Chùa Một Cột in Thailand Reminds Me of the Familiar in an Unfamiliar Land
On my last full day in Khon Kaen, Thailand, I was on a mission to catch the sunset, although the cloudy and gloomy sky didn’t give me much hope. Instead, I randomly stumbled upon a gate with signs written in Vietnamese. Out of curiosity, I decided to walk in, and the farther I walked, the more clearly I spotted a familiar image from afar: a one-pillar pagoda standing right on the edge of the reservoir.
Bạch Nam Hải’s Documentary Photo Series Captures Sapa's 7 Years of Transformation
From the town to the depths of the misty mountains of Sapa, Bạch Nam Hải embarked on a documentary photographic journey, capturing the essence of local life, the intimate connections between people and nature, and the contrast between the natural landscape and rapid urban development fueled by tourism expansion.
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.
[Photos] Vietnam's 'Human Tsunami' Has Hit This Thanh Hoa Beach
In the wake of a 40-degree heatwave, northern residents are flocking to Thanh Hoa province's Sam Son Beach by the thousands.
[Video] Drone Captures Enormity of Vietnam's Largest Buddhist Pagoda
Home to sprawling pagodas and incredible natural scenery, northern Vietnam's Ninh Binh now makes regular appearances on travelers' itineraries, often for its most famous attraction, Tam Coc.
[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.
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.
[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...
[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.
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.
Lee Starnes in Travel
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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...
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.
[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.
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.
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...
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.
Lee Starnes in Travel
[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...
[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...
[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...
