A review of some of the hostels offering dorm beds in Hanoi

Weather in Ho Chi Minh City comes in two flavours: dry and wet. The wet season sounds like a downer, and brings with it high humidity and daily downpours. But precisely because of the rainy season’s bad reputation, this time of the year can be a great and affordable time to visit if you don’t … read the full post

I’m a walker. When I travel, if there is any reasonable chance for me to walk to my destination, I will. When I walk I feel like I get a better feel for a city, and I see the everyday life that I would miss from the back seat of a taxi. My love of … read the full post

If you’ve managed to walk around Old Quarter in Hanoi and not be accosted by a lady in a conical hat trying to put her shoulder pole, supporting baskets of fruit, on your shoulder for a photo, you’re in the minority. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been approached and have yet to say … read the full post

There are many reasons I recommend visiting Ho Chi Minh City, from the shopping to the traffic it is a place to be experienced. The best reason to come however is to taste the food, the most famous of which is the legendary pho. But finding a great bowl can be tricky if you don’t … read the full post

Events in Hanoi in June and July, including a stand-up comedy event, French films and saying goodbye to Hanoian stalwarts The Props.

Facebook is still blocked in Vietnam. Previously, I have explained how to access Facebook from Windows and Mac based computers, but we don’t always want to lug our laptops around town. Here’s how to get on Facebook with an iPhone or iPod Touch. The easiest way to access Facebook is to change your phone’s Domain … read the full post

Soon after we moved to Hanoi, the film Avatar was released. We were keen to see it and heard about the Megastar Cinema in Hai Ba Trung district, south of Hoan Kiem. Without high expectations we headed along to Vincom Towers — home to a shopping centre, spa, apartments, eateries and the cinema. These things aren’t top of … read the full post

Saigon street food isn’t all about main meals — yummy drinks and sweets are also on offer. Among the sugary offerings is che dau hu, a confection that can be tricky to find, but is worth the effort. Keep your eyes peeled: the roaming vendors are often surrounded by groups of students or children seeking … read the full post

The Bookworm is the self-proclaimed “best little book cafe in Southeast Asia” and while some may argue, I see no reason to dispute the fact. The cool, tidy interior — though not spacious — is a pleasant spot for browsing and the choice of more than 10,000 new and used English-language books and friendly staff ensure … read the full post