Exploring Hội An, Vietnam’s ‘City of Lanterns’
The paved lane along the north bank of Vietnam’s Thu Bon River, in the city of Hội An, is quaint by day, spectacular by night. Centuries-old houses, some built as long ago as the 1700s, welcome visitors to enjoy coffee, food, tailored clothing, and other merchandise. Their ochre-hued walls and tiled roofs are invariably brightened […]
Vietnam’s Idyllic Phu Quoc Island
The view from the windows of the world’s longest over-the-sea cable car was magnificent. From our ephemeral perch, more than 500 feet above the Gulf of Thailand, Phong Lan and I looked down upon the fishing village of An Thó’i at the southern tip of Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island. Hundreds of commercial vessels, their red […]
Southeast Asia by Sea: Hitting the Highlights on a 17-Day Cruise
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n the 1969 movie, “If it’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium,” a busload of tourists travels across Europe at a whirlwind pace, spending only a day in each country. At the time, seasoned travelers poked fun at the idea of such a madcap itinerary. After all, how could anyone experience a country’s culture in a […]
Vietnam and Cambodia – Memorable “Pinch Me” Moments
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]emorable ‘pinch me’ moments abound in Southeast Asia As the stars fade and the colors of the sky begin to slowly change, the dark shadows of Angkor Wat’s temple walls gradually emerge. The anticipation builds among the hushed crowd as the towers and their reflection in the moat surrounding the vast complex become increasingly […]
Vietnam’s Training Restaurants for Disadvantaged Youth
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he resiliency of Vietnam is remarkable. Despite being ravaged by wars with France, the United States and China, the country’s economy is surging. English schools are popping up everywhere as people strive to learn the language of commerce and tourists arrive by the planeload to see UNESCO world heritage sites such as dream-like Halong Bay, […]