Discovering the beauty of Ghana while volunteering. The 4×4 trundles along the dirt path strewn with rocks, the odd shoe or tire lining the route underneath blossoming orange trees. austere mud houses, primitive graffiti and obscure parliament benches where locals hang out and the obligatory spot where beer is sold – these symbols typify the… Read more »
One man escapes frenetic Saigon to find serenity on a remote resort in Nha Trang Reclining in a speedboat looking back at the jetty I watch the two An Lam Villas Ninh Van Bay staff who greeted me at the mainland check-in facility waving to me. It’s as if they represent the real world saying… Read more »
Getting lacquered in Old Hoi An For the past seven months, I have been painting and drawing in Hoi An. I have watched the change of seasons and witnessed the drama that major weather events bring to the lives of people who inhabit this peaceful corner of Vietnam. Since October a rice crop has been… Read more »
Traveling in uber style Most people in Vietnam never thought it would happen, but it has – the Uber app has arrived. The luxury transportation startup that connects users with a driver at the tap of a smartphone screen debuted in Bangkok in February, Beijing in April, and Jakarta in June. This month it reached Ho Chi… Read more »
Dear Hadrien, My Vietnamese girlfriend and I want to open a coffee shop here. We are very excited about the plan and really can’t wait to get started. However, I have little knowledge about the administrative procedures that we will need to go through. Can you give me some advice please? Congratulations on your startup… Read more »
Promotions and news in HCMC and beyond… Delicious Décor Debuts Delicious Décor has launched in Ho Chi Minh City, offering artfully arranged fruit and confectionery bouquets. It blends the concept of fruit baskets with designs inspired by the floral business. All the fruit products are sourced and handpicked from accredited suppliers and delivered fresh daily…. Read more »
One man’s vision to provide an international school experience at local rates… In between a course of king crab tartar with a swirl of mango jelly topped with a gold leaf, a handsomely dressed couple eyes a Hoa Vu painting, heads together, quietly formulating a bidding strategy. The large painting depicting a peaceful river scene is now… Read more »
Where trendy chic meets Italian homemade goodness Head to a bettola in Italy and you’re likely to find a (sometimes literal) hole in the wall establishment, a family-run dive with mismatched water glasses and nary a menu to be seen, where the cook is also the waiter, busboy and maître d’, serving up whatever happens… Read more »
A new Japanese whiskey bar & grill is home to some of the city’s best Kobe beef. Set in a pretty old manor just back from the main restaurant strip on leafy Han Thuyen, Monde (7 bis Han Thuyen, D1) has been the Japanese community’s best-kept secret since quietly opening its doors last October. The… Read more »
There’s never been a better time to eat barbecue Whenever I hear someone remark that America has no real cuisine, I simply reply, “American barbecue.” Rooted in the South, barbecue applies heat indirectly by smoking. Wrapped in foil, various cuts of meat that would otherwise tend to be tough spend hours in a smoker where they… Read more »
Drawing from the ancient traditions of Hue, designer Huynh Hai Long captures the culture of this imperial city with his new collection. Green grass hugs the curving line of the Perfume River where traditional attire merges with modernity to create seamless beauty. Producer: Nguyen Tra My Set up: Hoang Dao (hoangdao@swot.vn) Photographer: Vu Minh Tuan… Read more »
Travel gear is all about enhancing your travel experiences. With the wrong gear, your entire trip could be jeopardized. On the other hand, the right gear can take your travels to the next level 1. Stashing the Cash Keep your secret stash of bills safe from pickpocket with the Travelon money belt (Nylon USD15, Leather USD60). I’ve worn this while… Read more »
Making sure schools have the right answers The school year has ended and as parents you are either reflecting upon the year at your present school or preparing to move to a new posting in another country. Selecting a school for your family is one of the most important, yet difficult, decisions that you will make. This… Read more »
