Paul Mulligan 
If you’ve spent any time in Saigon, you know that the city’s coffee culture is divided into two worlds. On one side, you have the minimalist, air-conditioned “work cafes” of Districts 1 and 3. On the other hand, you have the massive, sprawling “garden cafes” usually found in districts like Gò Vấp or District 11. … Read more
Is Buu Long Pagoda the most visually striking temple in Ho Chi Minh City? If you’ve only seen pagodas in District 1 or Chinatown, the answer might surprise you. Located in Thu Duc, away from the density of the city centre, Buu Long Pagoda looks and feels completely different from the darker, incense-filled halls you … Read more
Most people associate Mui Ne with its sand dunes, and while they’re impressive, once you’re actually there, you realise the experience is more layered than that. Mui Ne isn’t just one attraction. It’s shifting light, coastal wind, fishing boats, long roads, and quiet moments between tourist stops. These were the places that felt most worth … Read more
Saigon is home to some of the most visually striking coffee shops in Vietnam, where design and atmosphere often matter just as much as the coffee itself. From the cultural photo sets of Noong Oi Cafe in Thu Duc to the tranquil garden hideaway of Oasis Cafe in Go Vap, these cafés are destinations in … Read more
What can you expect inside the Southern Women’s Museum in Saigon – and is it worth your time? I visited this free museum in District 3 expecting a small, quiet exhibition, but what I actually found was a thoughtful space dedicated to the history of the Ao Dai and the extraordinary bravery of Southern Vietnamese … Read more
Wondering what the best things to do in Hoi An actually are, beyond the postcards and lantern photos? After visiting Hoi An multiple times, I’ve learned that this former trading port offers far more than just its famous Old Town. From wandering the lantern-lit streets of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town and exploring the lively night … Read more
The Saigon Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is one of those places that most tourists come to get a photograph of, but few people actually tend to use it. I’ve been to the historic building many times to check out a few souvenir stalls, but for the first time, I recently ended … Read more
Garden Hydrangea in Đà Lạt is one of those places that instantly feels like Dalat. Cool mountain air, rolling hills, and rows upon rows of hydrangea flowers stretching across the landscape. It’s colourful without being overwhelming, simple without being boring, and honestly, one of the best photo spots in the area. In this article, I’ll … Read more
If you are looking for the scale of Miền Thảo Mộc but with a more whimsical, adventurous design, Du Miên is the spot. Located on Phan Văn Trị in Gò Vấp, it’s a bit of a trek from District 1 (usually a 30-to-45-minute ride depending on traffic). However, once you walk through the entrance, the … Read more
If you lived anywhere in Southeast Asia over the past few years, you probably remember a moment when it felt impossible to escape Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. He was on shop shelves, motorbike helmets, pencil cases, pyjamas, and just about anything else that could be printed, stitched, or moulded in plastic. This wasn’t nostalgia, and it wasn’t … Read more
Tao Dan Park is one of the few green spaces in the heart of District 1 where daily life in Saigon unfolds at its own pace. In this article, I’ll share what it’s like to spend time in the park throughout the day, from the early exercise routines and coffee sellers to squirrels moving through … Read more
While Westerners only got used to wearing facemasks regularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian countries have been rocking them for over 100 years. While some visitors think it’s a hangover from the pandemic, this practice goes far beyond simply trying to stop the spread of disease. 6 Reasons Why There Are So Many Face Masks … Read more
If you’ve ever been to Vietnam, I can almost guarantee one of the first things you’ll notice is the sheer amount of motorbikes that swarm the streets like a shoal of fish. Vietnam is a nation primarily on two wheels, and the motorbike culture is a phenomenon that captures the essence of the country’s vibrant … Read more
If there is a single cafe in Saigon that understands the power of a “viral moment,” it’s Tiệm Cà Phê Mê. This spot doesn’t just decorate, but regularly undergoes a total transformation, changing from a vintage oriental garden one season, to a summer festival the next, and famously, it recently spent over half a billion … Read more
Gia Dinh Park feels different the moment you arrive. The space here is wide, open, and airy, which is something of a rarity in Saigon. Instead of winding paths and dense corners, the park stretches outward, giving you room to breathe, and being so close to Tan Son Nhat Airport, it’s also one of the … Read more
Angkor Wat is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and one of the major draws for travellers to visit Cambodia. Located near Siem Reap, the site is part of a vast ancient urban complex that once served as the centre of the Khmer Empire. Contrary to popular belief, Angkor Wat isn’t … Read more
Just steps away from Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, there’s a pedestrian street where the usual soundtrack of Saigon fades into something noticeably calmer. Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street, commonly known simply as Book Street, is a dedicated cultural space in District 1 lined with bookstores, publishing houses, and small cafés. In a … Read more
What is it actually like to ride Saigon’s first-ever metro line? After years of construction delays and public anticipation, Metro Line 1 (Bến Thành – Suối Tiên) is finally operating, and I wanted to see for myself whether it lives up to the expectation. I took the train from Opera House Station in District 1 … Read more
South America has a way of pulling you in with bucket-list landscapes, vibrant cultures, and prices that seem like a bargain, until a few small missteps quietly drain your time, money, or patience. First-time travelers often arrive thinking the continent works like Europe or Southeast Asia, only to discover that distances are bigger, logistics are … Read more
If you love beaches, then Vung Tau is one of those places that doesn’t need much convincing. Just a few hours from Saigon, it’s close enough for a spontaneous getaway but different enough to feel like a proper break. I came expecting a simple beach town and left realising Vung Tau is more layered than … Read more