Neighborhood Vibes and Modern Comforts Combine at Hotel Indigo Saigon The City
Staying in a local neighborhood means surrounding yourself with the sights, styles, routines, traditions, and history of a locale. Hotel Indigo Saigon The City, a new boutique lifestyle hotel, tells the stories of the iconic Ba Son area via its details, decor, atmosphere, and experiences, so checking in feels like taking part in a celebration of the city.
A Tribute to the Incredibly Eye-Catching, Organic Signage of Sa Đéc
Signs are like voices.
Linh Phạm in Travel
On a Walking Tour, Mulling Over the Glorious Past and Odious Present of Tô Lịch River
We began our journey in front of a bank where the street Trần Nhật Duật turned into Chợ Gạo.
Tuyết Nhi in Travel
Visit a 160-Year-Old Chapel Inside Saigon's Historic St. Joseph's Seminary
Hidden within the compound of the Saigon St. Joseph’s Seminary is a historic chapel that has withstood the test of time.
Tà Năng, One of Vietnam’s Most Beautiful Trails and Best-Kept Secrets
Whether we choose to participate or not, most of us are fascinated by Vietnam’s motorbike culture.
Khôi Phạm in Travel
Bask in the Morning Sun in the Green Heart of Huế Along the Hương River
As tourists, it's in our built-in compass to seek out novelties and excitements, if anything, to remind us that our daily humdrum is not everything, and there exists a world out there with multitudes to explore.
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.
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...
