While not openly anti-gay, homosexual relationships and practices remain taboo in Vietnam and negative social attitudes and stigmas still exist. But now, for the first time, “Pride” comes to Hanoi in a series of events being hosted under the Viet Pride 2012 banner. Organised by Ms Nguyen Thanh Tam and volunteers from the LGBT community, … read the full post

Sitting in the middle of Saigon’s backpacker area of Pham Ngu Lao, Stella, or the New Stellar depending on which sign you’re reading, is a standout restaurant serving Italian and Vietnamese cuisine on a street where there is no shortage of competition. Like most of its neighbouring restaurants, Stella has a laidback atmosphere. Seating is … read the full post

Central Backpackers’ Hostel offers both dorms and private rooms, all with air-con, at rock bottom prices to suit the real budget crowd — with free beers for an hour each night thrown in. The focus here is cheap, cheap, cheap. Located between JOMA coffee shop and Pho Ly Quoc Su on Ly Quoc Su itself, … read the full post

The domineering, brand spanking new Sunshine Hotel sits midway between An Bang beach and the old town; from here it’s a good 20-minute walk to either, but that’s okay because every guest gets a free bicycle to potter around Hoi An, and it’s outstanding value. As is the norm with Hoi An hotels, every room … read the full post

In the UK, tofu is largely considered as “food for veggies” and certainly not a food group that any hardcore carnivore would ever rave about. So before coming out to Asia I didn’t eat tofu. I can’t say I’d never tried it, I surely must have done somewhere, but it certainly wasn’t among my usual … read the full post

Seeing a movie at a Saigon theatre is a cheap and easy way to spend a few hours and, since they play both Hollywood blockbusters and Vietnamese movies, you don’t have to understand Vietnamese to enjoy them. Movie theatres can be found in several easy-to-find locations, with two chains dominating Saigon. Galaxy Cinema, with several … read the full post

The Cham Islands aren’t just about diving. The lure of some of the most unspoilt islands in Vietnam and the chance to camp out under the stars on an incredible stretch of beach has made the islands the perfect escape between tailor fittings. The marine-protected Cham Islands are located a 20 kilometre boat ride from Cua Dai … read the full post

In the middle of a tight Pham Ngu Lao alley in the centre of Saigon’s backpacker district, the Thien Hong Hotel has found one of the few quiet spots in the area and offers great family-style service, with better rooms the higher up the hotel you trek. About 50 metres off the main road, the … read the full post

Rather a mixed bag, the 24-room towering midranger Vinh Hung 3 sits behind a veil of tumbling bougainvillea on the outskirts of Hoi An on backpacker-popular Ba Trieu Street, a five-minute walk to the old town and right opposite the new Highway 4 restaurant — which means if you are a bit bored of hotel buffet … read the full post

I wrote some time ago about the pho-based dishes that are a specialty of the Truc Bach area of Hanoi; since then, a new place has opened up that makes pho cuon even more appealing. Based on Nguyen Khac Hieu street, on what is often referred to as Truc Bach island or Truc Bach village, … read the full post