CULTURE

12/1/2020 4:49:59 AM

5 UNIQUE TOWNS IN THE MEKONG DELTA

No traveller in their right mind would skip Vietnam’s Mekong River Delta. The colourful collection of towns sprinkled along the banks of the Mekong River are blessed with dazzling blue skies, brimming with exotic fruits, and dotted with markets, temples and colonial-era mansions. It’s a place to nap in a hammock or drift downstream in a sampan. It’s where you’ll have your most memorable meals in Vietnam. And of course, it’s where you’ll meet the warmest Vietnamese around, as well as ethnic minorities who have made their homes on the water. Here are five destinations in the Mekong Delta for modern-day explorers.

6/17/2020 4:44:54 PM

TOP THINGS TO DO IN HA GIANG

A border province and official Frontier Area, Hà Giang lies in the remote far northern region of the country. To visit this province is to journey back in time and encounter some of Vietnam’s most rugged and grand landscapes. Hà Giang is best experienced as a road trip on two wheels, soaking up the majesty of the landscape and the atmosphere of the remote towns and minority villages.

6/17/2020 4:17:50 PM

TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE MEKONG DELTA

Comprised of dense green rice paddies and lazy, winding rivers, the Mekong Delta is like no other region in Vietnam. Whether firmly on land or floating with the river current, this region is flush with wildlife, historical sights, and incredible landscapes. The River of Nine Dragons, as locals know the area, is where the Mekong splinters into nine separate branches, crisscrossing low landscapes before reaching the sea. Life moves much more slowly here and is often surrounded by water. You'll find even homes, farms, and markets take on an aquatic adaptation in the Mekong Delta.

5/7/2020 12:28:09 PM

VIETNAM ANCIENT'S CHAMPA KINGDOM

Such was the artistry of ancient Cham architects and artisans that their temples and stone carvings are some of the most moving relics found in Southeast Asia today. Discover the awe-inspiring art and architecture of the ancient Kingdom of Champa.

5/7/2020 12:09:08 PM

10 COLOURFUL COSTUMES OF VIETNAM'S ETHNIC GROUPS

The best fashion show in Vietnam doesn't happen on the runway, but in the highlands, at country markets, and among the small villages of the country's ethnic groups. Not many travellers know that Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic minorities. Many of their cultural outfits are more creatively crafted and inventive than any piece of couture. If you're looking for eye-catching ensembles and irreplaceable style, here are 10 ethnic groups you need to know.

5/7/2020 12:01:37 PM

25 STRIKING IMAGES OF VIETNAM'S ETHNIC GROUPS

Over the years, French photographer Réhahn has made countless excursions into the highlands and countryside of Vietnam, photographing the men, women and children of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities. “By picking up the language, I found myself drawn to the elders and their enchanting tales,” says Réhahn. “When they speak of their culture and traditions, their eyes light up. When their minds go back in time or when they put on their cultural costumes, they start to glow and beam with pride. Their stories continue to inspire me to this day.” In 2011, Réhahn chose the town of Hoi An as his home in Vietnam. Six years later, he opened a museum dedicated to Vietnam’s ethnic groups. His pictures captivate viewers from all over the world, and raise awareness of Vietnam’s diverse and precious cultural heritage. Here are 25 images from his vast collection.

5/7/2020 11:55:38 AM

7 MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

While modernity has swept Vietnam's southern capital, it's not hard to find pockets here and there that celebrate its complex history. The architectural imprints of colonial rule still stand, alongside relics of the city's commerical and oriental roots. If you're a fan of history, here are seven top Ho Chi Minh City attractions in easy walking distance from the centre.

5/7/2020 11:41:56 AM

10 ESSENTIAL THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN

Cradled between rivers, rice paddies, and beaches, Hoi An has all the elements of a timeless destination. Its yellowing shop houses, riotous blossoms, and green countryside set the tone for enriching days and magical nights. If you find yourself in this former trading port, round out your visit with these 10 inspired ideas.

5/7/2020 11:15:56 AM

AN INSIDE GUIDE TO THE HUE TOMBS

From moss-covered towers hidden in the hills to faded stone warriors proudly protecting the dead, the Hue tombs evoke the feeling of a forgotten, almost mythological world. The kings of the Nguyen Dynasty designed their own tombs, reflecting their varying temperaments, philosophies, and priorities. Dig deeper and you’ll discover the tombs don’t just embody the lives and souls of the Nguyen Kings. They also recount the story of one of Vietnam’s most engrossing historical periods, including national unification, military conquest, and the cultural impact of French colonialism.

5/7/2020 11:09:17 AM

3 DAYS IN HUE FOR CULTURE SEEKERS

Enchanting Hue is one of Vietnam’s most overlooked destinations. Imperial opulence, colonial relics, and picturesque landscapes set the scene for a sensory-rich getaway. Hue residents are proud but warm, eager to share their exceptional cuisine and the city’s monumental history with visitors. This three-day itinerary will show you the top highlights, plus some little-known neighbourhoods, rarely-visited attractions and local eateries. Grab a map and enjoy!

5/7/2020 11:00:43 AM

5 WAYS TO ENCOUNTER VIETNAM'S ETHNIC GROUPS

Vietnam is home to a vibrant collage of ethnic groups. There are 54 recognised ethnicities that filter into hundreds of subgroups. Wondering where to start? The best way to understand Vietnam’s ethnic makeup is through hands-on experiences. From mountain homestays to medicinal herbs, encounters with ethnic culture are a highlight of any trip to Vietnam. Here are five easy ways to get to know the Yao, Hmong, Tay, Bahnar, and Khmer ethnic groups.

5/7/2020 6:54:27 AM

INSIDE THE LIFE OF VIETNAM'S LAST EMPEROR

Vietnam’s final reigning emperor is one of the most fascinating figures in the country’s history, and chances are you’ve never heard of him.

5/7/2020 6:34:20 AM

VIETNAM'S AMAZING ARCHITECTURE

Vietnam’s architecture is anything but ordinary. Thousand-year-old temples squat next to sterling skyscrapers. Modern apartments nest atop creamy French villas. The old and new, local and foreign mingle in an eclectic mix. This distinct blend is what creates unforgettable urban spaces and rewarding exploration in Vietnam. Whether you’re already an architecture lover or just a casual admirer, this chronological primer will walk you through the best of Vietnam’s must-see architecture.

5/7/2020 6:21:59 AM

HA NOI FOR ART LOVERS

Artistic, organic, changing yet traditional, Hanoi is one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric cities. To explore the city’s art scene takes some effort and a little insider knowledge, but the rewards are worth it. Here’s your guide to the well-lit corridors and well-kept secrets where art thrives in the Vietnamese capital.

5/7/2020 6:13:46 AM

A GIRL'S GUIDE TO A WEEKEND IN HOI AN

Tucked between waving rice paddies, windy beaches and frond-fringed canals, Hoi An is a natural backdrop for beautiful retreats. The name ‘Hoi An’ means ‘peaceful meeting place’, from a time when merchants from all over the world would drop anchor in the Old Town to trade goods and news from across the seas. Today Hoi An still draws visitors with a promise of rest, rejuvenation and reconnection, in the same evocative setting. Hoi An’s photogenic resorts, boutiques and cafes are sprinkled around the Ancient Town, along the shores of An Bang Beach, and on the edge of lush rice fields. Craft villages nearby ensure stores are filled with high-quality textiles, ceramics and jewellery. And because this is Hoi An, fresh, healthy food is always on the menu. Planning a visit? Here’s our guide to a girls’ weekend in one of Vietnam’s most soothing holiday spots.

5/7/2020 6:09:36 AM

DAY- TRIPPING IN THE MEKONG DELTA

There’s something soothing about Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City, the Delta’s riverside towns, lush islets and lazy rivers will instantly make you feel more relaxed. You could easily spend weeks exploring the Delta, however if you only have a day to spare, take an excursion to the Mekong Delta’s charming countryside. The best way to see a slice of local life and sample the Delta’s highlights is to escape the crowds and go for an eco-tour or cycling tour, such as the ‘Mekong Delta Insight’ tour offered by Johnny Tours.. Here’s what you can expect.