Although the sprawl of Hanoi makes it time-consuming to reach the countryside proper, a short jaunt to the banks of the Red River will have you feeling like you’ve left the city behind. The best way to explore is by bicycle, so ask at your hotel about hiring a bike for the day, pack your … read the full post

Renting a bicycle has always been a good way to explore Hoi An and its surrounds: it’s cheap, they’re never banned from the streets (other vehicles are forbidden at various times of the day), they provide a lot of freedom and you get to feel like you’re compensating for that last portion of wontons. I spent … read the full post

I’ve always been a fan of a good bike ride, but Saigon never seemed like a great place to peddle around. Sure, plenty of locals gingerly roll up and down the busy streets, dodging traffic as they go; it’s just not my cup of tea. Little did I know, however, that within Ho Chi Minh … read the full post

An overview of Phong Nha Farmstay in rural North Central Vietnam

Son Tinh campsite, 40km from Hanoi’s centre (but still technically in Hanoi), provides a peaceful retreat from the capital’s maddening crowds. It had received favourable reviews — especially from families — since its opening earlier this year so we took a trip out to check it out. We went by motorbike which worked out well: the … read the full post

I know I must have mentioned a few times how much I love West Lake. Well, now the weather’s improving — at least a bit — it’s a good time to hire a bicycle, get away from the madness of Old Quarter and cycle round the 17km shoreline of what must be one of the … read the full post