Resort & Spa, Non Nuoc Beach Villas.
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...
Epic Road Trip: Ha Giang to Ca Mau
If you’re like us, slaves to the internet and our computer overlords, it can be easy to forget that Saigon is an urban bubble. In a reminder that there’s a whole other Vietnam out there, 4 friends – C...
30-Day Visa Exemption for Foreigners Visiting Phu Quoc
Starting March 10, international travelers to Phu Quoc will enjoy a 30-day visa exemption. The visa waiver is part of decision No. 80 signed by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on December 27 with the ...
Spain, Land of Churches, Castles and Wine - Part 2
This is part 2 of Spain, Land of Churches, Castles and Wine. Click here for part 1. Of the many Rioja wineries that have opened their doors to wine lovers, we visited one of the best known in in the...
Brian Letwin in Travel
Video: Hanoi to Saigon by Train, in 9 Minutes
Last week Vietnam announced plans for a US$16 billion, 8 line railway that will provide modern rail service to the south and central regions of the country. There is of course, the current, century ol...
Spain, Land of Churches, Castles and Wine - Part 1
Although I grew up in Spain, it’s been nearly 20 years since I left the country to overseas, so this summer I decided to go back and visit family and friends while showing the country to my Vietnamese...
Brian Letwin in Travel
Vietnam Tourism Struggles to Keep up with ASEAN Neighbors
It’s long been known that Vietnam is lagging behind its ASEAN neighbors when it comes to the quality of tourism workers. With the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreement on mutual re...
Brian Letwin in Travel
[Updated] Vietnam Moves Closer to Joint Visas with Thailand, Cambodia, ASEAN
[Update Below] After years of discussion, Vietnamese, Thai and Cambodian foreign relations authorities are getting closer to a joint visa agreement.
Brian Letwin in Travel
Vietnam Enjoying Tourism Growth in 2013
According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), Vietnam has reeled in more than 677,000 foreign tourists in August, a 22% increase from last year.
Wine, Grapes and Relaxation
Although there are many reasons to visit Spain, including good weather, history and food, wine tourism has become one of the latest trends with foreigners and locals alike. You may enjoy drinking wine...
Brian Letwin in Travel
VietJetAir Offering (Nearly) Free Tickets to Celebrate Milestone
A few times per year, VietJetAir offers insanely low ticket prices and one of these promotions is fast approaching. From August 21 – September 19, the budget airline is offering VND3,000 (US$.14) tic...
Brian Letwin in Travel
Shanghai's Rapid Development Captured in a .Gif
Prior to World War II, Shanghai, like Saigon, was a major trading port, controlled by foreign powers. Following communist victory in 1949, most international firms relocated to Hong Kong to prote...
Trouble-free Travel with Flight Travel JSC
Whether you travel for business or pleasure, we all hope for a trouble-free experience either to be able to relax or conduct business as planned. However, experience has taught me that in general, and...
Brian Letwin in Travel
New Online Services are Changing the Face of Tourism
Over the last decade, the tourism industry has been learning how to better leverage the internet to provide unique services for customers. First came online reviews and bookings, allowing us to gather...
Brian Letwin in Travel
Japan Eases Visa Requirements for Vietnamese
The struggles of Vietnamese applying for visas to European and North American countries are well documented and probably won’t be changing anytime soon. But it will soon be easier for Vietnamese to vi...
Brian Letwin in Travel
Interactive Saigon Bus Map
Believe it or not, buses are a great way to zip around Saigon. They're cheap, reasonably fast (unless it's rush-hour) and service nearly every corner of the city. But for non-Vietnamese speakers, taki...
Brian Letwin in Travel
What to do Along the Mekong
There are many things that set Saigon apart from other sprawling cities – the laid back lifestyle, the food, the people. But no matter how unique, the hustle and bustle of rush hour traffic and heat p...
Brian Letwin in Travel
Escape to Hong Kong
Traditional masks in Hong Kong. Photo by Jon Sanwell While we don’t get to travel much, many local bloggers do and frequently post articles about their recent adventures. Photographer Jon Sanwell rec...
Brian Letwin in Travel
Beautiful Hoi An
Vietnam's first truly international port, Hoi An was developed by Chinese and Japanese merchants who believed that the "heart of Asia" lay beneath the small town. While that has yet to be proven, ther...
