The Evolution of DIY Travel

I remember my first ever international trip. I was 13 at the time and I spotted the $399 deal to Cancun in the paper. (Yes, even at 13, I was reading the Travel Section of the Washington Post…) Without my parents knowing, I called and peppered the exasperated travel agent with questions. It wasn’t until … Read more

Southeast Asia on One Plate

An ambitious culinary tour through Indochina Text by James Pham Images by Nam Quan A restaurant with more than 120 menu items spanning five countries would seem to be a warning bell for customers, a culinary “jack of all trades, master of none.” Having lived in three of these countries and traveled to a fourth, … Read more

Where the Sea Meets the River

Can Gio is a family friendly escape from the city with something for everyone Text by James Pham Images by Quinn Ryan Mattingly Heading south from the Bach Dang Pier in District 1, a cruise along the Saigon River is an exercise in serenity. City life incrementally gives way to country. Bridges get less ornate, … Read more

Circus Folk

A collection of talented performers have ensured that the greatest show on earth will always go on Text by James Pham Images by Quinn Ryan Mattingly Few things are synonymous with pure, unadulterated glee like the circus. For many, memorable ‘first time’ childhood experiences include airplane and carousel rides, losing a tooth, the first day … Read more

The Eternal Debate: Hanoi or Saigon?

Through simple yet poignant images, graphic artist Le Duy Nhat revisits the rivalry between Vietnam’s two great cities Star Trek or Star Wars ? Creation or evolution? Spider Man or Batman? iOS or Android? Thanks to budding graphic artist, Le Duy Nhat, 25, there’s now buzz around the greatest local eternal debate: Hanoi or Saigon? … Read more

Swept Away in Mui Ne

Time to exchange the air and noise pollution of HCMC for the sea breeze and serenity of the beach  The ribbon of azure blue on the horizon imperceptibly draws closer as the sun brightens up the water, illuminating shades of aquamarine. We’re in Mui Ne, a small seaside retreat just four hours from Saigon. With … Read more

Pretty in Pink: High Tea at Sofitel Saigon Plaza

Starting in the 17th century, when the English typically ate two meals – breakfast and a late evening, fashionably drawn out dinner – the concept of afternoon tea began to catch on, sampling the newly introduced teas from France along with small snacks to tide people over until dinnertime. What we now know as “high … Read more

From Napalm to Palm Trees

On June 8, 1972 then 21-year-old AP photographer Nick Ut took a history changing photo that will forever be known as “Napalm Girl”. Oi sits down with Nick to talk about the photo, Paris Hilton, and why Photoshop is cheating… The “Napalm Girl” photo has been widely praised as the photo that stopped the war. Was it luck or skill? Or simply being at … Read more