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    From the archive: The Last President's Driver

    Photo feature

    From the archive: The Last President's Driver

    This man, Cu Thach Banh, was the driver for South Vietnam's last President, Duong Van Minh. I met... enlarge

    FEATURES

    An unexpected Rusty Compass journey - an aortic dissection

    Blog

    An unexpected Rusty Compass journey - an aortic dissection

    2020 has been a crazy year for everyone. For most of us (except Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and other tech titans), it's been a year of challenges - lockdowns, economic crisis, COVID.... more

    Vietnam and the coronavirus - an unreliable travel guide

    Ho Chi Minh City Blog

    Vietnam and the coronavirus - an unreliable travel guide

    This is a rolling blog of updates on the coronavirus COVID-19 in Vietnam and how it is impacting travel in the country. As of this update... more

    Yen Bai

    Yen Bai Introduction

    Yen Bai

    Many photographers view the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, in Yen Bai province, to be the most spectacular in Vietnam. This vast region,... more

    My most memorable stay of 2019 - Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge, Vietnam

    Yen Bai Blog

    My most memorable stay of 2019 - Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge, Vietnam

    As 2019 ended, I thought about the dozens of places I stayed during my many months on the road. It struck me that my most memorable stay... more

    Remembering General Giap's passing 6 years on

    Hanoi Video

    Remembering General Giap's passing 6 years on

    Vo Nguyen Giap is the most celebrated modern military figure in Vietnam. He led the defeat of the French at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 ending... more

    Is the tide turning against heritage destruction in Vietnam?

    Ho Chi Minh City Blog

    Is the tide turning against heritage destruction in Vietnam?

    The past decade has been devastating for Vietnam’s built heritage. Three recent decisions suggest that the tide may be finally turning in... more

    The other remarkable thing about Pu Luong Vietnam? No piles of plastic

    Pu Luong Blog

    The other remarkable thing about Pu Luong Vietnam? No piles of plastic

    Pu Luong, around four hours south of Hanoi, looks set to become the “next’ destination in Vietnam’s breathtaking mountainous north. And... more

    RECENT REVIEWS

    Cambodia

    Cambodia Introduction

    Cambodia

    It's hard to think of a country that stretches the emotional repertoire like Cambodia. That's especially true if you've been visiting the country... more

    Yen Bai

    Yen Bai Introduction

    Yen Bai

    Many photographers view the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, in Yen Bai province, to be the most spectacular in Vietnam. This vast region, that runs... more

    Au O Vietnam Kitchen, Hanoi

    Hanoi eating

    Au O Vietnam Kitchen, Hanoi

    Hanoi is upping its Vietnamese restaurant game right now and Au O is part of the trend. Located in the city’s French Quarter around 500m from the... more

    Sihanoukville

    Sihanoukville Introduction

    Sihanoukville

    IN LATE 2019 WE RETURNED BRIEFLY TO SIHANOUKVILLE FOR A LOOK. THERE SEEMS LITTLE REASON TO INCLUDE IT IN YOUR TRAVEL PLANS. IT IS A GHETTO OF... more

    Hanoi

    Hanoi Introduction

    Hanoi

    Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, can make a strong claim to being one of Asia’s most compelling and beguiling cities. The tangled streets of the old... more

    Parks of Saigon - green spaces and walks

    Ho Chi Minh City see and do

    Parks of Saigon - green spaces and walks

    A guide to the best parks, public spaces and green spaces in central Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City. We visit Tao Dan Park, the Zoo and Botanical... more