Minh Mang Tomb in Hue: Visitor Guide and Tips

A local Vietnamese in a conical hat coming down the stairs of a building at Minh Mang's tomb in Hue, Vietnam
I visited three of the most popular royal tombs on a recent visit to Hue: Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, and Minh Mang. I stayed near the center of ...
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Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue: Visitor Guide and Tips

Stone statues on the grounds of Khai Dinh tomb in Hue, Vietnam
The Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh is one of the three most popular and well-maintained royal tombs in Hue. The others are the tombs of Minh Mang and ...
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Hue Imperial City: Practical Guide for First-Time Visitors

Outside the Meridian Gate at Hue Imperial City
The Imperial City is arguably the biggest reason to visit Hue. It is part of the city’s UNESCO Complex of Hue Monuments and is the centerpiece attraction. I ...
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Money in Vietnam: ATMs, Cash, Costs & Traveler Tips

A TPBank Branch and ATM in Da Nang, Vietnam.
The currency in Vietnam is called the Vietnamese dong (VND). In this guide, I’ll go over the different VND denominations, using ATMs in Vietnam, currency exchangers and rates, ...
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12 Things to Do in Hoi An: A Local’s Guide for First-Timers

Hoi An Old Town, with a street vendor selling bánh bèo, lanterns overhead, and small restaurants lining the road.
I love visiting Hoi An. I’m writing this article from Da Nang now and will be riding my scooter down to Hoi An this evening. I plan to ...
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An Bang Beach in Hoi An: Where to Swim, Stay, and Eat

Tourists on An Bang Beach, looking north along the coast toward Da Nang.
An Bang Beach is one of the reasons I like visiting Hoi An. It is by far Hoi An’s best and most convenient beach. And even though parts ...
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Guide to Renting an Apartment in Da Nang

On Nguyen Dinh Tran, a residential street lined with houses and apartments in Da Nang, Vietnam.
I’ve rented several apartments in Da Nang since 2018, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’ve lived in noisy apartments and quiet ones. I’ve had places ...
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Renting a Scooter in Vietnam (& Tips for Riding)

My black Honda PCX 150 scooter parked along the Thu Bon River in Hoi An.
I’ve been riding a scooter daily since my first week in Vietnam in 2018. Like in the USA, Vietnam drives on the right side of the road. Scooters ...
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Is Da Nang Worth Visiting? A Local’s Review After 7 Years

Sunset over the Han River in Da Nang, with mountains in the distance and buildings with neon lights.
Da Nang has changed a lot since I first moved here in 2018. But in many ways, it’s stayed exactly the same. It was a bit of a ...
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Ho Chi Minh City in February: Weather, Crowds & Travel Tips

Outside the Saigon Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City in February.
If you’re researching visiting Ho Chi Minh City in February, you’re in the right place. I just published articles on visiting HCMC in December and January, two of ...
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