Beyond the Dot, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City Revisited

Updated in July 2026 and including an One Day Itinerary to cover most of the sights in District 1.

My first visit to Ho Chi Minh City was in 2010 on a short weekend trip. Since then I’ve visited it a couple more times recently, the latest being in July 2026. I’m amazed by how much the city has developed over the last 16 years when I was away. Modern skyscrapers jostle alongside colonial architecture, and a new metro line had just started operating since 2024.

Beyond the Dot, The Prison Island, Vietnam

The Prison Island

When it comes to islands and beaches in Vietnam most people will immediately think of Phu Quoc Island which is really popular with tourists. However, there is another island which lies much further and hides a dark past. This is the relatively unknown island of Con Dao which you won’t find in travel brochures, or on the usual tourist maps.

Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa, Vietnam 2014

Well, my brother-in-law had been bugging me to visit this place with him for some time. We finally decided to pack our bags during the last Vesak Day long weekend and hustle over. Sapa is located in the mountainous region north of Hanoi and close to the Chinese border. It’s famous for rice terraces scenery and the minority ethnic tribes with their colorful costumes.

Presently, the journey to Sapa is as interesting as the destination itself. Continue reading “Sapa, Vietnam 2014”

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