Blog

Vietnam's first international tourism campaign - from 1991?

I’m gonna hazard a guess that this was the first post-war Vietnam tourism promotion in a Western...
Introduction

Phong Nha

The declaration of Son Doong as the world's biggest cave in 2009 put Phong Nha - Ke Bang National...
see and do

Cycling the Angkor Temples

If you like cycling, exploring the temples of Angkor by bicycle is a delight. In fact, we reckon...
Blog

Visiting Saigon's historic rooftop - symbol of the end of the Vietnam War

It may be the most iconic image of the end of the Vietnam War. It was taken on 29 April 1975 by...
eating

Coffee - the best of Saigon's cafes

Saigon's cafe scene is blossoming. This is a guide to best specialty coffee in the city - the guys...

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

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 one of the many striking things about this... more

Hanoi Blog

One of Vietnam's most historic churches faces demolition

Vietnam’s three decades of rapid economic growth have not been so good for the country’s built heritage. The distinctive Bui Chu Cathedral... more

Ho Chi Minh City Blog

Vietnam in the 1990s - Qantas returns to Saigon

In December 1990, I was aboard the first post-war Qantas flight to operate between Australia and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). It... more

Hue Blog

Vietnam's first international tourism campaign - from 1991?

I’m gonna hazard a guess that this was the first post-war Vietnam tourism promotion in a Western country. It was 1991 and Vietnam was just... more

Hanoi Blog

Introducing a special new tour by Rusty Compass - Vietnam by the Book

It's more than 25 years since I ran my first tour through Vietnam. After a long break from leading tours, I now head back out on the road... more

Hoi An Blog

The drone - a symbol of heavy-handed self-centred tourism

The drone has arrived. These high-impact flying machines are coming to a beautiful place near you. The drone has transitioned from... more

Hanoi Blog

A new heritage landmark in Hanoi?

A grand heritage building is being renovated in Hanoi’s picturesque Ba Dinh District. This is the nicest part of the capital - though few... more

RECENT REVIEWS

Vietnam Introduction

Vietnam

I've had the privilege of exploring Vietnam for almost thirty years. I have to pinch myself when I write that. It’s been a period of extraordinary... more