Twenty-four years after its publication, a book by a visiting Viet Kieu — an overseas Vietnamese — suggests the culture hasn’t changed much in the subsequent generation.
Author Archives: John Gottberg Anderson
97. A Cambodian Feast in Siem Reap
Adventurous Khmer cuisine provides an unexpected introduction to the gateway city of Siem Reap and the ruins of Angkor.
96. Cambodia’s Killing Fields
Two historical sites in Phnom Penh recall the terrible reign of the Khmer Rouge during the Cambodian Genocide of the late 1970s.
95. Bone Voyage: Rest in Peace, Bob
A fond farewell to a mentor, a friend, a kindred spirit, and one of the most memorable characters this writer ever had the pleasure to know.
The Floating Villages of Tonle Sap
Southeast Asia’s largest lake is home to seasonally floating villages and hungry crocodiles.
94. Cambodia’s Incomparable Temples of Angkor
Once the largest city in Southeast Asia, Angkor is now a World Heritage Site of more than 1,000 ruins, beginning with Angkor Wat, a religious structure like no other.
Here Comes the Year of the Cat
93. Year of the Tiger: A Collection
As the lunar calendar turns, I realize that what really matters in my life are the relationships that I create and nurture.
92. Travels with My Best Friend
Two old pals reunite for three weeks exploring some of Vietnam’s urban and rural environments — big city to beaches, highlands and history.
91. Underground at Cu Chi
A tour of the Cù Chi Tunnels gives insight into how the North Vietnamese Army won its war against the South and its American allies.
90. Adventures in Phnom Penh
John and Calvin, his buddy from America, take in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Cambodia’s colorful capital city.
89. Dining at Ănăn, Vietnam’s Finest
An Asian-born, American-raised chef blends two very different culinary cultures in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
88. Grist for the Vietnam Newcomer
Assorted advice and observations for first-timers venturing to this Southeast Asian country.
All About the Ao Dai
Sharing a link from the East-West News Service, which has just published my story on the ao dai, iconic fashion of Vietnamese women. (Click on the headline below to retrieve the full story.)
87. Me and Julio Down by the Ball Yard
The author reflects on his lifelong passion for the sport of baseball, largely unknown in Southeast Asia, as his favorite team finally has a winning season.
86. On the Street Where I Live
It’s not Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood, but the author reflects on the personality of his home turf in Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Binh district.
85. The Elephants Are Fighting Back
Even in the same rural precincts where a park promotes elephant conservation, local “sanctuaries” are encouraging visitors to go for rides.
84. Notes on 10 Days in Thailand
On a brief trip to Bangkok and Pattaya, the author is reminded of many things he loves about Vietnam’s Southeast Asian neighbor.
83. Cát Bà Island Escapades
Cát Bà may be the best destination in northern Vietnam for exploring the unique seascapes of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-acclaimed world heritage site.
82. Discovering Vietnam’s Art
Through periods of freedom and suppression, Vietnamese art continues to make an impression as it reveals culture and history to a curious world.
Travels in Vietnam 