Be scam-wise in Vietnam: How to avoid common scams
Vietnam is a beautiful country full of kind and generous people, but it also has a reputation for its many hustles and travellers often report feeling like they were treated as a walking ATM during their time there. However, if you go with a good understanding of the many tricks you might encounter, you will be well prepared to play the game – you may even enjoy it! Here’s a list of the most common tricks in Vietnam. Higher prices for foreigners While it is hard to feel good about yourself when bargaining hard with someone for whom your dollars would undoubtably mean significantly more, it is also far from…
Vietnam’s Tomb of Khai Dinh, a tomb with a view
Being the home of Vietnam’s imperial history, Hue boasts several impressive tombs. Sounds a bit morbid, but if you haven’t seen an Asian tomb, you should. They are very impressive places! Emperor Khai Dinh was the penultimate emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, reigning from 1916 – 1925, and he was the last emperor to be buried in a royal tomb. A tomb with a view His tomb is quite distinct from other royal tombs. Firstly, it is significantly smaller than others. Its construction, three levels built into a steep hillside, makes it feel more like a monument than a place of quite reflection. 127 steps make exploring it quite a…
Vietnam’s Thien Mu, a Temple with a Political History
On the north bank of the beautiful Perfume River in Hue, the Thien Mu Pagoda is a place of peace and reflection. Historically however, the temple was closely associated with politics, predominantly the opposition to Vietnam’s oppressive regime during the 1950s. This edgy and unique characteristic of Thien Mu makes it fascinating to visit. The temple is dedicated to Buddha and was originally constructed in the 1840s, but most recently restored in 1953. It is a working temple with meditation halls, drum towers and several shrines. It is also home to a sangha of Buddhist monks, whose presence was only indicated by several trays of chillies left to dry on…
What to see in Hoi An Old Town
Stepping on a dead rat may not have been the best start to our walking tour of Hoi An but it did mean it could only get better. Walking is really the only way to explore Hoi An, since much of it is pedestrianised during the day, making for some very pleasant strolling (expired rats aside). The history of Hoi An Hoi An dates back to the first century but the town developed significantly between the 15th and 19th century when Hoi An was the main trading centre in central Vietnam. The local architecture blends many influences and ideas. During Vietnam’s French rule trade moved to Da Nang and Hoi…
Hue’s Impressive Imperial Citadel
Little did we know that visiting Hue’s old fortified city, known as the citadel, was going to involve so much guesswork. Tragically, not much of Vietnam’s one-time royal domain and capital city remains in tact today, but that makes it all the more interesting to explore. Home to the Nguyen dynasty, at the time of construction, Hue’s citadel would have been a city fit for a king. It covered about five square kilometers on the north bank of the Perfume River and featured an imperial enclosure and the Forbidden Purple City where only emperors, concubines and invited guests were permitted. There were also temple compounds and residences. However, what visitors…
The Tailors of Hoi An, Vietnam
It doesn’t take long in Asia for the average westerner to feel enormous. The average Asian body shape is simply more slender than the ever-growing western shape. If clothes shopping, you quickly learn that cries of “This good size for you” are not to be trusted and you need the largest size of trousers. So, what should you do if you are in desperate need of some new threads while in Asia? Definitely head to Hoi An and get yourself to a tailor! The streets of the small centre of Hoi An are lined with tailors offering to create just about any outfit imaginable. Mannequins stand in shop fronts wearing…
Water Puppets in Vietnam
We were in fits of giggles from the appearance of the first water puppet on stage. As the puppet shot across the stage, alternately raising one arm after the other in quick succession, to the cries of hectic musical accompaniment, my brother hissed “Look out! Drunk!” Humorous similarities aside, water puppet shows are a traditional but fun-filled art form in Vietnam and the puppeteers are revered and referred to as artists. More than 400 stories are told through Vietnamese puppetry and one of the best places to see the puppets is the Thang Long Water Puppets Theatre in Hanoi, on the north eastern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. With an…
Magical ‘Must-See’ Halong Bay Vietnam
What do you imagine when you think of Vietnam? I’m going to take a wild guess that Halong Bay comes to mind. Magical Halong Bay was high on my list of places to visit when I visited Vietnam and it didn’t disappoint. One of the most magnificent sights in Vietnam, and possibly the world, UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay should absolutely be visited if you get the chance. When we visited it was overcast and grey, but the area was still stunning. However, I can easily imagine how amazing it would be on a clear day. Halong Bay – Place of legends Halong Bay is not only incredibly beautiful,…
10 Reasons to visit South East Asia
South East Asia consists of eleven countries, spread along the edge of the Asian continent and across island nations. The area offers a variety of exciting experiences from walking with tigers in Thailand, visiting ancient temples in Cambodia, joining a small group tour in Laos and scoffing tasty noodles in Bali. Adventurers reap many rewards. Discover Asian culture South East Asia offers wonderfully diverse cultures. The origins are mainly Indian and Chinese with Arab, Portuguese, Spanish and Malay influences depending on where you go. One great way to absorb local culture is through talking with people or experiencing local storytelling. The Barong dance in Bali is an easily accessible example.…
