Just a stone’s throw from Turtle Lake in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 3, Chao Vit Sai Gon is an easy-to-miss joint squeezed between several larger establishments. If you’re a culinary fan of duck, this spot is one of the more famous in town, particularly for its namesake dish, duck served in the Vietnamese rice … 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

Christmas may not be a Vietnamese holiday, but you’d never guess it: Hanoi is already decked with holly and baubles, and for those of you from the northern hemisphere the weather’s the right side of 20 degrees Celsius as well. Enjoy your Christmas in Hanoi at one of the hotels or restaurants or attend a … read the full post

A fine example of turn of the century French colonial architecture, the Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, makes for decent picture on a stop during a tour of the city, or for a cultural experience for those interested in seeing a show. Easy to find in … read the full post

Those seeking to relax in stunning surroundings may not find what they’re looking for in busy Sapa town, but out of town accommodation, like H’mong Mountain Retreat, which overlooks the breathtaking Muong Hoa valley, provides a welcome alternative. The retreat consists of an 85-year-old stilt house, which was transported to its current location from a … read the full post

The holiday season in Saigon sees grandiose decorations line the streets, people dressed as Santa Claus zip by on motorbikes and major downtown streets temporarily shut down. If you’re in town for Christmas and New Year’s, here are a few places where you can properly celebrate. Leading up to Christmas, decorations come out in full … read the full post

Sapa hasn’t changed much over the last few years, but one new addition that stands out is The Hill Station. Located near the junction of Cau May and Muong Hoa Roads, it’s in the thick of things, but provides a cosy respite from the streets and hawkers outside. Set on two floors, with a narrow … 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

In the middle of Saigon’s backpacker area of Pham Ngu Lao, the Saigon Mini 5 on busy Bui Vien offers a clean, affordable option for flashpackers and families. As the name would suggest, HCMC is home to several Saigon Mini Hotels, most of which are relatively close together, but offering different amenities and prices. Saigon … 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