Neighbourhoods
There’s no doubt that if you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong you’ll make your way to Central at some point if you haven’t already booked a hotel in this buzzing area.
A short ride on the Star Ferry from Central Pier will take you right to the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui where you’ll be immersed in both western and local culture.
Head to Sham Shui Po for the variety of inexpensive local food, historically charming yet gritty buildings, and general authenticity that is unique to this neighbourhood.
This neighbourhood has a great east-meets-west vibe; an amalgamation of past and present that makes it a great first stop for visitors.
Here you’ll stumble upon a mix of modern galleries along with an eclectic mix of antiques on Cat Street (Upper Lascar Row).
Most people nowadays head to Pottinger Street to find a Halloween costume or to pick up random accessories, but locals used to come to these street stalls to get their woks, shoes, and other items fixed.
Originally built in the in the 1920s, the Blue House serves as a reminder of Hong Kong’s past (and makes for a great Instagram photo).
Start your day by exploring Sai Kung Town Centre where you can either buy fresh fish from locals by the pier or sit and eat at one of the many seafood restaurants along Sai Kung Seafood Street.
Watch football and rugby on huge projector screens, down a couple pints of real British ale, catch cover bands playing your favourite hair-metal tunes, and then dance the night away on a booze-soaked bar top.
Part of the allure of Vietnam is giving yourself enough time to take a step back and begin to understand the flow of a particular city, and I’m confident that if you don’t take that step back, you’ll merely be caught up in the current.
Imperial Tomb of Đồng Khánh, which is less than fifteen minute by taxi from the Imperial City. Đồng Khánh was the ninth emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty.
It’s a place where tourists and residents alike come to get a breath of fresh air, and escape the hustle and bustle.
One of the oldest Catholic Cathedral in Saigon. It was built during the French colonial with the unique architectural. It’s now been famous for its new pink color, well-known as the Pink Church.
Hanoi is the second largest city in the country, so there’s absolutely no shortage of sights at your disposal.
Hoi An Night Market, which typically runs from 6-9pm each evening. Picture lanterns, neon lights, affordable and delectable cuisine, Vietnamese beer, and a palpable energy in the atmosphere.
Hoi An translates roughly to “peaceful meeting place,” which seems appropriate. Walk up and down the streets with little agenda, and walk in and out of the shops at your leisure.
The charming bridge is located not too far from the Imperial City. Explore the area and the nearby market filled with friendly sellers and farmers.
There’s a little bit of everything in Ho Chi Minh, and you can tell it’s a place that has gone through great transitions in its history, and these transitions can you can see everywhere if you’re paying attention.
