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In Hue, Jungle-Covered Ruins and an Abandoned Water Park Show a Different Side of Vietnam
The gist: Huế’s carefully preserved royal landmarks now share the spotlight with jungle-covered ruins that reveal the city’s imperial, colonial, and modern past.
Big pictureThe contrast reflects Huế’s challenge: attracting more visitors while deciding which places to restore, reuse, or leave as reminders of the past. Its history includes Vietnamese emperors, French colonial rule, abandoned modern projects, and conservation efforts.
Explain like I'm 5Huế is like a history book with some pages neatly protected and others left outside in the rain. Old palaces, a closed water park, and crumbling buildings all show different parts of the city’s story.
Why it matters nowVietnam recorded more than 21 million visitors in 2025, increasing pressure on destinations such as Huế. The Hồ Thủy Tiên water park also reopened as a legal community park in 2025, while officials say conservation should remain the foundation of development.
Three things to know01The water park found a new use
Hồ Thủy Tiên charges 10,000 Vietnamese dong for entry and is maintained by city workers, allowing visitors to explore its slides and dragon-shaped aquarium without rebuilding the site.
02Not every ruin is accessible
The Long Thọ Cement Factory remains closed and visitors are forbidden from trespassing, although its exposed structure can still be seen from the road.
03Some colonial sites are restored
An Định Palace was restored in 2002 after decades of decay, while about 100 former French villas in Bạch Mã National Park remain in various states of disrepair and can legally be visited.
Trusted source
Matador Network ↗

02
20 Fall Getaways From NYC for Apple-Picking, Wine-Tasting, and Leaf-Peeping
The gist: A guide highlights 20 cozy stays near NYC for fall activities like apple-picking, wine-tasting, hiking, and leaf-peeping.
Big pictureThe getaways show that New Yorkers can find a slower, nature-filled break without using much vacation time or traveling across the country. The options range from historic inns and secluded cabins to resorts with restaurants, trails, pools, and family activities.
Explain like I'm 5These are nearby places where you can sleep in a cozy hotel and enjoy autumn fun. Think of it as taking the city outside into colorful trees, farms, and small towns.
Why it matters nowFall foliage season is approaching, and the article points readers toward nearby properties and activities to plan a weekend escape before the leaves change.
Three things to know01The regions are easy to reach
The guide covers destinations in the Hudson Valley, Catskills, Berkshires, Adirondacks, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New England, with some reachable by train and others best suited to driving.
02Activities go beyond foliage
Suggested outings include a 1.7-mile hike to a 90-foot waterfall, visits to Finger Lakes wineries, apple-picking, canal-path biking, flea-market shopping, and historic-home tours.
03Hotels shape the whole trip
Several properties offer more than rooms, including farm-to-table dining, wellness spaces, fireplaces, s’mores, games, pools, trails, complimentary bikes, and seasonal restaurants.
Trusted source
Condé Nast Traveler ↗

03
JetBlue Unveils New Domestic First Class Seats as It Hopes to End Losing Streak
The gist: JetBlue is betting BlueFirst domestic first class can help end its six-year losing streak with roomier seats and extra service.
Big pictureAirlines use premium seats and services to attract customers willing to pay more, which can bring in extra revenue. JetBlue hopes this new cabin will make its domestic flights more competitive and improve its finances after years of losses.
Explain like I'm 5JetBlue is adding a nicer section to some planes, like putting bigger, comfier chairs at the front of a bus. People who pay for it will get more space, food and drinks, and faster airport treatment.
Why it matters nowJetBlue unveiled the seats Tuesday, with bookings expected in the fall and the first aircraft scheduled to debut later this year.
Three things to know01Seat counts vary by aircraft
Airbus A220s and A320s will have 12 BlueFirst seats, while A321s will have 16.
02The seats add measurable comfort
BlueFirst seats provide seven extra inches of legroom and up to five inches of recline, using foam typically found in mattresses.
03Airport perks go beyond seating
Passengers will receive priority boarding and check-in plus access to expedited security lanes at more than 30 airports.
Trusted source
Skift ↗