The landscape of Vietnam has more sights to behold than can reasonably be imagined. None are more breathtaking than the mountain ranges of the northern provinces. Riding the pristine mountainous roads of the Hà Giang province can leave one wondering how on earth such a beautiful part of the world has been left so completely untouched, and hoping it stays so. The people are as friendly as can be, the food is unique to the country, and the world, and the weather changes quickly with the winds that make their way across the peaks and down through the deep, damp valleys. If there's a place in Vietnam that is not to be missed, it's the Northern Province of Hà Giang.
Head in the clouds - Ha Giang
As if drawn by a young child, the mountains of northern Vietnam seem almost otherworldly.
The sun rises on a beautiful morning in the northern province of Hà Giang just a few kilometers from the Chinese border.
On the cutting edge - Saigon
The rapidly evolving economy of Vietnam cannot be seen more clearly than in the southern city of Saigon. Fueled by the commercial growth of the country overall and the usual urbanization trend of a developing nation, Saigon is a city growing so quickly that whole areas of town become new seemingly overnight. The city teems with an energy and excitement that, for many, most closely resembles New York City. And like the city that never sleeps, Saigon has an ever-expanding foreign base bringing new life and energy into the city that can be enjoyed 24/7 - or 24/24 as many restaurant and retail signs strangely proclaim. On the fast track towards economic success, Ho Chi Minh City is expected to be a prosperous Southeast Asian hub akin to Singapore and Taipei; leapfrogging Vietnam, a country where 90% of the population lived in poverty just 30 years ago, into a 'Tiger City' scaled economic powerhouse.
4 in the afternoon or 4 in the morning, there's always somthing to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Landmark 81 - the most recent addition to the prosperous city of Saigon. Standing 1,513 feet (461.2 m) the Landmark 81 tower is the tallest building in Southeast Asia, and the 15th tallest building in the world.
The Baja of Vietnam - Mui Ne
A town full of intrigue and excitement. The deep red sand dunes of Mũi Né can leave one questioning if they are still in Vietnam. From the Fairy Stream to the Red Dunes and with over a hundred beach houses and hotels in a small area, travellers must be sure to hit this spot. The touristy town of Mũi Né is known not only for its sand dunes and the related 'bash around' activities that can be enjoyed there, but also for it's windy, shallow water coast line, making Mũi Né the kitesurfing hot spot of Vietnam. The conditions in Mũi Né are so pristine, the small town has made its name as one of the notable kitesurfing mecca's of Asia. Blessed with a dry climate and 30 degrees plus air temperature, sea temperatures between the high 20s and mid 30s year round, a constant and fantastic coastal breeze, the beautiful beaches and sand dunes, and a number of notable Mexican restaurants, Mũi Né Brings the Baja vibes home to Vietnam.
The iconic red sand unique to the dunes of Mũi Né
The kitesurfing mecca of Vietnam
The Life Blood of a country - Mekong Delta
A fragile ecosystem hangs in the balance. Rising sea levels, pollution, water salinization, and the construction of Chinese hydroelectric dams all leave the future of Asia's bread basket in a difficult spot.
The sprawling Mekong delta all around and south of Ho Chi Minh City is a vast network of rivers, swamps and island clusters with rice paddies as far as the eye can see. The Mekong Delta is the life blood of Vietnam accounting for the majority of the country's rice production. Even more than that, Vietnam is the 4th biggest rice exporter in the world. The Delta - a truly beautiful sight to see so long as we take care to ensure its preservation.
Vietnamese women wade in the river with nets cast. A traditional Vietnamese method of fishing.
A Taste of old Town - Hoi An
A UNESCO World heritage site, Hoi An has retained it's unique architectural style, not seen elsewhere in the country. Identifiable as an architectural amalgamation, the buildings feature Chinese tiled roofs, Japanese support joists and French louvered shutters and lamp posts.
A UNESCO World heritage site, Hoi An has retained it's unique architectural style, not seen elsewhere in the country. Identifiable as an architectural amalgamation, the buildings feature Chinese tiled roofs, Japanese support joists and French louvered shutters and lampposts.
The Japanese Bridge dates back to the 18th-century and this wooden bridge features elaborate carvings and a pedestrian passageway.
A Photo Journey through Vietnam's traditional, eclectic, inspiring and truly special food scene
Beep beep. The sound often heard from where meals are enjoyed most in Vietnam - on the street. A tiny plastic chair, an equally tiny plastic table, some aged wooden chopsticks, a bowl of delicious goodness and a local beer - all the essentials to a fantastic street side dinning experience. It's no wonder Anthony Bourdain fell in love with Vietnamese food culture. We get it. It's quite simple. Come once and you'll never want to leave.
Banh Mi
A baguette with thin, crisp crust and soft, airy texture inside that is often split lengthwise and filled with various savory ingredients
Bun Cha Ha Noi
Thought to have originated from Hanoi, Vietnam, Bún chả is served with grilled fatty pork over a plate of white rice noodle and herbs with a side dish of dipping sauce.
Pho
A Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, sometimes chicken.
Bun Bo Hue
A Vietnamese soup, admired for its balance of spicy, salty, and umami flavors, containing rice vermicelli and beef.