Blueprint to Paradise

Can conservation and tourism co-exist in Coron? We slip into the glassy, emerald waters of one of Asia’s cleanest lakes, our hands feeling our way past smooth underwater boulders. Crystal clear visibility reveals a moonscape beneath the surface of Coron’s Kayangan Lake. Encircled by soaring, vegetation- clad granite cliffs and with no other tourists around, … Read more

Pretty Betty

Tam Le is set to make her mark on Saigon’s food scene Everything about the night so far has been surreal. Our table comprised of furloughed Americans, cousins from London, a PhD student from Hue and a Saigonese photographer are listening to a spirited account of how one diner unexpectedly found himself locked in a martial arts … Read more

Fire Power

Quince Saigon serves up simple, smoky goodness The dictionary lists at least ten definitions for the word “simple”. Some carry a negative connotation (think: stupid, unsophisticated, or basic) whereas others are more positive (humble, unpretentious, the opposite of what kids mean when they say “extra”). Quince Saigon (37bis Ky Con, D1) embraces everything good about … Read more

Street Art

On creating an artists’ community in Hoi An The fate of Hoi An’s craftsmen and artists has long waxed and waned with the prosperity of the town itself. Starting in the 15th century, artists from all over the country moved to the bustling port town, hoping to tap into the international market created by traveling … Read more

Chengdu & Chill

Why the capital of Sichuan is China’s happiest city There’s an ancient Chinese proverb that says “the young shouldn’t go to Chengdu, and the old shouldn’t leave,” speaking to the laid-back lifestyle of this city of 10 million. The gateway to Western China and the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is known for many things, … Read more

When “Less Is More” Is More

Everyone gets a dream vacation at InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort A romantic getaway for two. A few leisurely weeks by the beach to truly unwind. A raucous family holiday filled with waterslides and edutainment activities. A luxe retreat where pampering is the order of the day. What may seem like four separate vacation … Read more

The Secrets Of Silver

Create your own, one-of-a-kind silver ring, whether as a gift for somebody or just a way to treat yourself There’s always been an aura of mystery surrounding silver, purported to do everything from improving circulation and promoting healing to staving off infections and warning to the presence of toxins. Even the art of silversmithing has … Read more

Saigon’s Super Bowl

The C-note pho hits all the right notes It’s hard to imagine a dish more humble than pho—a peasant soup of stewed bones a la the French pot-au-feu combined with Chinese-style fan noodles and topped with fresh herbs. You can still find the rare bowl for less than USD1, but only at a mom-and-pop cart … Read more

Crazy Rich Vinas

Get a taste of the high life seen in the Crazy Rich Asians movie right here in Saigon Crazy Rich Asians opened to rave reviews, telling a universally- familiar story of family expectations, backstabbing intrigue, and against- all-odds love set amongst a rarefied and glamorous world of extreme, head-spinning wealth. For many in the West, … Read more