Nov 17, 2011

(HA LONG, Nov. 2011) — Nearly 150 people turned out to celebrate the opening of Life Heritage Resort Ha Long Bay, Vietnam’s first private luxury fleet, in a theatrical launch at the Tuan Chau Marina Friday. Representatives from the Embassy of Netherlands and Life Resorts’ sister properties watched along with tourism officials, travel agents and

Sep 25, 2011

In the heart of the Red River delta region lies Ninh Binh, in many respects a typical Northern Vietnamese town. Few tourists, busy local markets, an extremely young population and one chaotic central highway. National Route 1A at 2,300km long dissects every one of Vietnam’s major cities and runs in parallel to the famous train line, which unites this once

Jun 26, 2011

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises introduces a new ship, River Saigon, and expands their Asia river cruises and tours in 2012, so travelers can experience this destination in world-class style and comfort for which Uniworld is known. With over 100 departures on 8 itineraries ranging from 10 to 24 days in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, travelers can unlock the

Jun 20, 2011

Vietnam Airlines is ramping up flight frequencies and expanding its fleet and route network in Asia-Pacific. From today, the Vietnamese flag carrier’s Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City-Melbourne services will be boosted from five-weekly to seven-weekly, while its Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City-Sydney services will be increased from six-weekly to seven-weekly. From June 16, the

Jul 4, 2010

I’m a Farang. If you’ve got European ancestry, you are too. Although the word exists in many linguistic forms throughout the Siam and Khmer Empires and beyond, this Thai version is the most well known. Its widespread use lends credence to the theory it entered the region long ago as a corruption of the Persian word for “foreigner”, though

“Earrings, bracelets, pillow cover,” she said, waving a gnarled hand over her wares. “Necklaces, marijuana, hat, opium.” Her deeply wrinkled face looked so innocent. Had I heard her right? She gestured for me to move closer, and I leaned in. Her wink confirmed that I had. Commerce, even the illicit kind, is booming and competitive in Sapa, Vietnam.

It began to drizzle when the toothless motorbike man asked to take me home. It was about midday and I had wondered around the city most of the morning finding my way to Reunification Palace, a white square building no more than 7 stories with a retro 1950’s kind-of feel. A child of the eighties I had a fascination with the Vietnam War, and I couldn’t leave

Green. Palms. Dragon fruit trees. Knee-high grass. Foothill mountains. Rice paddy fields. Shrubs that house vibrant flowers. Geckos that scale the walls. Gardens that supply the entire village with food. Pineapples before they’re ripe. Watermelons. Basil leaves that flavor the pho soup. Vegetables that accompany the fresh spring rolls in rice paper. Mint

Maryl visits with Marie Ann of GAP Adventures at the Los Angeles Times Adventurers Travel Expo help on February 10-11. Marie Ann gives travelers options to over 1000 trip options worldwide. The refitted 18th Century boat trips visiting exotic locales does sound great, I guess that’s why it won an award. Produced by Wayfarer Digital for In The Know

I wasn’t sure what to expect from my first ASEAN Tourism Forum. For that matter, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Philippines either. As a destination, I have always imagined the Philippines as curious and exotic. At the same time, I know plenty of Filipino people who are just pleasant and friendly. Perhaps, a couple of good reason’s why I jumped at