Colonial Architecture of Southeast Asia

As a one-time architect, I have a deep interest in the built environment. While the colonial era — some might say “occupation” — when European powers held sway over much of Southeast Asia had a lot of negative aspects, the wedding-cake confections of the buildings it left behind are still fascinating, where they still exist.

Hanoi POSH Travel Guide

The One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi The capital of Vietnam is a city of lakes and tree-lined boulevards. Although the transition to a market economy was perhaps most resisted in Hanoi, it's now well under way, and the city is as vibrant as its more well trodden southern counterpart.

Ho Chi Minh City Mini Guide

The old city hall (Hotel de Ville) of Ho Chi Minh City For many, it will probably always be Saigon, the former capital of South Vietnam before the north and south were reunited in the dramatic events which ended America's military involvement in Southeast Asia.

Hue Mini Guide

The main gateway to the citadel - Hue's own 'forbidden city' The city of Hue, near the center of Vietnam, was the imperial capital of the country from the eighteenth century until early in the twentieth. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.

POSH Guide to Vietnam

In what seems like just a few years, Vietnam has gone from an almost isolated pariah to booming international player. While the country still does present some challenges for the traveler, most agree that it's well worth the effort. Your trip to Vietnam will most likely begin at one of the two major cities, at opposite ends of the country and once on opposite sides of war.