Vietnam
Can an unknown Hoi An tailor create a fashion fantasy in seven hours?
Every generation in human history has had its own paragon of female beauty and Pamela Van has less than seven hours to realise mine.
- by Anabel Dean
A serene journey down the Mekong on a new luxury ship
A voyage aboard a floating castle, of sorts, from Vietnam to Cambodia can’t help but remind Australians of the classic film The Castle.
- by Penny Watson
Beautiful Hanoi haunt of Chaplin, Greene and Fonda gets a facelift
Following an extensive 21-month refurbishment, the storied Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has a new story to tell with the relaunch of its original heritage wing.
- by Julietta Jameson
★★★★½
Hotel reviews
This hotel exists in an alternative universe – it’s a hoot
This hotel is something unexpected in a country with a history sadly mostly identified by war.
- by Anthony Dennis
★★★★
Airline reviews
Airline review: This cabin crew makes you feel good about flying economy
In economy, you’re never going to be lavished by the sort of attention afforded to those in the pointy end, but this crew comes close.
- by Anthony Dennis
This giant Asian resort has everything – except Aussies
The enormous Alma Resort in Vietnam has 12 swimming pools. I made it my vow to swim in them all.
- by Julietta Jameson
Opinion
Tips & advice
Hate Christmas? Here are five places you can go to avoid it altogether
There are large parts of this planet where Christmas passes almost unnoticed. No sleigh bells, no mistletoe, no silly hats, no turkey and no jollity to make you feel like you’re missing out.
- by Michael Gebicki
Vietnam’s ‘other’ Ha Long Bay is one of Earth’s most stunning seascapes
Lan Ha Bay is a seemingly endless waterborne wonderland composed of hundreds of weather-hewn limestone karsts.
- by Anthony Dennis
This classic ‘beef in a leaf’ is one of the best things on the planet
These little fingers of deliciousness come from the south of Vietnam. Though, its origins may surprise some.
- by Ben Groundwater
★★★★
Airline reviews
Airline review: Jetstar economy is fine – shame about the passengers
Flying with a budget airline does not give you permission to leave your manners in the terminal.
- by Julietta Jameson