Paul Mulligan 
Baku is a city that seems to be constantly trying to reconcile two distinct identities. On one side, you have the dust and stone of a Silk Road past; on the other, the polished glass and steel of a future funded by the Caspian’s oil. It’s a strange, fascinating mix that makes it one of … Read more
What makes Thien Hau Pagoda one of the most visited temples in District 5, and does it actually deserve the attention? In the middle of Saigon’s Chinatown, surrounded by traffic and shopfronts, this temple has been standing for centuries. Dedicated to the sea goddess Thiên Hậu, it remains an active religious site rather than a … Read more
To the uninitiated eye, a Vietnamese quán nhậu (drinking tavern) looks like chaos. A symphony of clacking ice buckets, the rhythmic roar of “Một, hai, ba, dô!”, and a haze of smoke from grilled seafood, if you look closer, you’ll witness the most sophisticated social engine in Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, Nhậu is not merely … Read more
Phnom Penh is often introduced through its cafés, riverfront, and colonial architecture, but two sites just beneath the surface define much of Cambodia’s recent history. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields document the systematic violence carried out by the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. Visiting both places provides a clear, … Read more
Located about 40 kilometres from Da Lat’s city centre in Lạc Dương district, ZooDoo is an Australian-style open zoo, and a radical departure from the traditional, often cramped zoos found elsewhere. It operates on a philosophy of animal welfare and human-nature connection that feels both modern and deeply heartwarming. The Drive: Into the Pine Forest … Read more
The Van Gogh & Impressionist Masters Art Lighting Experience at Giga Mall (Thu Duc City) has become a bit of a cultural phenomenon with the locals in Ho Chi Minh City. Spanning over 3,800 square meters on the 8th floor, this is not a traditional “look-but-don’t-touch” gallery, but instead, is a high-tech, multi-sensory journey blending … Read more
Mui Ne is one of those places in Vietnam that looks small on the map but stretches along a long stretch of coast. The Jeep tour is marketed as the fastest way to see everything in half a day, which is why I booked this tour for my family through muinejeeptour, and after experiencing it … Read more
Deep in the misty highlands of Central Vietnam, the city of Da Lat is often celebrated for its French colonial elegance and romantic lakefronts. Yet, tucked away on Huynh Thuc Khang Street is a structure that defies every convention of urban planning and physics. Officially known as Hang Nga Villa, but famously dubbed the “Crazy … Read more
Da Lat, often called the “Le Petit Paris” of Vietnam, is a place where the air is thinner, the pine trees are taller, and the pace of life feels intentionally slowed for lovers. For those living in the bustling heat of Saigon, the six-hour drive (around 4 by car) is more than a trip—it’s a … Read more
Are you worried about making common mistakes when travelling in Vietnam for the first time? Vietnam is an incredible country to explore, but it works very differently from most Western nations, and that’s where many travellers go wrong. After living in Vietnam for over 5 years, I’ve made and seen many of the same Vietnam … Read more
Georgetown on Penang Island is often described as one of the food capitals of Southeast Asia, but my experience there was more layered than just hawker stalls and UNESCO heritage buildings. The city is beautiful, the people are genuinely friendly, and the streets are full of character – but it’s also hotter than I expected … Read more
When people think about living in Vietnam, they usually picture three things: sun, Pho, and motorbikes. And for the most part, they’d be right. But what is it actually like to live here with a Vietnamese family, tucked away from the neon lights of the tourist districts? I’ve lived in Vietnam for over three years … Read more
What is it really like to volunteer with big cats in South Africa, and is it truly ethical? Back in 2014, I travelled from Ireland with a friend to spend three months working hands-on with lions, a tiger, and caracals at a privately run wildlife centre. In this article, I share our day-to-day routine caring … Read more
Can Rome really be done in a day? I didn’t plan to find out, but after missing my flight and getting stranded in Italy’s capital, I had no choice but to make the most of 24 unplanned hours. With no itinerary, no hotel booked, and it being my first time in Rome, I turned a … Read more
The Marble Mountains, known in Vietnamese as Ngũ Hành Sơn, are one of those rare tourist stops that actually live up to the postcards. Located about 20km north of Hoi An, they sit right on the edge of Da Nang, rising like jagged limestone teeth out of the flat coastal plains. Though technically in Da … Read more
Nestled in the scenic highlands of Da Lat, Mongo Land Vietnam has quickly become one of the city’s most unusual and talked-about attractions. Known as the “Mini Mongolia of the Highlands,” this outdoor park combines elements of a theme park, cultural photo destination, and small animal farm, creating a fun and colourful experience for visitors … Read more
District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is rarely quiet. Traffic hums constantly, footpaths are crowded, and modern buildings sit beside colonial remnants. I wasn’t expecting stillness when I walked toward Huyện Sỹ Church. But the moment I stepped through its gates, the noise softened, and the atmosphere changed. This is one of the oldest … Read more
The Sculpture Tunnel in Dalat, also known as the Clay Tunnel, is one of the more unusual attractions in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Built almost entirely from clay, this open-air sculpture park tells the story of Dalat’s history through large-scale figures and scenes – from steam trains to legendary kings. I visited expecting a simple photo … Read more
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) moves fast. Traffic never really stops, street food smells drift through every district, and glass skyscrapers rise next to ageing apartment blocks. It’s easy to assume you need money to enjoy the city – rooftop bars, tours, tickets, cafés. But the truth is, some of the best things to do … Read more
Before going to Bolivia, I thought that the salt flats were just one giant photo stop that you turn up to, take a few perspective shots, and move on. However, the reality is very different. A three-day salt desert tour from Uyuni takes you across some of the most extreme landscapes I’ve ever seen. However, … Read more