Vietnam Off The Beaten Path Travel Articles | Page 2 Of 3

Vietnam: To the Hospital by Motorbike

The Year I Became a Nomad: A journey through Asia on a quest for freedom, love and happiness. A book excerpt about visiting the hospital in Vietnam.

Vietnam: See the Country on a Bicycle

Experience the splendor of the country from a bicycle By Shannon Broderick Forget planes, trains, or automobiles–bicycling is one of the best ways to see an unfamiliar country. And where better than Vietnam? Despite a rich history, pristine beaches, and delicious food, portions of the country are virtually untouched by…

Best Bus Travel Tips for Southeast Asia

Bus Travel: Be prepared before you board the famous night buses for long trips in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam: Phong Nha-KẻBàng National Park

Underneath Vietnam: Discovering an underground world By Jamie Leigh In 2009, British and Vietnamese explorers discovered Sơn Đoòng Cave – the largest cave in the world. An entrance to the cave system, whose name means “Mountain River Cave” in Vietnamese, was initially found in 1991 by local farmer Hồ-Khanh. Lost…

Nha Trang Vietnam: Day Cruise on the Green Hat with Mama Hahn

Nha Trang Vietnam. A cruise with Mama Hahn on her Green Hat Boat Tours, where a funky scene and lots of marijuana is served aboard the cruise boat.

A typical scene outside Van Long Nature Preserve, not far from Cuc Phuong. The landscape is dominated by the huge, weirdly shaped, eroded limestone hills. Like many homes in the area, the house in the foreground has a fish pond in its front yard. Photo by Dan Drollette

Discovering a Lost World in the Asian Jungle

Vietnam’s Lost World: Gold Rush in the Jungle By Dan Drollette Jr Deep in the jungle where the borders of Vietnam meet those of Laos and Cambodia is a region known as “the lost world.” Large mammals never seen before by Western science have popped up frequently in these mountains…

Vietnam: A Women’s Only Adventure

An All-Women’s Trip to Vietnam: Why this Land is on So Many People’s Bucket Lists By Max Hartshorne When I speak to experienced travelers who have been to many different parts of the world, often one place pops up as a perennial bucket list destination. For many of the most…

Quy Nhon: Biggest Smiles in Vietnam

Quy Nhon: Biggest smiles in Vietnam. A local shares his stories about how friendly the people are in this part of the country.

Newlyweds Travel Together Without Killing Each Other

Kelly Westhoff explains how she and her husband, Quang Nystrom, were able to travel together as newlyweds for 180 days without killing each other.

Mui Ne, Vietnam: A Photo Essay

Kelly Westhoff posts a gallery of luxurious photos from her stay in the Bamboo Village in Mui Ne, Vietnam in a rural part of the country next to the ocean.

Vietnam: Energy, Optimism and Extraordinary Food

Lisa Petersson takes us on a mouth-watering tour of street food vendors in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, still known as Saigon to the locals.

Hue, Vietnam: Try The Bun Bo Hue!

Hue food: Hue Vietnam is famous for Bun Bo Hue, a beef noodle soup. This excerpt is about dining in Hue –some of best restaurants in Hue Vietnam.

GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

Take a few minutes to travel the world with The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast. Brought to you by the long-running GoNOMAD travel website, The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast brings you audio stories from destinations around the globe. It’s short-form… 3-7 minute long episodes. No jarring AM radio-style theme songs, no ads, just an interesting short travel story and some food for thought, from editor Max Hartshorne. Fun!
While you’re planning your next trip or travel adventure, download and listen to The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

GoNomad is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more of our travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/
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The New Year celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and traditions that provides a unique experience for all who partake. The city is alive with energy as it transforms into a vibrant hub for festivities.

January 1 is not just a day but the beginning of a week-long holiday where locals and visitors alike engage in a variety of celebratory activities. The streets are bustling with life, illuminated by lanterns that glow softly against the backdrop of the night sky, while the scent of street food tantalizes the senses. This journey through Chiang Mai reveals the many layers of its New Year festivities, from its breathtaking natural beauty to the deep-rooted cultural practices that make this time of year so special. Among the most striking sights during this season is the blooming of the Himalayan cherry blossoms.

A short trip to Kun Chang Hian allows visitors to witness these stunning flowers in full bloom, creating a magical setting for exploration. Here, one can engage with local traditions, such as listening to the kyan, the traditional bamboo mouth organ played by village children, or trying one’s hand at archery using bamboo bows.

The culinary scene is equally delightful, featuring local delicacies, including the famous grilled pork sausage, which embodies the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. As the celebrations culminate on New Year’s Eve, a profound sense of spirituality envelops the city. Temples become sanctuaries for nighttime prayer, and the flickering lights of candles enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Participants gather to release floating lanterns, a symbolic gesture of releasing past burdens and inviting new fortunes into their lives.

This ritual not only enhances the visual splendor of the night sky but also fosters a deep connection among participants, creating a moment of shared hope and renewal. The New Year in Chiang Mai is more than just a celebration; it is a heartfelt embrace of tradition, community, and the promise of new beginnings.