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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
This was paradise. If this destination isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be BACK IN TIME I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1 THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. Advertisement 6 Arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm Credit: Shutterstock 6 For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must - like this in Ho Chi Minh City Credit: Getty 6 Train Street in Hanoi offers a thrilling close-up as trains speed past tiny cafés just inches from your seat Credit: Shutterstock In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. Advertisement This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. Advertisement One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. Advertisement This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. Advertisement I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Advertisement Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Advertisement Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. Advertisement After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Advertisement Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 The harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers Credit: Supplied 6 James enjoys a boat trip to Ha Long Bay Credit: Supplied 6 Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods Credit: Getty Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. Advertisement If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. Why not kick back with a beer instead? It'll only cost you £1, after all.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. Advertisement 6 Arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm Credit: Shutterstock 6 For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must - like this in Ho Chi Minh City Credit: Getty 6 Train Street in Hanoi offers a thrilling close-up as trains speed past tiny cafés just inches from your seat Credit: Shutterstock In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. Advertisement READ MORE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. Advertisement Most read in News Travel One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. Advertisement This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. Advertisement I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Advertisement Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Advertisement Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. Advertisement After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Advertisement Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 The harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers Credit: Supplied 6 James enjoys a boat trip to Ha Long Bay Credit: Supplied 6 Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods Credit: Getty Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. Advertisement If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. Why not kick back with a beer instead? It'll only cost you £1, after all. GO: VIETNAM GETTING THERE: Vietnam Airlines flies from Heathrow to Hanoi, daily, and to Ho Chi Minh City three times a week, with fares from £376 each way (£755 return). See TOUR WITH: G Adventures Classic Vietnam ten- day tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, via Ha Long Bay, Hue and Hoi An costs from £705pp when booking directly at or via
The Hill
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
I'm in communist Vietnam — sometimes it feels more functional than America
HANOI — Vietnam is, officially, a communist country. The hammer and sickle hang from balconies and streetlamps. The face of Ho Chi Minh — or 'Uncle Ho,' as he is reverently known — appears on every denomination of the local currency. The ruling Communist Party tolerates no opposition, no free press, and no real public dissent. Yet daily life in Hanoi feels unexpectedly open, improvisational, and relaxed — and strangely functional. This isn't the gray, paranoid authoritarianism of Cold War caricature. It's something different: A one-party state that governs tightly but intrudes lightly. After several weeks in Hanoi, I keep returning to the same paradox: How can a place with no civil liberties feel, in some ways, freer and more orderly than American cities like San Francisco or Washington? The streets of Hanoi are alive. Vendors hawk snacks. Families eat dinner on the sidewalk. Men kick shuttlecocks over makeshift nets. Sidewalks double as barbershops, scooter parking, and cafés. There are rules, but enforcement seems lax. You can park on the curb, start a business with minimal red tape, and leave your phone on a café table without much fear that it will be stolen. Public safety is perhaps the starkest contrast. Young children toddle unattended down busy streets. Elderly women walk alone at night. There are no homeless encampments, no open drug use, few boarded-up shops. I have been routinely walking home late at night without feeling on edge the way I might in much of D.C. The chaos and grittiness of the city are real, but so is the safety. Government authority in Vietnam is ambient but understood. Don't criticize the Communist Party, and you will mostly be left alone. When I asked a friend what would happen if she stood in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum with a mocking sign, she said 'nothing — but I would never do that.' Then, with complete sincerity, she added: 'I love him.' From childhood, Vietnamese are taught to revere their founding father much as American children once revered Washington and Jefferson. Even health care felt refreshingly efficient. When I needed treatment for a minor issue, I got a same-day appointment at a public hospital. A friendly translator met me at the door. I waited 20 minutes before being seen by four competent medical professionals. I left just over an hour later with a prescription and a voucher for a free meal at the hospital canteen. Total cost: under $60. No insurance, no paperwork. Vietnam's COVID response was similarly pragmatic. The state imposed quarantines and deployed soldiers to deliver food. But unlike its neighbor, frenemy and ideological sibling China, Vietnam knew when to ease the grip. As vaccines arrived, restrictions softened. There was surveillance, but there was also adaptation. I would never want to trade the American system for Vietnam's. For behind the calm and competence lies a hard truth, and ultimately, it's the only truth that matters: Vietnam remains one of the most repressive countries in Asia. The Communist Party tolerates no serious dissent. Independent journalism is virtually nonexistent. Elections are performative. Critics are jailed, monitored, or quietly disappeared. The Economist was recently pulled from newsstands for putting Vietnam's new leader on its cover. As I write this, I wonder whether my visa might be revoked before my planned departure. Freedom House scores Vietnam just 19 out of 100 on its freedom index — on par with Saudi Arabia. Hundreds of political prisoners are locked up, including bloggers, environmentalists, and religious advocates. Engineering students are required to take courses in Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought. There are no protest permits, no competitive elections, no independent judiciary. The internet is monitored. You can criticize the state — but don't do it too loudly or on the wrong topics. The trade-off here is clear: Social stability and economic growth are offered in exchange for silence. That may appeal to some. It's not a deal I would ever take. For all America's dysfunction — its red tape, disorder, and political polarization — we still get the most important things right. We can speak, publish, protest, practice, and organize. Our institutions are flawed, but they are open to reform. Our courts are independent. Our leaders are replaceable. Our media is free. We do not need to whisper. We do not need to pretend. In Hanoi, I could walk at night without fear. In Washington, I can speak my mind without fear. A truly functioning society should have both, but the latter is more important. There's nothing inherently authoritarian about safe streets or functioning services. A competent democracy should be able to deliver both liberty and order. That the U.S. increasingly doesn't is a failure not of freedom but of governance. Fifty years ago, America fled a war-torn Vietnam. Today, Vietnam is booming — prosperous, orderly and in some ways more functional than the country that once destroyed and tried to remake it. But functionality isn't freedom. Vietnamese communism may be more competent than Cuba's and less authoritarian than China's, but it shows what's lost when speech, dissent, and choice are stripped away. You may get order and you may even get peace. But you live on terms you didn't choose, and that's not a bargain I'd ever make. Daniel Allott is the former opinion editor at The Hill and the author of 'On the Road in Trump's America: A Journey into the Heart of a Divided Country.'
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Vietnam to remove death penalty for embezzlement, anti-state crimes
FILE PHOTO: A Vietnamese flag flutters on the day Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum during his visit to Hanoi, Vietnam, April 15, 2025. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/Pool/File Photo HANOI (Reuters) -Vietnam will remove the death penalty for eight offences from next month, including embezzlement and activities aimed at overthrowing the government, state media reported on Wednesday. The National Assembly, the country's lawmaking body, unanimously ratified the amendment to the Criminal Code earlier on Wednesday to abolish the death penalty for the crimes, the official Vietnam News Agency reported. Other crimes that will no longer lead to the death penalty include vandalising state property, manufacturing fake medicine, jeopardising peace, triggering invasive wars, espionage and drug trafficking, the report said. The maximum sentence for these crimes will now be life imprisonment, it said. Those who were sentenced to death for these offences before July 1 but have not yet been executed will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, the report said. Ten offences will remain subject to capital punishment in Vietnam, including murder, treason, terrorism and the sexual abuse of children, according to the report. Capital punishment data is a state secret in Vietnam and it is not known how many people are currently on death row in the country. Lethal injection is the only method of execution after firing squads were abolished in 2011. (Reporting by Khanh Vu; Editing by David Stanway)
New Indian Express
22-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Surya Namaskar, Hubballi to Ho Chi Minh
HUBBALLI: In the land of Ho Chi Minh, a quiet revolution is taking shape, asana by asana. For the last 10 years a group of seven men from Hubballi has been spreading the message of yoga. Working as yoga mentors, Rajeev Kumar Somaraddi, Santosh Umachagi, Muttappa Umachagi, Iranna Matad, Devaraj Devadiga, Appu Parangi, and Venkatesh have trained over one lakh people in the last 10 years. They teach mostly in Ho Chi Minh City and Bien Hoa. 'It has been almost 10 years we have been teaching yoga here. It has been a very good response from the people here. The people perform yoga here regularly,' said Somaraddi. On International Yoga Day, the Hubba'li mentors performed yoga in front of an enthralled audience. A walkathon was held in Ho Chi Minh City. Participants performed 100 Surya Namaskars in the morning and evening. A native of Kundgol near Hubballi, Somaraddi learnt yoga at Shivananda Math during their high school days. Once a passion, yoga is now their profession. Stating that the people of Vietnam love yoga and nearly 90 per cent of them perform yoga regularly, Somaraddi said that Vietnamese students participate in international competitions. 'People here are health conscious and maintain their level of fitness,' he said. 'Celebration of International Yoga Day was needed to create awareness about yoga. It is a necessity for the present generation,' he said. 'People from different walks of life, engineers, doctors, professors and students, have learnt yoga here. I taught yoga to immigrants from Australia, the US and Russia in Vietnam,' he added.
