Travel
As one of the oldest and most holy sites in Vietnam, the peaceful temple complex of Den Soc makes a great getaway from the bustle of Hanoi. Words by Douglas Pyper. Photos by Francis Roux
Singaporeans like to talk of the Lion City as the capital of Southeast Asian cuisine. But for price, taste and pure quality, the region’s best street food destination is Penang. Elisabeth Rosen takes a trip to this former British colony lying to the northwest of mainland Malaysia
Not so long ago I found myself in need of a day away from the noise and commotion of Hanoi. I asked around for recommendations for somewhere interesting to spend a few hours; a quiet place a bit off the beaten track.
For years I disliked Vung Tau. I'm not alone. The beaches are unshaded and uncared for, the sea is dirty and there is a seedy element to the nightlife. Yet this has become a stereotype, a stereotype that should be ignored.
When a baby turns one in Korea the parents often host a special party to celebrate. The most important ritual of the party is when the child is seated in front of a table covered with various objects that are said to predict his or her future.
Less than two hours from Hanoi, the former French hill station offers a welcome, fresh air break from the stresses of the capital. Words by Elisabeth Rosen. Photos by Nick Ross
In town for a few days and don’t know what to chow on? Samantha Lee susses out the best local eats and where to find them. Photos by Joey Lee
North Korea feels frozen in time. It lies somewhere between a 1930s Soviet Union and a futuristic vision of society, as imagined back in the 1970s.
As we drove the 34km from Seminyak Beach to the town of Ubud, the boutique shops, restaurants and luxury resorts, morphed into villages, farmland, rivers and narrow winding roads. Then, as suddenly as they had disappeared, once again we were surrounded by the trappings of tourism. But despite some similarities, the two towns have unique souls.
Often described as Halong Bay on land, Van Long is only two hours from Hanoi, and the boats don't have to be painted white, either. Words and photo by Nick Ross