Overview

Officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, this beguiling country is located in South East Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. With its rich history, culture and architecture, Cambodia is also often known as the ‘Kingdom of Wonder.’ The national language is Khmer, though English is spoken fairly widely throughout.

Tourist Visa

The Cambodian government offers a simple and straightforward on-line application for e-visa, the fastest and most efficient option. Click here for details and application. Your visa will be delivered electronically and upon arrival you can proceed directly to passport control. Alternatively, you can obtain a visa-on-arrival at your port of entry. You will require one passport-size photograph and 30 US dollars per person.

Climate

Cambodia is a tropical country bathed in almost year-round sunshine with a high average temperature, so bring sun protection. There are two distinct seasons, dry and rainy. Between June and October it may rain every other afternoon but rarely in the morning. Dry season runs from November to April, with October to January being the coolest (relatively speaking!) time of year.

Health & Vaccinations

For expert advice consult your doctor or travel clinic. No vaccinations are mandatory, but some are recommended. Malaria is quite rare in Cambodia, and mostly in remote areas near the Thai and Vietnamese borders. We recommend to only drink bottled water as tap water is not safe enough for ingestion. There are numerous pharmacies where treatments for common traveler’s ailments are readily found.

Currency & Money

Riel is the currency of Cambodia but US dollars are widely used and most prices will be in US dollars. When receiving change from a dollar, the cents will be returned to you in riel. Note that even slightly torn US dollar bills will not be accepted. Visa & MasterCard are accepted in most hotels and some restaurants. ATM’s are very common in every city and town. Please note that Cambodian riel are not convertible outside of Cambodia.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Cambodian culture, so it is not necessarily expected in bars and restaurants. Tips are, however, very gratefully received. With the average Cambodian wage still very low, tips from tourists can make a real difference, so we do suggest to honor good service. Our guests typically reward our guides with USD 5 - 15 per person per day, while drivers usually receive USD 3 - 5 per person per day.

Clothing & Culture

The Khmer people are modest and dress conservatively. When visiting pagodas and temples, revealing clothes must not be worn—bare shoulders and knees will be viewed as disrespectful. It is advisable to carry a sarong (scarf) to wrap around your shorts or to cover your shoulders.

Eating & Drinking

Some of the top restaurants charge close to international prices, particularly for wine. However, very good Asian and Western food is available at USD 2 - 7, draft beer is USD 0.50 - 2, fruit juice USD 1 - 2 and bottled water is USD 0.50 - 1. International spirit brands are reasonably priced, while local ones (for those brave enough) are very cheap. Ask us for our current advice on restaurants as things change quickly.

Angkor Night Market

With various night markets springing up across town we recommend the original, Angkor Night Market, with some 240 stalls brimming with colourful souvenirs from stone carvings to cheap t-shirts to silk shawls and the ubiquituous Khmer Kroma (checked cotton scarves).

Angkor Handicraft Association

Founded in 2011, the Angkor Handicraft Association was set up to promote locally produced creative crafts. The collection of small stores at this souvenir market offers traditional artisan wares including silver, bronze statues, bags, bamboo products and hand-woven textiles.

Made in Cambodia Market

Every weekend between 4-9 pm a delightful market sets up outside Shinta Mani Hotel showcasing locally produced items. Internationally recognized artisans participating include Eric Raisina Haute Texture, Theam’s House and Eric Stocker Laquer. Live entertainment, food and drink are available. The market runs from August through May.

Old Market (Psar Chas)

An eclectic array of items is found at the Old Market, located in the heart of Siem Reap. Silk, carvings, souvenirs, spices, DVDs, paintings and trinkets abound. Delve deep into the middle of the market where the many food vendors provides a sensory experience.

Psar Leu

For an authentic local market experience head to the sprawling Psar Leu where there are few tourists but lots of exotic edibles, designer knock-offs, inexpensive clothing, fresh produce, and gold jewellery. More chaotic then Old Market, with motorbikes weaving through the stalls, English is not widely spoken here so expect to do lots of pointing.

Artisans D’Angkor

With excellent quality sandstone, silver, wood, and silk products, gain insight into the remarkable skill and techniques required in producing traditional handicrafts as you are guided round the flagship workshop and showroom where artisans fastidiously form delicate crafts.

Stung Thmey Street, West of Sivutha Rd 

McDermott Gallery

American fine art photographer John McDermott has two galleries in Siem Reap exhibiting his striking sepia-toned images that dreamily play with light. McDermott’s photography focuses on the wonders of the temples of Angkor and cultural heritage sites in South-East Asia.

Louise Loubatieres

A high-end lifestyle boutique offering contemporary decorative home wares and accessories including lacquer, ceramics and textiles along with handpicked antiques and unusual items from Louise’s travels.

Theam’s House

A quirky mix of art studio, atelier and gallery, Theam’s House overflows with artisanal products, lacquered panels, paintings and sculpture. Theam, who is helping to revive the Cambodian craft sector, trains artisan apprentices who can be observed at work on vibrantly colourful objets d’art on site.

Senteurs d’Angkor

Senteurs d’Angkor prides itself on sourcing all of its products in Cambodia, from the raw ingredients to the packaging materials. Their workshop and shop offer a wide range of souvenirs from spices to natural soaps and aromatic candles.

Trunkh

An eclectic mix of clothing, home decor, furniture and vintage collectibles scoured from the Cambodian countryside curated by partners Doug and Marianne. An interesting and diverse collection that’s fun to browse, Trunkh also has a store in Phnom Penh.

Eric Raisina

Madagascar born and French-trained haute texture designer Eric Raisina offers an exquisite handmade collection of clothing blending African, European and Asian influences throughout his silk designs.

Weaves of Cambodia

Fair trade bags, laptop cases, purses, eyeglass cases and fashion accessories made from ecofriendly commonly recycled materials.

Smateria

An eclectic array of items is found at the Old Market, located in the heart of Siem Reap. Silk, carvings, souvenirs, spices, DVDs, paintings and trinkets abound. Delve deep into the middle of the market where the many food vendors provides a sensory experience.

Mekong Quilts

Mekong Quilts specializes in high quality, hand-stitched bed covers, pillow covers, soft toys and home accessories. A social enterprise providing sustainable employment to women in Cambodia and Vietnam, all profits are returned to the villages where the quilters live.

Samatoa

Samatoa makes quality fabrics and apparel from natural fibers in collaboration with international designers. An industry leader in producing natural fibers and beautiful designs, Samatoa has received the UNESCO Award of Excellence for it’s sarong made from lotus fabric.

Ambre

Designer Romyda Keth’s sumptous and richly colored silk clothing and accesories are on display here. The internationally aclaimed Cambodian designer trained in Paris and returned to Cambodia to launch her fashion line in 1999. She has boutiques around the world.

Garden of Desire

Creative and contemporary elegant jewellery handmade from silver, gold and natural stones sourced in Cambodia - all limited edition pieces by Cambodian designer Ly Piseth.

Saomao

Working with local artisans, this social enterprise is home to a collection of traditional and contemporary handmade silver and brass jewellery, inventively re-working bullets into jewellery.

Claycult Cambodia

Each piece of jewellery at Claycult is made of individually crafted and hand painted clay beads. Claycult is a social enterprise providing training and employment to Cambodian women. Sold in several shops in downtown Siem Reap you can also visit their showroom to see the jewellery being made.

Bliss

This boutique shop specializes in unique designs for men, women and children as well as the home. They sell silks, quilts, cushions, bags, bed covers, jewelry, and clothing. There is also a beautiful spa that offers massage, skin treatments, and a steam bath, sauna, and plunge pool.

Water Lily

A jewellery store opened by Christine Gauthier in 2002. Christine creates original products that reflect Cambodia. In recent years they also now offer bags, art and toys made from recycled materials.

Monument Books

Just off street 240 on Norodom Boulevard is Monument books, a long established book store that offers the finest selection of new books and magazines. They also have toys and art supplies.

Reyum Art and Culture Gallery

Reyum was founded in 1998 to provide a forum for research, preservation, and promotion of traditional and contemporary Cambodian arts and culture. This shop sells beautiful locally produced items, kitchen ware and art.

Senteurs D'Angkor

This is where you can find all those delicious smelling, locally produced oils, soaps and creams that you have experienced during your travels in Cambodia. There are also locally grown produce such as Kampot pepper or Cambodian coffee.

Chez L'Artisan

Chez L’Artisan offers unique design interior decorative items, including furniture, lamps and frames. All items are made in their workshop and the principal material used is wood from Cambodia, and items can be manufactured on request.

Russian Market(Phsar Toul Tom Poung)

The name comes from after the Vietnamese occupation when it was a market for foreigners, and most foreigners were Russian. This place sells everything from souvenirs, antiques, carvings, handicrafts, silks, and other fabrics. In recent years the Russian Market area has boomed and there are now lots of smaller boutique shops, cafes and bars in the surrounding side streets which are worth an explore if you have time.

Central Market

Impressive art deco building in the heart of Phnom Penh built in 1937. The items sold here are similar to the Russian Market but it is worth visiting to view the architecture and how it remains a functioning market all these years later for many locals.

Aeon Mall

The first large scale mall in Phnom Penh was developed by the Japanese group Aeon. A large well planned out, air conditioned mall with international brands, large supermarket and department store. There are also many restaurants and coffee shops including Starbucks, along with a cinema, bowling alley and ice ring. You can find most things that you might need here in a comfortable environment.

First They Killed My Father - Loung Ung

An emotive first-hand account of a Khmer child’s experience during the Khmer Rouge regime in 1975-1979. In many ways story mirrors the collective experience of hundreds of thousands of other Khmer people during that time. This book is being adapted into a film by Angelina Jolie, shot on-location in Siem Reap for a 2017 release.

River of Time - Jon Swain

During the pre-Khmer Rouge period between 1970 and 1975, English journalist Jon Swain, portrayed by Julian Sands in the Oscar-winning 1983 movie The Killing Fields, lived in Indochina. His beautifully crafted prose and exquisite descriptions of life in the Mekong regions is emotive, and offers a counterpoint to his later experience of violence during the opening days of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Brother Number One - David P. Chandler

An excellent biography about the shadowy figure of Pol Pot. Basing his study on interviews and on a wide range of sources and interviews, Chandler sheds light on Pol Pot and his background, as well as the world stage of post-colonial Asia against which he and his regime would carry out their atrocities.

The Angkor Guidebook – Andrew Booth

Perhaps the best field guide to the Angkor Temples, this work features unique, artists’ renditions of how the temples might have looked in their heyday, as well as succinct, orderly descriptions of each temple. The fold-out maps and compact size make it a good companion for temple touring.

A Record of Cambodia: The Land and Its People – Zhou Daguan, Translated by Peter Harris

The only existing firsthand account of daily life in the Khmer Empire; Zhou Daguan, a Chinese emissary to the Khmer court, arrived in 1296 and penned a detailed account. This book has been recently re-translated from the original Chinese and rereleased, and its readability is excellent when compared with the previous translation which dated back to the early 1900s. Zhou discusses culture, everyday life, the monarchy, and includes detail of the temples themselves which are still relevant today, nearly 800 years later.

Travels In The Central Parts Of Indochina – Henri Mouhot

Naturalist Henri Mouhot is mistakenly credited with discovering Angkor in the 1850s— though other Europeans had laid eyes on the temples in years previous, Henri’s descriptions, sketches and photos brought fame and recognition to the region. Mouhot was an insightful explorer and a true adventurer, and his writings and personal diary, first published posthumously in the 1860s, offer an rare look into the cultures and wildlife of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos in the mid-19th century.

Focusing On The Angkor Temples – Michel Petrotchenko

A more in-depth treatment of the Angkor Temples from an academic perspective, Michel’s book stands as one of the leading guides of Angkor, with whole chapters devoted to ancient Khmer History, religions, and architecture.

Ancient Angkor - Claude Jacques

Claude has studied Angkor and its history for nearly 30 years, and when combined with Michael Freeman’s excellent photography, Ancient Angkor details the results of recent research and discoveries made during the past decade’s excavations. Many small and rarely-visited temples, missed in other guides, are described in this work.

Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock And Roll – John Pirozzi – 2014

A poignant documentary about the thriving International Cambodian rock scene of the 1960s and early 1970s, before the Khmer Rouge regime’s bloody takeover. It follows the lives of famous singers such as Ros Serey Sothea and Sinn Sisamouth, both of whom lost their lives during the takeover. Their influence and discography remains central in Cambodia to this day.

Year Zero: The Silent Death Of Cambodia - John Pilger

Award-winning documentary-maker and journalist John Pilger examined the murderous Khmer Rouge regime, as well as the events in the early 1970s which precipitated the ascendance of Pol Pot, in this 1979 documentary. Many credit this film for first raising the Khmer Rouge atrocities to the international stage.

The Killing Fields – Roland Joffé – 1984

A historical treatise of the bloody reign of the Khmer Rouge, which follows photojournalist Sydney Schanberg (Sam Waterson) and his Cambodian Translator Dith Pran (Haing Ngor), who are trapped in Cambodia during Pol Pot’s bloody “Year Zero” cleansing campaign in 1975. The film won three academy awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Haing Ngor, an untrained Cambodian actor.

Lara Croft - Tomb Raider 2001

A fantasy/adventure film adapted from the popular Tomb Raider video game series from the 1990,s and starring Angelina Jolie, Daniel Craig, and Jon Voight. The film, the first International film to be shot on Cambodian soil since Peter O’Toole’s Lord Jim in 1965, featured the root-entwined 12th century Mahayana Buddhist monastery of Ta Prohm.

Lord Jim - 1965

Based on Joseph Conrad’s novel written in 1900, Lord Jim stars Peter O’Toole in a role which he himself felt was his finest. This swashbuckling adventure was the first movie filmed primarily at Angkor Wat, along with locations in Hong Kong and Malaya.

Overview

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is a stunning landlocked country home to many different ethnicities: Lao people making up 60% of the population, minority groups and indigenous hill tribes account for the remaining 40%, mostly living in the foothills and mountains. Vientiane is the capital, Luang Prabang a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tourist Visa

A visa is required by all nationalities. You can apply for a 30-day tourist visa at your nearest Laotian embassy, or most nationalities can obtain a visa-on-arrival at international entry ports, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse. Two passport photos are required along with the visa fee, which varies depending on your home country (Australia USD 30, Germany USD 30, Singapore USD 30, UK USD 35, USA USD 40, France USD 45). Your passport must be valid for a least six months.

Climate

Laos has a monsoon climate with a distinct dry and wet season. Dry season runs from November - May, with December and January being the coolest months. Rainfall in the wet season varies depending on altitude and the wet months vary according to location: Vientiane sees rainy season from May - Sept, Luang Prabang is wettest in August though the country sees a high percentage of sunshine.

Health & Vaccinations

For expert advice visit your doctor or travel clinic. No vaccination is mandatory, but some are recommended, as well as additional ones for remote areas. Avoid being bitten in the first place with preventative measures such as mosquito repellent containing DEET and long clothes. If you are on medication, bring this with you - it may be hard to find. We recommend to only drink bottled water as tap water is not safe enough for ingestion.

Currency & Money

Lao kip is the local currency, but in practise three are used: kip, Thai baht and US dollars. In larger cities and towns, Thai baht and US dollars are accepted at most businesses, while kip is preferred in smaller towns and villages. Most upscale hotels and shops in Luang Prang and Vientiane now accept Visa / Mastercard. The Lao kip is not convertible to any currency outside of Laos. ATM’s are rare outside of major cities.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Laotian culture, so it is not necessarily expected in bars and restaurants. Tips are, however, very gratefully received. With the average Laotian wage still very low, tips from tourists can make a real difference, so we do suggest to honor good service. Our guests typically reward our guides with USD 5 - 15 per person per day, while drivers usually receive USD 3 - 5 per person per day.

Clothing & Culture

When visiting pagodas and temples, revealing clothes must not be worn, as bare shoulders and knees will be viewed as disrespectful. It is advisable to carry a sarong (scarf) to wrap around your shorts or to cover your shoulders. Warmer clothing is needed for visiting Northern Laos in the winter months November to February. For the early mor-ning Alms Gathering in Luang Prabang please be respectful when taking photographs.

Eating & Drinking

Some of the more exclusive restaurants charge close to international prices, particularly for wine. However, very good Asian and Western food is available from USD 5 - 20. Laotian cuisine shares many similarities with Thai food, using spices such as lemon grass, ginger and tamarind. Unlike the jasmine rice in neighbouring Cambodia, the main staple is sticky rice.

Joma Bakery

Great selection of shakes, juices, sandwhiches, pies, salads, cakes and ice creams all with a beautiful location overlooking the Nam Khan River. Both, outside and indoor A/C seating available.

Cafe Ban Vat Sene

Extensive menu of western and local fare including salads, pasta, pizza, quiche and paninis. For something different try one of the Lao taster menus offering a mix of regional ethnic dishes.

Coconut Garden

A good range of western food including soups, salads, pasta, pizza, baguettes and grills. The extensive list of Lao options includes a selection of set menus.

Khaiphaenk

A training restaurant and school which provides training and work experience for disadvantaged young people. Enjoy creative Lao cuisine as well as great shakes and cocktails.

La rosa

Authentic Italian restaurant. With a select menu created by head chef Andrea Buson, genuine wood oven pizza, homemade pastas & gnocchi are served within a setting of understated elegance.

Le Tangor

A stylish French restaurant with an inventive selection of salads, fish and meat dishes. Cheese lovers are encourged to try the baked Camembert!

Nazim

For something a little different try Nazim for Indian food. A good range of authentic vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries are on offer along with biriyanis and nan breads.

Tamarind

Considered the place to go for authentic Lao food. Only local food is served here and there is a special Pun Pa (Lao feast) every Friday evening.

L’Elephant

A well established favourite this French restaurant offers a colonial atmosphere and great range of local and European dishes. The steaks come highly recommended.

Luang Prabang Food

The best of the many local style restaurants on the banks of the Mekong. Serving a selection of Lao dishes, fried rice, noodles and omlettes.

The Apsara

Serving Lao, Thai and western fusion food in an elegant dining room with a riverside location overlooking the Nam Khan River.

Blue Lagoon

This beautiful restaurant offers a great menu of Lao and Swiss classics, complemented by a selection of old and new world wines. AC dining room and lovely garden seating options.

3 Nagas

Great for a special treat, 3 Nagas offers a fusion of Asian and Western fare with a Laotian twist. Seating is available inside or in the attractive garden.

Ock Pop Tok

With several outlets in Luang Prabang, you are never far away from being able to buy something produced at the Living Crafts Centre (also worth a visit!). Founded in 2000 with the principles of fair trade and sustainable practices, the company has spent two decades pioneering social business and ethical fashion in the region.

Ock Pop Tok is now an enterprise employing over 78 people, producing exceptional, hand-made textiles from traditional techniques. From simple scarves to enormous wall-hangings, you can find something here.

Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre

Hosting two shops, one in the centre of Luang Prabang along the main street, and one alongside their museum the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre stocks locally produced crafts from over 20 different ethnic groups. All are hand-made as part of the centre’s Livelihoods Development Program and their products range from wood-carvings from Champassak province to crocheted vine-bags from Oudomxai. This is definitely a stop for those looking for something for the house.

Ma Te Sai

Ma Te Sai, “from the village, for the village” is a beautiful boutique in the heart of Luang Prabang, where all items are hand-made from local villages. Part of the Fair Trade Laos, their stock is constantly changing so be sure to contact them in advance if you have a specific request, but they typically have more than just souvenirs – home décor and jewelry are among their offerings!

Anakha – Lifestyle Boutique

Fusing French design with elegant Laotian and Indochinese textures, and set-in a gorgeous UNESCO-listed Chinese Trading House, founder Veronique Cotterau-Pravin sources and custom-designs treasures from all over the region. Just looking around the ‘Blue House’ is a worthy visit, but if you are looking for a truly unique gift it is a must. Silver jewelry, gemstones, clothing, home linen and ceramics are all available here.

Asiama

For those who need something to stand-out and get people asking about this exceptionally curated gallery by Dr. Linda Macnithos presents a selection of antiques and ethnic handicrafts bound to take centre-stage for someone’s personal collection. Among the collection are ceremonial bells, amulets, anthropomorphic figurines and regional textiles.

CAMACrafts

CAMACrafts is another excellent outlet that provides sustainable work to Hmong women to use their traditional skills to support their families. The goal is to lead village producers toward self-sufficiency, to promote community development through meaningful work, and to preserve and encourage traditional skills and handicrafts. All of their products are handmade, and some can take 7–10 days to stitch. Women can work in their spare time at home, allowing them to continue to care for their children and household needs.

Celadon

Sometimes called ‘the essence of Luang Prabang’, Celadon is a pottery term for glazing items in a light jade colour, of which you will find many here. There are also Buddhist religious products – gongs, statues and books that will be sure to be of interest to those who want to be closer to the spiritual side of Luang Prabang. All profits go towards education of local children.

Hilltribe Heritage

Just opposite the former shop sits a very small shop where a Hmong family sell fabrics, decorations and jewelry that they have sourced themselves. Wall hangings, pillow covers, batik and home decorations are available, all in the traditional Hmong Style of Laos.

Saffron Coffee

Just down the road from Asiama, with another location on the way out to Ock Pop Tock, break up your shopping with a hot (or iced!) cup of Laotian coffee. Coffee is one of Laos largest export products, known for a high quality and medium body and Saffron Coffee knows how to brew that to perfection for you. You can also grab some roasted beans to take home for the coffee lovers among your friends!

Luang Prabang Nightmarket

Almost impossible to miss, the Luang Prabang Nightmarket takes up the entire main street each night and is filled to the brim with a variety of souvenirs, clothing and artworks – generally at lower prices although sometimes lacking the ‘unique’ feel. Around the sides of the market you’ll find plenty of food stalls – milkshakes and banana pancakes being quite popular!

Overview

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is similar to Italy in area, though ama-zingly enough it is over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) long. Its geography contributes to its immense cultural diversity. The country’s varied climate and landscape range from four seasons in the mountainous north, to year-round tropical temperatures in the lush south.

Tourist Visa

We highly advise you to obtain your visa through the nearest Vietnamese embassy in your home country before you travel. Please note that your passport must have at least six months validity. Visas on arrival are only issued if you are pre-approved and have an official letter. We do not recommend this procedure as you may end up in a long waiting line at the immigration counter and still have to pay for your actual visa, not a great way to start your holiday!

Climate

Vietnam has a standard tropical climate; from May to September the south monsoon sets in, and the country is dominated by south to southeasterly winds. From October to April, the north monsoon is dominant with northerly to northeasterly winds affecting the country. Temperatures are high all year round for southern and central Vietnam; but northern Vietnam has a definite cooler season from December to March.

Health & Vaccinations

For expert advice consult your doctor or local travel clinic. No vaccinations are mandatory, however, some are recommended. Avoid being bitten in the first place with preventative measures such as mosquito repelent containing DEET and long clothes. If you are on medication, bring this with you - it may be hard to find. We recommend to only drink bottled water as tap water is not safe enough for ingestion.

Currency & Money

The official Vietnamese currency is dong, though US dollars are widely accepted in larger stores and supermarkets. The exchange rate fluctuates frequently, but very rough calculations place one million VN dong as equivalent to 50 US dollars. ATM’s are available throughout the country and generally dispense a maximum of 2 or 3 million VN dong per transaction. Please note that VN dong are not convertible outside of Vietnam.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Vietnamese culture, so it is not necessarily expected in bars and restaurants. Tips are, however, very gratefully received. With the average Vietnamese wage still very low, tips from tourists can make a real difference, so we do suggest to honor good service. Our guests typically reward our guides with USD 5 - USD 15 per person, per day, while drivers usually receive USD 3 - USD 5 per person, per day.

Eating & Drinking

Vietnamese food is delicious and varies vastly throughout the North, Central region and South of the country. Vietnamese food is not spicy and usually accompanied with chili sauce, fish sauce and soy sauce. Generally, food in the South tends to be a little hotter with a greater abundance of spices available. We recommend to drink bottled water only as tap water is not safe enough for ingestion.

KOTO restaurant

The flagship restaurant from this training academy helping young people from challenged backgrounds gain training in the hospitality industry. Located a stone’s throw away from one of Hanoi’s most popular tourist destinations, the Temple of Literature.

Saint – Honore

Lite bites and attractive desserts make this hidden away bistro a fine spot for soaking up the street atmosphere with famous Art de Vivre brings warmth, conviviality and intimacy to dimension, tradition and freshness.

Green Tangerine

Vietnamese / French, inventive and interesting menu changed seasonally. Conveniently located in the city’s famous Old Quarter, accompanied by service that is comparable to European and American standards with unique atmosphere.

Th Gourmet Corner Restaurant / Elegance Restaurant

Al Fresco or air-conditioned, classic Asian fusion with Vietnamese style. 12th floor location for panoramic city views in a great location. It offers indoor and outdoor seating with breath-taking views of the peaceful tropical garden and pool view.

Pot N Pans

Fantastic local seafood options with fusion favorites, imaginative desserts including the locally famous Trio dessert of raspberry tiramisu, passion fruit crème caramel and keylime pie.

El Gaucho

Argentinian Steakhouse – Yearning for some quality steak? – look no further, international wine list and a wide selection of treats for meat lovers.

Quan An Ngon

Open air terrace for a busy bustling all the Vietnamese dishes of the north, under one roof, communal tables.

Red Bean Restaurant

In the heart of the Old Quarter this gem inside La Siesta Hotel offers excellent local and international fare and cooking classes as well.

Sofitel Metropole

Enjoy your evening at La Terrasse Du Metropole to soak up the history of this quintessentially colonial Hanoi institution, head inside to Le Club for the signature ruby hues Graham Greene Martini.

Hanoi Opera House

Performances of classical music and opera are periodically held here, a good spot for seeing local newlyweds celebrating, using the steps as a backdrop for wedding photos

Minh’s Jazz Club Hanoi

In the heart of the Old Quarter, showcasing local talent - 65 Quan Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam (3rd floor).

Lifestart Foundation Workshop

The workshop’s unique arts and crafts include exclusive greeting cards, knitted scarves, beaded jewellery and much more. The products are unusual souvenirs not found anywhere else in Vietnam and make the perfect fair trade gifts. Workshop members receive 100% of all profits earned from the sale of their products.

Lotus Jewellery

Lotus Jewellery Hoi An features an extensive collection of quality jewellery designs made with semi-precious stones, pearls, sterling silver, and gold. Set along Le Loi Street, it’s one of the most established local brands in Hoi An

Reaching Out Arts and Crafts

Reaching Out Arts and Crafts is a fair trade gift shop that’s set next to Tan Ky House, featuring handmade products made by disabled and disadvantaged Vietnamese. Founded by a Vietnamese disabled couple, all proceeds from the sold handicrafts go toward retraining and subsequent employment of disadvantaged locals in Hoi An.

Yaly Fashion

Well established, prestigious bespoke tailor and shoe-maker in Hoi An. With more than 300 tailors, designers and craftsmen and over 17 years of experience Yaly continuously and confidently delivers a luxury tailored experience. With a focus on design, attention to detail and luxury fabrications, the designers, tailors and craftsmen of Yaly can turn their hand to everything from luxury couture fashion to casual beach attire, from a classic suit through to an investment pair of shoes.

Do Manh Cuong Boutique

Generally considered the finest and most successful fashion designer in Vietnam, Do Manh Cuong is famous in fashion hotspots around the world, having previously worked for Christian Dior and Dominique Sirop in Paris. His ladies fashion range is always sophisticated, incorporating whimsical details to make dresses with unmistakably unique touches.

Hanoi Weekend Night Market

The Weekend Night Market in Hanoi is a busy, bustling gathering of stalls and vendors that brings crowds in droves. Taking place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 19:00, the market runs through the Old Quarter, starting from Hang Dao Street and running north to the edge of Dong Xuan Market

Thanh Binh Galery

Thanh Binh Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery in the French Quarter of Hanoi. Some of Vietnam’s most respected modern artists have pieces hanging in Thanh Binh Gallery and the range of lacquerware painting is especially good.

Tan My

Tan My Design opened this three-level, 1,000 square meter shop in 2009 and it is a contemporary emporium of gorgeous fabrics and fashion, silk products, lacquerware, art pieces, jewellery, accessories and more. Anyone with a penchant for fashion or art will enjoy a stroll through the large space. It’s the biggest and most impressive store of its kind in Vietnam.

Trang Tien Plaza

Trang Tien Plaza is where Hanoi’s rich and famous come to shop for luxury items and international designer goods. This shopping mall is spread out over five floors with leading fashion brands such as Cartier, Burberry, Ermenegildo Zegna and Louis Vuitton occupying the ground floor, electronics and home furnishings spread out over the second and third floors and a supermarket on the fourth floor which stocks many international goods.

Vietnam: Rising Dragon, Bill Hayton

In recent years this country has gone through a rapid period of social change, with foreign investment bringing capitalism into an otherwise communist society. Cities have ballooned, social structures changed, and culture evolved. Bill Hayton’s book gives you a crash course on the current state of social, economic and political affairs in Vietnam, as compared to what we might expect.

Royal Hue: Heritage of the Ngyuen Dynasty of Vietnam, Vu Hong Lien

Illustrated, in-depth and a substantial read, this book – based in the centre of Vietnam – focuses on the 143 years of the Nguyen Dynasty, and the history of Vietnam from the 14th Century onwards. For those visiting Hue this is a great read on the impressive and ancient history of the country.

In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam, Robert McNamara

The controversial memoir and record of the eighth Secretary of Defence, who resigned in 1968. This book deals in retrospect with his feelings towards the Vietnam War and policy. A fascinating read for the younger generations, who may find it difficult to understand the frame of mind in the 60s.

The Vietnam War, Ken Burns & Lynn Novick

Available on Netflix (at time of writing) or on home release, this 10-part documentary explores one of the most publicized periods of Vietnamese History - the Vietnam War. It features interviews with combatants and civilians on both sides, and explores the years before and after the war, and the conditions that led to it.

The Quiet American – 2002

Adapted into film in 1958 and again in 2002, and starring actors Brendan Fraser, Michael Caine and DO THI HAI YEN, this work of fiction has some beautiful shots of the well-known sights as they might have looked under French Colonial Rule, and takes place in the years leading up to the split of Vietnam, as French forces struggled to contain the rising nationalist sentiment. Well worth a watch or read, it brings the lead-up to war down to a very personal level through the eyes of the characters.

Indochine – 1992

With plenty of shots of the stunning scenery of Hue, Hoi An and Halong Bay, and starring Catherine Deneuve, the visuals alone are worth watching for. This French-Language film also received an Academy Award and Golden Globe award for Best Foreign Language film. It is set in the French-Colonial period of Vietnam and touches on the relations between the French landowners and Vietnamese workers, along with the diminishing influence of the Vietnamese Royal Family.