Hoi An’s reputation for being one of the most touristy towns in Vietnam might put some people off a visit; and yes, the 460 tailors all squabbling for your business as you stroll through the old town can be a little relentless, and yes, $5 a night accommodation doesn’t exist. Some of the best dining, … read the full post

Da Nang is Vietnam’s fastest growing city, a sprawling metropolis of modern high rise mixed with a sprinkling of French colonial architecture lounging between the Bach Dang river and My Ke, one of the longest stretches of beach in Vietnam. It’s very much a Vietnamese city — as bewildering and as it is beguiling, and not for … read the full post

Hoi An’s central market food hall sits centre court in the old town, surrounded by a busy, colourful food market. This is a bustling and sociable spot to hang out with the locals and sample dish after dish of Hoi An’s best cuisine. Row upon row of sparkling stainless steel benches laden with fresh raw … read the full post

Head down to the Cham Island ferry point along the Cua Dai Road in Hoi An and you can’t fail to miss the futuristic, towering white and glass exterior of the five-star Sunrise Hotel basking high on a hill surrounded by tropical gardens. Located on the outskirts of Cua Dai, there’s not much within walking … read the full post

With almost 1,000 miles of remote backwater paths and trails, paddy, narrow mountain passes, isolated hill tribes and dense jungle, Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh Trail is one of the most rewarding and directionally challenging rides in the country. Unless you have a penchant for getting lost somewhere near the Lao border or breaking down on … read the full post

If you are reading this from somewhere predominantly Christian in the West another mention of Christmas is quite possibly the last thing you need to hear; but for those of you lucky enough to be on the road, Christmas can be a tough time to be away from family and friends. But if you’re in … read the full post

Hit the streets of Hoi An for anything from a tailored suit through to a banh mi and you will be thrown into a state of confusion over what really is a fair price. With very few traders working to a fixed price it’s not too uncommon to sometimes feel like you’ve been had. Ask … read the full post

If like me you were once one of those neanderthals where the best nights out you ever had somehow always ended up at a kebab stall then you will thank me for this heads up on late-night food snacking in Hoi An. I’ve researched this article with perhaps a little too much enthusiasm after taking … read the full post

Google “best banh mi in Vietnam” and the answer you get is Banh Mi Phuong in Hoi An; go there and I promise you will be met by a random tourist saying “I’ve travelled all the way from Australia/the UK/Finland for this.” Phuong’s little banh mi shop near the Cam Nam Bridge has been on … read the full post

Pulling up outside the cheery blue three-storey family home Vesper Homestay with its windows flung open to views of far flung paddy is reward enough for the amount of trouble you will have finding this place. If you were looking for off the beaten path then you’ve come to the right place: Vesper is right … read the full post