If you have a little extra cash to spend on your accommodation in Vietnam’s Hoi An, Hoi An Marina and Spa Resort offers just 12 suites set in spacious, lovely gardens at rates representing solid value for what you get. The Marina is tucked away on the far corner of the up and coming islet … read the full post

Tucked away by the river’s edge a 50-metre stroll over to the “other side” of the Japanese Bridge is Ca Mai — also known as Mai Fish — with an unashamedly small menu featuring humble, old school central and southern Vietnamese dishes at good prices. Mai Fish, run by the owner of Mango Mango on … read the full post

On top of the hill referred to locally as Big Mountain, the Ho May Cultural and Eco-Tourism Park in Vung Tau, also known as Cloud Lake Resort, is a sprawling park, zoo and amusement park rolled into one — it may remind you of a smaller scale Nha Trang’s Vinpearl Land. From the top of … read the full post

The coastal city of Vung Tau, 90 minutes from Saigon by way of hydrofoil, is a popular destination for those looking to escape the big city. Although it’s a beach town, getting off the beach can lead to some interesting finds, including the Binh Minh Cable Car Resort, just up the hill from Vung Tau’s … read the full post

You could easily eat noodle dishes in Hanoi for breakfast, lunch and dinner for a week and still not have the same meal twice. Here’s our quick guide to what’s what when it comes to noodles in the Vietnamese capital. Let’s start with the most well-known: pho. As we highlighted some time ago, pho is … read the full post

We’ve all done it, dragged a skuzzy backpack through some pretty skanky hostels, got so used to washing with a bucket of cold water that a dip in a highly chlorinated pool makes us feel unusually clean, trading conditioner for dreadlocks and razors for a patchy beard, because when you’re on the road anything goes … read the full post

The coastal city of Vung Tau, a relatively short hydrofoil boat ride from Saigon proper, makes for a relaxing weekend trip from the bustling city. Although it’s most popular for its somewhat average beach, a way to get a taste of Vietnamese local life is to head downtown to watch the greyhound races at one … read the full post

Thang Long Royal Citadel in Hanoi was opened to the public quite recently, but once you’ve been you’ll wonder why it was kept under wraps for so long. With attractive, shady gardens, imposing buildings, underground bunkers and numerous historic artifacts, it’s got something for everyone. And it’s free. The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was built … read the full post

Bitexco Financial Tower is in a league of its own when it comes to Saigon’s skyline. When the tower first opened, the only way to the higher floors without paying rent was to hit Skydeck, Bitexco’s high-priced 50th floor observation room. Now you have more options, one of which is grabbing a drink at Alto Heli … read the full post

By day a centre for disabled children, by night a buzzing lau restaurant: 66 Pho Duc Chinh, near Truc Bach lake, serves up delicious lau rieu cua: a tasty broth with loads of Vietnamese goodies to throw in. And with the weather a bit chilly in Hanoi, now is the perfect time to enjoy it. … read the full post