One can only speculate on what Karl Marx would say if he were standing here gazing across the reflecting pool down the melding tiers of palm-fringed infinity pools that finally fuse into the South China Sea. Would he begin another philosophical tirade on a dichotomized social order, railing on the historic gulf between the bourgeoisie [...]

Seasoned tourists can augment their itineraries with completely new destinations. Dalat flowers are well-known for their beauty. The local flower farm is one of the ideal destinations for those who prefer a trip towards nature Visiting the greenhouse is an opportunity to admire at close range Dalat roses and gerberas. Standing in front of the [...]

About half way up the carpeted grand staircase of the Dalat Palace, we felt a sense of accordion time. Chronology went askew; time wrinkled, creasing back on itself. Now and then became pleated, and for a moment the two coexisted. Like an art gallery, the walls along the hallway exhibited paintings by Cézanne, Degas, Monet, [...]

Most visitors to Sapa end up wishing they could spend more time there, and no wonder — this highland town in northern Vietnam has got it all, from spectacular mountain views to colorful hilltribe markets.  Spend a few extra days there if you can, and be sure to check out the strolls, treks and scenic [...]

I am almost loath to write about Nha Trang. True, its firmly established on the well-worn tourist route on Vietnam’s South-east coast, and is one of the country’s premier vacation spots. It’s already popular enough, with its breathtaking surrounding hills and a stunning municipal beach that seems to run on forever. But strange things happen [...]

During colonial times, Da Lat was the perfect holiday spot. The hill station was recommended in 1897 by the French medical doctor Alexander Yersin, and in 1912 the city proper had been founded. Because of its cool climate, it soon became a popular retreat for Europeans who wanted to escape the often oppressive heat of [...]

Most visitors to Vietnam spend time in Hanoi, epicenter of the Red River Delta. Far fewer visitors venture outside the city and into the surrounding countryside of the delta where eighty percent of the region’s people live in relatively traditional and agrarian communities. To experience the Red River Delta fully, one should explore the rice [...]

I returned to Viet Nam for the second time in late April 2005 to attend a veteran’s, photojournalist’s and war correspondent’s reunion to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the end of the war; April 30th. I had already decided to tour the Mekong Delta, where I had never traveled, so, after a week in [...]

My last day in the Mekong Delta brings me to the foot of Sam Mountain. Having filled my plate with magical visits to My Tho, Can Tho, floating markets, rural schools and mud-floored huts, I look forward to a peaceful, uneventful hike up this hill of a mountain near Chau Doc and the Cambodian border. [...]

Vietnamese Water Puppet originated from the Red River Delta of Vietnam in the tenth century. Some of the earliest troupes are in Nguyên Xá commune, Đông Hưng district, Thai Binh province. Water puppetry is deeply imbued with the cultural characteristics of the people of this area. This unique art first appeared around the 15th century, [...]