Paul Mulligan 
What are the best churches in Saigon, and which ones are actually worth visiting? Ho Chi Minh City is often associated with street food, motorbikes, and modern high-rises, but its Catholic heritage runs surprisingly deep. French colonial influence, local Vietnamese craftsmanship, and even Chinese architectural elements all shape the churches here. Some are famous and … Read more
Vietnam is an incredibly welcoming country, but it also runs on a set of social rules that are very different from what most Western travellers are used to. Things that feel harmless back home, joking with elders, complaining about politics, or the way you behave at the dinner table, can come across as deeply disrespectful … Read more
Can you really find a quiet, traditional Buddhist temple in the middle of District 1? Phùng Sơn Buddhist Temple proves that you can. Tucked into central Ho Chi Minh City, this pagoda doesn’t dominate guidebooks or skyline views, but it offers something different – intimacy and stillness in one of Saigon’s busiest districts. In this … Read more
Hidden in a green valley surrounded by low mountains in Quang Nam Province, Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is one of Vietnam’s most important historical and archaeological sites. Located about an hour from Hoi An, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the spiritual centre of the Champa Kingdom, being a powerful maritime civilisation that controlled large … Read more
Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Thao Cam Vien) is one of the largest green spaces in District 1, and also one of the most difficult to describe honestly. On paper, it’s a zoo, a botanical garden, and a historic site all rolled into one. In reality, it’s a place that feels pulled in several directions … Read more
The Vietnamese landscape seems to be in constant flux, with the country currently in the midst of a profound cultural and legislative transformation. Central to this change is the “ghost” of the dog meat trade, an industry that once defined many aspects of Vietnamese social life but is now increasingly seen as a relic of … Read more
Phuket is often described as Thailand’s most famous island, but my recent trip showed me a different side of it. Instead of focusing on nightlife or crowded tourist strips, I spent time at Mai Khao Beach watching planes take off overhead, stopped in Ratsada to see wild monkeys up close, wandered through Lotus’s Night Market … Read more
What are the most beautiful pagodas in Saigon, and which ones are actually worth your time? Ho Chi Minh City has no shortage of temples, but only a few combine architecture, atmosphere, and setting in a way that truly stands out. In this guide, I’ve selected six pagodas that leave a lasting impression, and I’ll … Read more
Are you planning a trip and searching for practical tips for travelling in Vietnam, but feeling unsure about what really awaits you? From chaotic traffic and culture shock to scams, street food fears, and confusing visa rules, Vietnam can feel overwhelming before you even arrive, especially for first-time visitors. While I’ve lived in Vietnam for … Read more
Vietnam is an incredible place to live and travel, so much so that I’ve chosen to call it home and have never once regretted that decision. That said, no country is perfect, and Vietnam is no exception. From pollution and air quality concerns to relentless noise, blocked footpaths, limited spaces for dog owners, occasional power … Read more
Baku is a city of contrasts. Located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, it combines medieval architecture, Soviet-era planning, and large-scale modern development. In 2019, Baku gained international attention as the host city for the UEFA Europa League Final. Having never been to the country, my father immediately applied for tickets when they … Read more
Dalat has long been known as Vietnam’s “City of Eternal Spring,” but in recent years, it has also become the city of “themed check-in spots.” From hydrangea gardens to cafes shaped like giant pumpkins, the city is full of locations designed for the camera, and Fairytale Land (Vườn Cổ Tích), located in Ward 5, near … Read more
Bach Dang Waterfront Park is one of the most open and accessible green spaces in District 1, stretching along the Saigon River at the end of Nguyen Hue Walking Street. In this guide, I’ll share what it feels like to spend time here, why I come mostly to walk rather than sit, and how the … Read more
Spending time in the Amazon Jungle may sound like a dream come true… and it was, despite being woefully underprepared for not one visit but two to the depths of the lungs of the world (it’s called that, but it actually isn’t true), I can safely say that years after visiting, it was one of … Read more
Are Vietnam’s most famous attractions actually worth the hype, or are some of them just bucket-list box-ticking exercises that leave you feeling underwhelmed? After living in Vietnam for several years and travelling the country extensively, I’ve learned that popularity doesn’t always equal quality. Some places look incredible in photos, some sound unmissable in travel forums, … Read more
Nestled high in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Da Lat is one of the country’s most unique destinations. Often called the “City of Eternal Spring,” Da Lat is famous for its cool climate, pine forests, colourful flower gardens, and romantic lakes. Unlike Vietnam’s bustling coastal cities, Da Lat feels calm and refreshing, with crisp mountain air and … Read more
Thailand enthrals visitors with stunning temples, street life and lush landscapes, but there are two attractions just outside Bangkok that offer a journey through Thai history, culture, art and spirituality. The Ancient City is immersive attraction where you can experience the essence of the Kingdom of Siam in a single day. Thailand Visa Run Living … Read more
Manila Ocean Park is one of those places that works best when the weather doesn’t. Located along Manila Bay near Rizal Park, it’s an indoor marine-themed attraction that offers aquariums, interactive exhibits, and short live shows – all under one roof. We visited on a rainy day, rode there by motorbike from the city centre, … Read more
If you’ve heard of the One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi, you might be surprised to learn there’s a version of it in Ho Chi Minh City. Nam Thiên Nhất Trụ, often called the One Pillar Pagoda of Thu Duc, is a faithful architectural homage built in 1958. In this article, I’ll explain its historical background, … Read more
If you walk along Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa in District 1, you could pass it without realising what you’re looking at. Office towers loom behind it, and the traffic barely slows, but a small, brightly painted Hindu temple sits quietly along the pavement, as if it belongs in South India rather than central Saigon. Subramaniam … Read more