Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 113 of 195

8 must-see places in Thua Thien – Hue in the morning

[Wanderlust Tips March 2019] Travel to Thua Thien – Hue in the morning, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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IMPERIAL CITY – A MAGNIFICENT CITADEL DATING BACK TO THE NGUYEN DYNASTY

The Imperial City of Hue is the common name for the Citadel andthe Forbidden City which in modern times is located in Thuan ThanhWard, Hue City. The Imperial City is made up of over 140 buildingsof various sizes and the site was used to serve as the office of thecentral government as well as serving as home to the King and theroyal family. The Imperial City was recognized by UNESCO as aWorld Heritage Site in 1993.

TOP TIPS: The Imperial City is open daily from 8am to 5.30pm. Ticket price: VND150,000 for adults or VND30,000 for children aged 7 to 12.

MUST SEE: Duyet Thi Duong Theatre (Ancient Royal Theatre) which offers performances of traditional opera (Tuong), court music and court dances. The information centre for the Interpretation of the History of Hue Capital Citadel and the virtual reality experience “Find the lost palace” can be found in the Palace of Supreme Harmony

THIEN MU PAGODA – THE MOST ANCIENT PAGODA IN THE IMPERIAL CITY

About 5 kilometres West of Hue City Centre, Thien Mu is the oldest and most beautiful pagoda with the most impressive architecture in Hue. The pagoda was built in 1601, and legend has it, has it when Nguyen Hoang became the guardian of Thuan Hoa, he personally scouted the location to expand his territory. When he arrived at Ha Khe Hill, he saw that the land was shaped like a dragon turning its head. Locals said that at night, there was often an old woman dressed in red standing on top of the hill telling passersby: “A lord will come here and build a pagoda, to gather the spirits, stabilize the dragon, and make our country more powerful.”. Nguyen Hoang’s ideas seemed to be in tune with the will of the people, and to honour the good omen, he built a pagoda on the hill overlooking the Perfume River and named it Thien Mu Tu.

MUST SEE: Hue’s Temple of Literature by the Perfume River and Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda in Cham village, Huong Ho ward, Huong Tra town, about 6 kilometres from Thien Mu Pagoda.

PHUOC TICH VILLAGE – ANCIENT HOMES MADE OF JACKFRUIT WOOD AND TRADITIONAL POTTERY CRAFTS

Phuoc Tich Village is located on the bank of the Lau River, Phong Hoa Commune, Phong Dien District, Thua Thien in Hue Province. The village was founded in 1470 under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. Currently, there are 100 ancient homes in the village still standing, including 30 classified as the most unique among all the ancient villages in Vietnam. In days gone by, without machinery, homes like these would have taken years to build. Phuoc Tich Village perfectly preserved the pristine beauty of rural Vietnam and with its charming and tranquil scenery, it is like a beautiful painting that mesmerises each and every visitor. The village is also famous for its 500-year-old traditional pottery crafts.

MUST SEE: On the way back to the city centre, you can take a visit at Thuy Lap bamboo and rattan village (Phong Hoa Commune, Phong Dien District) on the road towards the city centre.

THANH TOAN TILED-ROOF BRIDGE – ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ANCIENT BRIDGES IN VIETNAM

Thanh Toan tiled-roof bridge crosses a canal that runs through Thanh Toan Village, Thuy Thanh Commune in Huong Thuy Town, which is located about 8 kilometres east of Hue City Center. Thanh Toan Bridge is among the rarest in Vietnam and with the highest artistic value. The arched wooden bridge spans 18.75 metres and is 5.82 metres wide with both sides of the bridge having wooden railings and seats for visitors to sit and enjoy the view. The bridge is covered with a tiled roof and is divided into 7 rooms with the middle room being dedicated to the worship of Mrs Tran Thi Dao.

MUST SEE: Farm equipment exhibition and Cau Ngoi Market.

MOUNT NGU BINH – THE SOUL OF HUE

Mount Ngu Binh, formerly known as Mo Islet or Bang Mountain, is located on the right bank of the Perfume River (between Con Hen and Con Da Vien), 4 kilometres South of the city centre. On either side of it are two smaller mountains, Ta Phu and Huu Bat, which from a distance together with Mount Ngu Binh look like a phoenix opening its wings to shelter the citadel. Along with the poetic Perfume River, Mount Ngu Binh is a precious gift from Mother Nature and together they create the classic beauty of Hue. This is also the reason why Hue is dubbed the land of the Perfume River and Mount Ngu.

TOP TIPS: You can hike or book a cycling tour of the mountain and from its top you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hue and the Imperial City.

MUST SEE: Tran Hung Dao Temple at the foot of the mountain and Quang Trung Monument on Ban Mountain.

LANG CO BAY – BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL

Lang Co Bay is located in Phu Loc District, at the foot of Hai Van Pass. With charming natural scenery, it was named one of the most beautiful bays in the world in 2009. Lang Co has almost everything that nature has to offer: tropical forests, white sand, blue sea and sunny weather all year round.

TOP TIPS: Lang Co bay is located 60 kilometres from Hue City Centre, 40 kilometres from Phu Bai International Airport and only 25 kilometres from Danang City via the Hai Van Pass Tunnel. Lang Co Beach is the ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing vacation, where you can lie on the beach and enjoy the green scenic views, play in the cool crystal-clear water or enjoy exciting beach activities.

MUST SEE: Lang Co fishing village, Lap An Lagoon and Chan May Bay.

BACH MA NATIONAL PARK – EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF NATURE

Covering both Phu Long and Nam Dong Districts, Bach Ma National Park has beautiful natural scenery, fresh air, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore natural trails such as Do Quyen Trail which leads to Do Quyen Falls, Tri Sao Trail which leads to Tri Sao Falls, home of the helmeted guinea fowl, Ngu Ho Trail which leads to 5 consecutive lakes formed from a large stream and Vong Hai Dai Trail which leads to the gazebo on top of Bach Ma Mountain, a 300-metre trail which leads through a White Seraya forest. On top of this Bach Ma National Park also has an orchid garden which is home to hundreds of types of orchids of various shapes and colours.

TOP TIPS: From Hue, take Highway 1A and travel south for about 40 kilometres to reach Cau Hai Town (Phu Loc District), turn right and drive for another 19 kilometres to reach Bach Ma National Park.

MUST SEE: Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery.

HAI VAN PASS – THE MOST SCENIC OF MOUNTAIN PASSES

Hai Van Pass (also known as Ai Van) is the natural boundary between Thua Thien Hue and Danang. The Pass is 21 kilometres long, crossing majestic mountains and overlooking the vast ocean and is considered to be the most dangerous but also the most beautiful and scenic mountain pass in Vietnam. The top of Hai Van Pass is shrouded in clouds year-round, and at a height of 490 metres above sea level there is a historical relic of military architecture from the Nguyen Dynasty built by King Ming Mang in 1826. The front of the building says “Hai Van Quan” and the back says “Thien Ha De Nhat Hung Quan”. In modern times, it has become a popular attraction because from the top of Hai Van Quan, you can see Hai Van Pass running along the ridge of the mountain.

Wanderlust Tips

8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the evening

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] Travel to Binh Dinh in the evening, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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CRESENT MOON BEACH – ROMANTIC SEA VIEWS AT NIGHT

Located right next to the centre of Quy Nhon City, the beach bends in the shape of a crescent moon with sweeping sandbanks stretching for 5 kilometres from Tan Cape to Ghenh Rang. This beautiful, clean beach is a destination attracting local people and visitors alike to swim and join in many exciting activities. At night, people release lanterns to catch small lobsters in the Ghenh Rang area, creating a particularly enchanting scene as the bright lights flash on the water surface like thousands of stars shining brightly.

TOP TIPS: Quy Nhon beach in the evening is quite busy, visitors can hang out on the beach or visit a coastal cafe like the Surf Bar, Starfish Café or the S. Blue restaurant and bar. Take a sip of a refreshing drink while watching the scenery of the dreamlike vast night sea.

QUY NHON SQUARE – A PEACEFUL SPOT IN THE CITY CENTER

Located in Ly Thuong Kiet Ward, Quy Nhon City, Quy Nhon Square is really an engaging destination if you want to fully feel the life of the local people here. Every day, starting from 7.00pm, people gather here for many different activities: the elderly take leisurely walks, families let their children play around, and young people gather together to chat. It seems as though the square is a truest miniature version of the whole of Quy Nhon’s life and its people.

TOP TIPS: There are fun rental services which offer amongst other things skateboards, roller skates, tandem bicycles, cyclos and electric cars.

QUY NHON NIGHT MARKET – VIBRANT HANG-OUT AND SHOPPING SPOT

Located on Le Duan Street, Quy Nhon Night Market is a busy shopping and entertainment destination in the evening. The market opens from 5.00pm to 11.00pm daily, mainly selling fashion items such as clothes, shoes, bags, stuffed animals, hats and glasses at bargain prices. Currently, the market is being expanded to serve international customers offering Binh Dinh’s speciality products as well as local souvenirs. Besides that, the market also has many activities catering for children including trains, balloon houses and boating.

MUST SEE: From the night market, it is only a few steps away to the park and fountain where you can stop to take a look at the city at nighttime. Otherwise, go across the street to Quy Nhon Mall, CoopMart supermarket or Fahasa bookstore and continue shopping.

EXPLORE THE CITY ON A HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAG – EXPERIENCE THE SPLENDID PAST

Nearly 20 years ago, on the roads of Binh Dinh, people could still see horse-drawn carriages with their bells jingling, or black and red horses leisurely grazing along the roadside. However, as time passed the incomes that could be made from driving horse carriages dropped away which caused many to find different lines of work. Therefore, the experience of seeing the city at night on a horsedrawn carriage brings the feeling of returning to the Quy Nhon of many years ago.

TOP TIPS: Currently, horse-drawn carriage rides cover 3 major routes: Xuan Dieu – Nguyen Tat Thanh – An Duong Vuong. The main station is on Xuan Dieu Street, operating from 6.00pm-9.30pm daily. The ticket price is VND20,000/person/ride, and each trip needs at least 8 people or more to depart. Also on offer are horse-drawn carriage rental services in the city, ranging from VND200,000 – 500,000/ride depending on the distance of your trip.

NIGHT SQUID FISHING – A FISHERMAN’S EXPERIENCE

Night squid fishing is one of the fascinating activities that you cannot miss when visiting the beach cities of Vietnam. You will experience moments of a true fisherman when you go out to sea catching the freshest squid yourself. There is a choice of fishing from a basket boat or wooden boat. Gently floating on the water while waiting for the squid to get hooked, the bright light from the lamps attracting the squid and your job is just to harvest the countless spoils. The squid will be cooked on the spot for you to enjoy it while it’s fresh and hot.

TOP TIPS: Some locations have organised night squid fishing services for tourists like Nhon Ly commune or Trung Luong picnic area in Cat Tien commune.

SNACK TOUR OF QUY NHON – ENJOY DELICIOUS AND CHEAP FOOD

Quy Nhon has long been famous for its plentiful and appealing specialities that are easily affordable. It would be a pity not to fully explore this culinary paradise with all kinds of snacks, seafood, vermicelli, noodles and pho enjoyed with some fresh fruit juice. You should spend an evening exploring the bustling culinary culture throughout the city. Take a walk along the streets with busy restaurants lined up next to each other, and pick one of your choice.

TOP TIPS: There are many famous food areas in Quy Nhon such as the food street from the crossroads of Phan Boi Chau – Le Thanh Ton to around Tran Binh Trong – Phan Boi Chau intersection (Le Loi Ward), the popular cheap food street on Ngo Van So Street (Tran Phu Ward), and the food court on Ngoc Han Cong Chua Street (Tran Phu Ward).

EXPLORE THE BARS – IMMERSE YOURSELF IN VIBRANT MUSIC

Some of the favourite entertainment venues of young people at nighttime have to be the bars. And of course, beautiful Quy Nhon City offers a variety of lively bars for you to immerse yourself in music and carefree dancing. If you are not a fan of loud noise, a bar with soft music and cold beer are enough to make for a great night with your friends.

TOP TIPS: Popular bars in Quy Nhon: Surf Bar (Xuan Dieu street), Royal Club (1 Han Mac Tu), Lion Club (Block DC1B, Ly Thai To), Red Pub (52 Tran Phu), TOP Pub (14 An Duong Vuong).

KARAOKE – AN EVENING OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT

An evening entertainment activity much loved by many groups of friends and family is karaoke. Private rooms with quality sound systems, large screens and performance stages are an ideal hangout spot for people of all ages that enjoy singing. From the latest pop songs to the classics, Vietnamese and foreign, and from love songs to children songs. Every karaoke venue has a huge catalogue of songs for you to choose from and sing your heart out.

TOP TIPS: Karaoke as evening entertainment is enjoyed by many groups of friends and family. Private singing rooms with the highestquality sound systems are at 120 Nguyen Thi Dinh and Karaoke Salala on Ly Thuong Kiet street.

Wanderlust Tips

8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the afternoon

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] Travel to Binh Dinh in the afternoon, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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EO GIO (WINDY STRAIT) – A MASTERPIECE OF THE SEA

Located in Nhon Ly Commune, about 20 kilometres from Quy Nhon City. Its name Windy Strait originates from its geographical shape. When looking down from the cliffs, you can see a small strait shielded by two mountains that look like two arms embracing the beach. By the cliff, there are fascinating caves attracting salanganes to build their nests, such as Ky Co Cave and Ba Nghe Cave. Nearby, there is Da De Beach full of egg-shaped rocks all in unusual sizes and colours. Above all, Eo Gio has a walkway with striking red and white colours along a mountain ridge and continuing along this way, you can reach Ngoc Hoa Monastery with its majestic Buddha statues.

TOP TIPS: Tickets are VND25.000/person.

MUST SEE: You can visit both the FLC Zoo Safari Park and Nhon Ly – Cat Tien Beach nearby, or take a boat to visit Seo Islet.

TRUNG LUONG CAMPING SITE – THE IDEAL SUMMER CHECK-IN POINT

The Trung Luong Camping Site is about 30 kilometres away from Quy Nhon City. It is located in the east of DT639 Road of Trung Luong Village, Cat Tien Commune, Phu Cat District. One of the most exciting activities here is camping in a small valley surrounded by rocky mountains and overlooking the sea. Even if you do not stay overnight, the campsite during the day has a wide range of things to offer, such as red and blue tents, colourful beach chairs, a lovely bar and pretty stone pavement leading to the amazing blue sea. The beach stretches as far as the eye can see, the sand is incredibly soft, and the rocks are largely shaped in unusual ways. This is an ideal place for hours of diving, for you to lose yourself in the vast ocean and enjoy the peace and quiet.

TOP TIPS: The entrance ticket costs VND35,000/person.

YEN ISLAND – HOME OF SALANGANES

Although called an island, it is actually located right on Phuong Mai Peninsula. In total, there are 30 big and small caves on Yen Island, mainly located in the two communes – Nhon Hai and Nhon Ly. This place has an amazing natural landscape with natural thousand-yearold caves. The cliffy and rugged structure makes these caves the perfect home for salanganes. Besides its beautiful landscape, Yen Island also has historical and cultural relics of the Champa Kingdom, the Tay Son Dynasty, and the Nguyen Dynasty, such as its Buddhist Pagoda, Tam Hoa Mountain and Ho Ky Fortress.

TOP TIPS: Exploring deep inside the caves, you can see the impressive sight of countless salangane nests sitting right next to each other on the cliffs. At the same time, you can see mother birds spreading their wings over their babies to keep them warm while the babies are chirping waiting for food.

GHENH RANG TIEN SA TOURIST SITE – THE HARMONIOUS BEAUTY OF THE SKY AND MOUNTAINS

Located in the heart of Quy Nhon City, Ghenh Rang Tien Sa Tourism Site is like an artwork created by nature, with a cluster of rocky mountains stretching along the sea and piles of stones formed into impressive rocky cliffs. Walking along the path, across Mong Cam Slope and up Thi Nhan Hill, you can find the resting place of the poet Han Mac Tu situated in the middle of a pine forest park. Nearby there are slabs of pinewood with Han Mac Tu’s poems engraved on them by the artist Truong Dzu Kha. As well as this, Hoang Hau Beach (also known as Egg Beach) is another famous must-see destination, full of smooth rounded stones resembling giant bird eggs. Exploring further, you can encounter a beautiful natural masterpiece called Chong Island, after going over its rocky shore, you will find a soft golden sand beach with crystal clear blue water. This is the magnificent Tien Sa beach.

MUST SEE: Quy Hoa Beach, about 3 kilometres from the tourism site.

TWIN TOWERS – THE UNIQUE BEAUTY OF CHAMPA ARCHITECTURE

The Twin Towers are called Hung Thanh towers and are located near the Twin bridge on Tran Hung Dao Street. Constructed at the end of the 12th century, the Twin Towers are an unique architectural work with two towers lined up next to each other along a North-South axis. In which, the North Tower is 20 meters high, and the South Tower is 18 meters high. Despite its resemblance to traditional Champa towers, the Twin Towers have their own unique characteristics, among other things the towers have two main parts which are a square body block and an arched ceiling. The roof of each tower is a four-sided block, divided into 6 floors of horizontal valances in turn divided into 5 cells with the middle cell being an image of a person meditating. All four corners of the roof are also adorned with the five-headed Naga snake.

MUST SEE: Long Khanh Pagoda located on Tran Cao Van Street, about 3 kilometres from the Twin Towers.

BANH IT TOWER – PRESERVING CHAMPA ARCHITECTURAL ARTISTIC VALUES

Banh It Tower is a complex of four towers located in Phuoc Hiep Commune, Tuy Phuoc District, on the top of a hill between two branches of the Con River, Tan An and Cau Ganh, next to Highway 1A, about 20 kilometres from Quy Nhon City. The main tower is 22 meters high and looks like a banh it. Around the main tower, there are three smaller auxiliary towers, and in these three towers, there are two towers that look like two sweet banh its and the other one resembles a meat banh it. Each tower has its own distinctive architectural traits, but on top of each is a statue of Shiva.

TOP TIPS: Ticket price: VND7,000/person.

MUST SEE: Near the Banh It Tower is Nguyen Thieu Monastery with a majestic open-air Buddha shrine on the hilltop.

THE IMPERIAL CITADEL – CANH TIEN TOWER – PRESERVING HISTORICAL VALUES OF THOUSANDS OF YEARS

The Imperial Citadel is located in An Nhon Town, 27 kilometres from Quy Nhon City to the Northwest. Built in 1776 by the Tay Son Dynasty at the base of Do Ban of the Champa Kingdom and was named the Imperial Citadel from 1778. From 1776 to 1793, the citadel was headquarters of the Tay Son army then capital of the central government of Emperor Thai Duc – Nguyen Nhac. Architectural works have shown that Thai Crown dynasty was developed on this land and the Imperial Citadel was recognised as a national cultural heritage in 1982. Canh Tien Tower was built in the 12th century as a “sacred mountain” in centre of the old Do Ban Citadel and has impressive architecture and decorative patterns, showing the typical artistic values of Champa style in Binh Dinh.

MUST SEE: Also visit nearby places including Thien Hung Pagoda with its ancient style combined with modern impressionism and Thap Thap Di Da Pagoda which is over 300 years old.

THE TAY SON EARTH-SKY ALTAR – REMEMBERING EMPEROR QUANG TRUNG’S ACHIVEMENTS

The Earth-Sky altar is also known as An Son Spiritual Tourist Area, in Hoa Son Village, Binh Tuong Commune. Construction started in November 2011 on the 220th death anniversary of Emperor Quang Trung (1792 – 2012). The altar is arranged on an area of 46 hectares on An Son mountain peak, including two levels for the altar, Nghi Mon 1 and 2, a windbreak, a temple area, a management boardroom, a semicircle lake, technical zone, parking lot and road from the bottom to the top of the mountain. All surrounded by the charming feng shui landscape of Hoanh Son mountain.

MUST SEE: On the way from Quy Nhon City Center to the Sky-Earth Altar, visitors can stop by Quang Trung Museum and the famous Cham Towers, Duong Long Tower and Thu Thien Tower. From the altar, about 30 kilometres further on Highway 19, you will get to the Tay Son Thuong Dao relics complex.

Wanderlust Tips

8 must-see places in Binh Dinh in the morning

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] Travel to Binh Dinh in the morning, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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KY CO BEACH – LOST IN PARADISE

Located in Nhon Ly Commune, 25 kilometres northeast of Quy Nhon, Ky Co has one side facing sea and is otherwise surrounded by mountains. Blessed by nature, the beach has a charming landscape of rugged cliffs, a crescent moon-shaped seashore, and crystal clear blue water offering a window-like view to bottom and changing its colour at different times throughout the day.

TOP TIPS: There are two options for travelling to Ky Co Beach. Option 1: By boat, combined with a visit to Eo Gió (Windy Strait), Hòn Khô (Kho Island). Book a tour or rent a motorboat which costs VND130,000 – VND150,000/person (this does not include entrance fee to Ky Co tourist area of VND60,000/person). Option 2: By road, round-trip tickets cost VND100.000/person if you walk to the top of the mountain, which is quite a steep path, take Ky Co Resort’s transit bus to the beach. However, saving the walk and travelling directly from Ky Co Resort to the beach the cost is VND150,000/person. Both prices include the entrance fee

KHO ISLAND – THE STUNNING BEAUTY OF THE ISLANDS OF QUY NHON

A small island located right in front of Nhon Hai, shielding this peaceful fishing village from storms. As its name indicates, Kho (dry) is a desert-like island devoid of green trees, covered with rocky mountains and only a few small bushes. Despite this, it has an incredibly beautiful untouched pristine beach with crystal clear blue water. There are many activities for tourists including swimming in the sea, diving to see colourful coral reefs or fishing from the edge of some short cliffs around the island.

TOP TIPS: Driving from the centre of Quy Nhon City, go across Thi Nai Bridge, through Nhon Hoi Economic zone, along Mai Huong Bay, a few kilometres over a mountain pass and you can reach Nhon Hai Peninsula. From there, you can take a boat for 10 minutes to Kho Island. Nowadays, there are many tour operators picking up tourists right in the city centre.

MUST SEE: Phuong Mai Sand Dunes (Nhon Ly Commune) and their exciting sandboarding.

CU LAO XANH (GREEN ISLAND) – ENDLESS BEAUTY OF SKY, SEA AND ISLAND

Located in Nhon Chau Commune, 28 kilometres southeast of Quy Nhon City, Green Island has gorgeous picturesque scenery. The front beach is covered with white sand with a view of the mainland, and the residents of the island mainly live on this side, whereas the back beach is covered in piles of large rocks which all year round face up to howling winds and roaring waves. Cu Lao Xanh (Green Island) also has several interesting attractions like the Cu Lao Xanh Lighthouse, the Fairy Stream, a beach where sea turtles lay eggs, and watching the stunning sunset on the pier.

TOP TIPS: Option1: Take a boat from Ham Tu Dock (Quy Nhon City) for about an hour, the price is VND35.000/person, daily departures at 8.00am and 1.00pm. Option 2: Take a speedboat for 30 minutes/one way, the price ranges from VND3 to 5 million depending on the size of the boat. There is also the option to book a trip for more than one day.

THI NAI LAGOON – THE BIGGEST LAGOON IN BINH DINH PROVINCE

Located to the northeast of Quy Nhon City and stretching for more than 10 kilometres, it is famous for its variety of seafood. All branches of the Kon River and the Ha Thanh River flow into the lagoon which has gradually built it up with layers of alluvial sediment over the years. At high tide, water fills up the lagoon, looking like the rippling ocean on a windy day. At low tide, the water recedes, revealing a thick and smooth mud bottom leading to it being referred to as a Dry Sea (Biển Cạn) in historical texts. On a small mountain inside the lagoon is a little temple built by fishermen to worship the god of water. Looking like an ancient tower, the mountain is known as Fortune Teller Tower.

TOP TIPS: Make an early visit to see the sunrise as the sun rising over the Trieu Chau mountain range and the sunlight shining off the water of the lagoon make for a charming and fascinating scene.

VI RONG CAPE (DRAGON FIN CAPE) – A DUET OF THE SEA AND THE ROCKS

Located in Long Phung Village, My Tho Commune, Phu My District in Binh Dinh Province, Vi Rong Cape is rocky reef protruding about 20 meters into the sea, which includes a sea cave in the middle and is surrounded by fascinating formations of emerging rocks. From a distance, Vi Rong Cape seems like a giant dragon ready to fly towards the sea. The huge rocks towering above the sea combined with the waves crashing in and around them create an image of a dragon spitting water.

TOP TIPS: Besides taking in the majestic natural landscape, you can also enjoy swimming in the sea or participate in exciting group activities. For something to eat, try Hai Hien restaurant, the nearby Hong Tham Café, or head back to the city centre for more restaurant options.

MUST SEE: Hon Nuoc Lighthouse (formerly named Vung Moi Lighthouse).

HAM HO – IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE

Ham Ho Eco-tourism Site is located in Tay Phu Commune, Tay Son District, about 50 kilometres northwest of Quy Nhon City. At the foot of the majestic Truong Son Mountain Range and nestled amidst the forest, Ham Ho is a spectacular natural tourist attraction thanks to Troi Lap River, Chuong Islet, Bong Islet, Da Thanh Islet and a diverse forest ecosystem.

TOP TIPS: You can participate in many interesting activities such as visiting ancient houses, exploring local lifestyles, riding on a horsedrawn carriage, kayaking, fishing, lying in a hammock under the trees, camping, staying at a stilt house, making a campfire, singing karaoke, or having a massage. Immersing yourself in nature will give you the best moments of relaxation. You can plan your own trip or buy a oneday trip for VND699,000/person.

NUI MOT LAKE ECO-TOURISM SITE – BINH DINH’S BLUE JADE

Located in An Truong Village, Nhon Tan Commune, An Nhon District, about 40 kilometres from Quy Nhon City, it was a valley surrounded by mountain ranges before being turned into an irrigation lake, which has made the views more charming and verdant. You can hike through the mountains and explore the ancient Ong Dai Cave, which was a shelter for soldiers and a place for food storage or cruise around on a boat to admire the beautiful picturesque scenery, taking a break at Do Waterfall and visiting Canh Tien ethnic village.

TOP TIPS: From Quy Nhon City, you can travel by car or scooter along National Road 19 to Truong Village, follow the road signs and turn right, keep driving 8 kilometres more down the road, and then you reach Nui Mot Lake. If you take a bus, you should get off at Cai Ba crossroads (Nhon Tan Commune, An Nhon District) and take a motorbike taxi for the final 8 kilometres.

VUNG CHUA MOUNTAIN – HIGHLANDS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEA CITY

Vung Chua Mountain is about 600 meters above the sea level, located right next to the seaside city of Quy Nhon and is a popular tourist attraction. Visiting Vung Chua, you will experience many interesting things, in particular, how the appearance of the mountain is affected by the weather. On sunny days, the sky is clear and there are fresh green trees, and you can see everything so clearly. Whereas, on cloudy days, the cool air and blurry mist can make you feel like you are lost in dreamy Dalat.

TOP TIPS: From the centre of Quy Nhon City, drive on National Road 1D, along this road you will pass by Ghenh Rang Tourism Area, then turn right to Quy Hoa at the crossroads, notice on the right side there is a road leading you to the mountain. Follow this road for a while and then it separates into two directions: the left leads to the Fairy Stream Tourism Site, and the right leads to Vung Chua Mountain.

Wanderlust Tips

My Viet Nam in movies

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] I have an old habit of noticing the places featured in movies, and all of these have created strong feelings of affection that are enchanting and sparkling for me. Apparently, movies are not merely for entertainment, stunningly beautiful scenes enchantingly captured by talented directors have touched my heart and encouraged me to start an adventure to explore my own country.

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PHU YEN IS AS SWEET AS CHILDHOOD IN I SAW THE YELLOW FLOWERS ON THE GREEN GRASS

Until one October day a few years ago, I did not often pay attention to Vietnamese movies in the cinemas, preferring TV series with characters and life stories profoundly pictured and told in a series of episodes. At that time, I heard my friends excitedly talking about the movie I saw the yellow flowers on the green grass, which was based on a novel of the same title by the author Nguyen Nhat Anh and directed by Victor Vu. Filled with curiosity by the praise for the movie from the media and also because of my admiration for the author Nguyen Nhat Anh, I decided to go to the cinema to watch the film only to find my earlier prejudices disappear, replaced by admiration and passion.

The movie is about two brothers, Thieu and Tuong, who both grew up in a poor coastal village in the late 1980s. Thieu loves reading books, and while he loves his brother a lot, he is sometimes jealous of him. Tuong, on the other hand, idolises his brother and follows him everywhere he goes. The appearance of Man, the brother’s first crush and the heartfelt brotherhood of Thieu and Tuong touch the hearts of people born in the 1970s and 1980s and remind them of their long-lost childhood memories.

The movie is neither too fast-paced nor sorrowful. It is just about little stories of everyday life in a poor countryside area in the centre of Vietnam, but those very tiny pieces are connected to create a painting of unforgettable childhood memories of each and every countryside child like me. The movie evoked nostalgic feelings and brought me back to familiar and peaceful surroundings. Phu Yen, the name alone can provoke multiple feelings. Probably due to growing up in a poor countryside region on the central coast, I could somehow relate and fall deeply in love with the peaceful scenes in the movie.

Following the storyline of the movie, I go to a sugarcane field in Hinh River district, where the green of sugarcane and grass along with the blue of the sky above spread as far as the eyes can see. The breeze runs its fingers through the fields, forming a lively song with beautiful notes. At the next destination, the abundant rice and corn fields of Tuy An district are opening out in the golden sunshine in front of my eyes. Incredible Xep beach is full of cactuses, making it look like a painting of resilience in the harsh conditions and evoking differing feelings in an adventurer. The blue sky blending with the colour of the vast ocean and the green of the immense grasslands make even the harsh sunlight tender and comfortable on the eyes.

Walking along the cliffs and listening to the distant waves, I feel as if my feelings are harmonising with the sea. The beautiful childhood memories are playing as in a slowmotion movie right before my eyes when I am standing on a golden sand beach on such a wind-blown day. The feelings the movie has evoked in me are not only nostalgic memories, but beyond that, they are an inseparable part of the picturesque land in the centre of the country. They help warm up the hearts of central-born people living away from home and remind us to come back to our homeland sometime very soon.

Every now and then, whenever I feel homesick, I saw yellow flowers on the green grass is still my go-to choice to indulge myself in the scent of my hometown in those tranquil movie scenes.

SILENT UNDER THE DARK ABYSS AND A BEAUTIFUL BUT SORROWFUL HA GIANG

For those who love travelling to the mountains, when your legs seem to need a rest, try sitting down and watching Silent under the dark abyss by director Dao Duy Phuc. A mountainous vibe is highlighted in every scene, making me watch it over and over again just to satisfy my eyes with the scenery of the rocky highlands.

Silent under the dark abyss is the passionate yet tragic love story of the two main characters, Vu and Sua. They love each other, but their love story does not seem destined to have a happy ending when Sua is kidnapped to become the wife of Phong, the son of a wealthy family. The love between Vu and Sua is thought to end, but with a desire for freedom and formidable instinct, Sua does not surrender her destiny. Likewise, although he sometimes feels so desperate that he wants to give up, Vu follows the call of his heart. The passionate love of Vu and Sua thrives like those flowers gorgeously blooming on rocky outcrops.

The landscape of far northern Ha Giang is stunningly beautiful with amazingly extensive mountain ranges, poetic valleys of buckwheat flowers, and multiple layers of rugged rock. It has also witnessed the love story of the H’mong couple in the TV series Silent under the dark abyss. Fields of buckwheat flowers swaying in the wind among high rocky mountains remind people of the shyness of a young H’mong woman beside her sweetheart. The very light pink and purple colours of these flowers on the barren highlands represent the eternity of love.

Obsolete traditions, poverty, and hatred have to surrender to resilience and passion, just like how buckwheat flowers have kept blooming every year to move the hearts of visitors.

Silent under the dark abyss does not only reveal immense natural landscapes with sharp rocky mountains pointing bristly and boldly into the sky, images of houses behind stone fences, or the colourful skirts of H’mong women, it also brings Ha Giang closer to the audience with its customs and traditions. Its culture is shown in festivals, weddings, gentle folk songs, and the sound of flutes echoing in the forests. H’mong people were born among rocks, grow up with rocks and always nurture a pure love in their heart. Just like Ha Giang, their homeland, they are innocent and humble yet strong, self-respectful and always long for true love.

Many movies are set in Ha Giang. Besides Silent in the dark abyss, other well-known productions also include Father and Son by director Luong Dinh Dung, Red Sky directed by Olivier Lorelle and Pao’s story by Ngo Quang Hai. After indulging in these movies, many people leave a piece of their hearts in the mountains of Ha Giang.

INDOCHINE, THE BEAUTY OF VIETNAM THROUGH THE EYES OF THE FRENCH

I used to spend large amounts of time seeking the images of this S-shaped country in foreign films just to find the answer to my very own question: How is my country seen through the eyes of foreign people? And I finally found it in the movie Indochine.

The director of photography, François Catonné, once said “I have left my heart in this place” when he came to Vietnam to work on this film. It is undoubtedly true that Vietnam has always held a miraculous attraction for the world’s filmmakers thanks to its simple and humble but wideranging beauty. The renowned Indochine is also a valuable source for history buffs who want to know more about the social settings of that period.

I was made aware of the film by my school history teacher who told us stories about colonial times and the challenges and hardships faced by people from different classes in society. Those stories were like mysterious seeds, arousing curiosity in me. After that, I watched the film so attentively that I completely lost track of time, and Vietnam, as shown in the film, was the heart of Indochina.

Despite being well-known after winning an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1993, Indochine was not officially screened in Vietnam until 2016 at the Hanoi International Film Festival. The audience excitedly went to watch the film they had heard so much about for such a long time and adored a magnificent Vietnam through the scenes of the French film.

Indochine is a film set in colonial French Vietnam from the 1930s to 1950s. Although set over 70 years ago, many values present in the film still remain important even as time goes by. Made by the French, the film is about the very colonial land they lost and displays in detail the war in which they were defeated. Nevertheless, the film does not defend or attack either side, showing a subjective awareness of history, and of the people of the colonial country where the French were vanquished. That is the very reason why I find it both touching and exciting to watch.

My heart was deeply moved when I witnessed the sacred love between Éliane Devries and her daughter Camille, or the complicated nature of the love triangle between both of them and the good-looking officer Jean-Baptiste Le Guen. Eventually, the lives of all three characters were sent into a swirl with the surprising changes of the time, leading them onto separate paths.

However, since the media have seemingly used all the most outstanding words in the world to describe the massively famous Indochine, as a person who is meticulous about different film shots, I always pay more attention to places and locations in films and Indochine has completely won me over in this.

The director harnesses the beauty of Vietnam very well and makes it look magnificent through the eyes of a foreigner. It is a pristine but gorgeous Vietnam gradually entering into a new era. Each and every scene is carefully considered, and that very meticulousness of filmmakers has created an authentic and amazing Vietnam in the film.

It is no exaggeration to say that Indochine is a masterpiece and a precious jewel in the image of Vietnam. To be honest, I used to think that our country might seem poor and rundown during wartime, but when the first scene of Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh) was shown on the screen, I was astonished as it was still so stunningly beautiful. Ha Long Bay appears many times in the film, leaving gentle impressions in the mind of the audience and while watching the film, I knew in my mind that I would definitely go to that place.

The scenes in Ninh Binh have most vividly put on display its pristine beauty, which is somehow, really Indochine. A quiet and solemn Hue has played an essential role in telling the stories of the French in Vietnam in the period between 1939 and 1950. The then authority even allowed the crew to set up and film inside the palace of King Bao Dai.

Indochine is not limited to any one setting, but there are many locations from all around Vietnam. For those who understand the film through their ultimate empathy and observation will see it as a beautiful but sad depiction. The expansive and magnificent sceneries create the beauty, and sadness comes from the fact that the beauty is meaningless when the whole country is struggling under colonial rule.

Blended in amongst the amazing scenes are the resilience and powerful spirits of the Vietnamese people. I felt pity and compassion for those sweating workers manually tapping rubber in the rubber plantations during the night by the flickering light of torches. Theatre troupes travelling from place to place to encourage people to rise up, or communist soldiers so persistently waiting for the right time to fight for the country. Through this, Indochine does not just make me astonished at the beauty of the landscapes of my homeland, it also connotes the incredible beauty of my fellow people. I did not miss one bit of emotion during the 2 hours and 40 minutes of the film in which a blurred image of Vietnam that I could only read about in books appeared so vividly in front of my eyes.

Just like me, other Vietnamese must be so proud to see their country from the perspective of foreigners. And for foreigners, on the other hand, Indochine has played an important role in inspiring and urging them to come to Vietnam, a small but powerful and exceptionally beautiful country.

CLOSING LINES

Every movie evokes different feelings and impressions depending on each individual’s perceptions. Some people might take watching a movie as slowly as drinking tea to enjoy the lingering aftertaste of it. Some others, however, inspire their dreams of travelling through films. I myself not only enjoy watching movies about my Vietnam over and over again to nurture greater feelings for them, I also want to see the landscapes in them in reality in my trips. It might be true that we do not need to go somewhere far as there are still many amazing places and stories waiting for us to explore and give our hearts to in our very own country.

Thi Thi | Wanderlust Tips

Share the love: Travelling through movies

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] With the theme “Travel through movies”, Share the love Section of Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine April 2019 will give our readers the thrilling stories of memorable journeys inspired from the renowned moves of characters to have a better understanding of “marriage” between travel and movies.

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SETTING FOOT IN THE FILMING LOCATIONS OF YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIES IS THE BEST FEELING EVER

NGUYEN QUANG HOANG LANG, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, HCMC

To begin with, we have to mention the famous movie Inceptionthat won 4 golden statuettes and was nominated for BestPicture at the 2011 Oscars. Since I love this movie so much,I immediately went to the Bir-Hakeim Bridge once I arrivedin France. It crosses the Seine, is the location of a scene inthe movie and now sometimes goes by the name InceptionBridge. Standing on Bir-Hakeim Bridge, imagining myself asa character in the movie, looking at the sights right before myeyes, the Eiffel Tower gave me an indescribable and incrediblymemorable feeling.

Or the time I visited Italy, the country that is considered the cradle of art. Walking on every small street corner in Rome reminded me of the many famous movies that have taken place here. The Trevi Fountain is the first thing I had to visit in Rome, throwing a coin into the fountain wishing to have a chance to come back here. It is also the background of the romantic movie To Rome with Love which tells of an exciting adventure of people vacationing in Rome.

Next stop is Amsterdam, the Netherlands. After an afternoon walk along the canals, I found the wooden bench where Hazel and Gus confessed their sweet love for each other in the movie The Fault In Our Stars.

There were many other beautiful places I got to see on my European journey that perhaps a movie addict like me will never be able to forget.

NOSTALGIA OF THE LOVER AT THE ANCIENT HOUSE OF BINH THUY

NGUYEN HOAN HAO, STUDENT AT TAY DO UNIVERSITY, CAN THO CITY

On the topic of classic movies with beautiful scenes, I’m deeply impressed with The Lover or in French L’Amant. The story portraits love with such depth and fascination, set in the context of Vietnam under French colonial rule.

Among all the scenes of the movie, I particularly remember one house for its unique architecture. The house is a mix of French and Asian culture known as the Ancient House of Binh Thuy, located in Can Tho. Because of the fondness I have for The Lover as well as the beautiful setting of the movie, I have visited the house many times.

The moment I set foot in the Ancient House of Binh Thuy, I feel totally comfortable, a feeling of gradually sinking into the nostalgia that the house has kept for many years. I like to touch the ironwood pillars with my own hands or sit by the window and enjoy the fresh air.

All the feelings that this place gives me are hard to precisely articulate, but above all, it’s perhaps its peacefulness and tenderness.

And not only for The Lover, the unique architecture of the Ancient House of Binh Thuy has also become the filming location for many other famous movies such as Tay Do Beauty, Long Distance Roads and Life’s Debt.

A VERY DIFFERENT NINH BINH IN KONG: SKULL ISLAND

HOANG THI THUY DUNG, OFFICE WORKER, HA NOI

I am a person who loves to be on the move, and Ninh Binh is the place that makes me want to return to it the most. Before the movie Kong: Skull Island, I’d already visited the ancient capital of Ninh Binh twice, and after the film was released, I decided to go there again.

The first two times I visited Ninh Binh, I was in a depressed mood and wished to find joy in a new land. I went there to temporarily forget life’s pressures and stresses and also because Ninh Binh is quite near Hanoi. On my third visit, I observed more, felt more and captured its essence for myself.

This time, I was extremely impressed with the set of Kong: Skull Island. It is hard to imagine such a magnificent movie set was built right in the middle of the peaceful land of Ninh Binh. In particular, the indigenous village on Skull Island in the film was restored to almost exactly as it was in the film, about 40 huts mainly made out of bamboo. Outside the huts, there were many ancient-looking household tools, wall hangers and the kitchens were also arranged in great detail.

One thing I specifically remember is the detailed layout of the huts, the way the lives of the indigenous people were also recreated in a real and attractive way. When I met and chatted with the locals in the costumes of indigenous people, I felt like I really was in the movie.

LOVE FOR DA LAT FROM THE MOVIE 100 DAYS WITH YOU

PHAM TRUNG, PHOTOGRAPHER, HCMC

Artists like me often take the time to watch movies, learn their configuration as well as creative frames. Among the movies I have seen, I was really impressed with 100 Days With You for its gentle feelings, its thoughtful story of youth and its carefully crafted visuals. I fell in love with Dalat through the film, making me want to explore this land.

Dalat, with its cool climate, massive pine forests and flowers blooming through all four seasons, stole my heart right away. On my arrival in Da Lat, I suddenly recalled the young people in the movie, Nhat Minh (Jun Vu), Anh Duong (Kha Ngan), and Le Huy (B Tran) and their lifestyle of living in complete loneliness. But then love itself led them to experience waves of emotions, challenge them to be more brave and open, and acknowledge that better things are awaiting them outside their comfort zone.

On my wandering days in Dalat, I fell more in love each day with the simplest and most modest things. Like when I woke up early and welcomed the new day in a beautiful place or when I rode my motorbike along a small ridge in the afternoon, surrounded by whispering pine forest. I also found the inspiration to continue making more impressive works of art.

And for you, if you want to soak in the beauty of Dalat completely, then I am sure that you only need to travel there and experience it yourself.

Wanderlust Tips

Hong Anh: Actress and film director

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] Hong Anh is a modern woman with an open personality and a great passion for travelling and exploring the world. In this conversation with wanderlust tips, Hong Anh talks enthusiastically about her devotion to cinema as well as her desire to present the beauty of Vietnamese nature through quality and meaningful movies.

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Cinema and travel are my two greatest passions in life.

Welcome Hong Anh, you have been involved in the film industry for over 24 years. How did you develop your passion for cinema?

Acting has been my passion since I was a child. I always loved all kinds of art activities during kindergarten, and I liked to play different characters. I also loved to read picture books and imagined myself becoming the animals in the books, playing multiple roles at the same time.

Growing up, I believed I would do better in art and social sciences and in making my first career choice, I decided to go to dance school. From there I made the transition to cinema, and from my first movie, I realised I truly wanted to pursue this as a career because working in the cinema is an incredibly fulfilling career that suits my personality, matching with my acting ability and interest in travel.

Does that mean that every filming trip is also an opportunity to travel?

I love to travel and to explore, so I also love my job as it gives me the chance to go on long journeys, which bring me to faraway lands little known to most tourists.

For example, in the movie “Thung lũng hoang vắng” (Deserted Valley), I played the role of a teacher at a village commune Ta Giang Phinh, 30km away from Sapa town. The school was situated on a hill with the view of a dreamy valley, cloudy mountains and grandiose rice paddy fields. You can experience all four seasons (Spring – Summer – Autumn – Winter) in just one day. I followed ethnic people to the forest to see how they harvested cardamom, the local life there is simple yet so beautiful. These villages are much different from the places specialising in tours on a large scale near Sapa town.

You have a passion for travel and also have the chance to follow that passion. Which places have you already visited?

I’ve already explored all along the S-shaped coastline of Vietnam and visited many other places outside of Vietnam around Asia, America, Europe and Australia. Travelling allows me to explore different cultures and natural landscapes, things which I had only read about in the books. Truly being there and seeing living things in person are such amazing experiences that can hardly be described in words. If you follow me on Facebook, you will see how I usually record my travel experiences, even creating live videos of my journeys. I do it just out of interest, I want to keep a travel journal and maybe what I’m sharing can be meaningful to the travelling community.

Successful movies will have a positive impact on tourism by boosting development of the locations in the movie’s setting.

Among the places you have been to, which one do you feel the strongest emotional connection with?

I love the sea in Vietnam. I have been to some of the most famous beaches around the world, the Maldives for example. Staying just for one week is great, but if I stay longer I don’t feel like I belong there, the scenery is beautiful, but it doesn’t give me the feeling of closeness to them. This is totally different from the untouched, pristine places in Vietnam such as Binh Ba and Binh Lap of Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen and Binh Dinh. All along the thousands of kilometres of coastline in central Vietnam are stunningly beautiful beaches with crystal clear blue water.

Apparently, the film industry and tourism have a very close relationship. In particular, many famous movies have laid the foundation for local tourism to promote locations that audiences have seen on the screen. What is your opinion about this?

It doesn’t matter how beautiful the movie scenes are, if the movie cannot touch the audience deeply, the beautiful images from those scenes will be quickly forgotten. That’s why everything starts with a good movie. A good film will have a positive impact on tourist’s motivation and the development of the locations in it. Maybe just preserving a part of a film set, which is not difficult, can be used to attract tourism.

Take Korea as an example, they are doing this really well. The decor of the coffee shop where the main couple of Autumn In My Heart met and broke up with each other has been kept the same as it was in the movie. They even keep repeatedly playing the romantic scenes of the couple, and also displaying memorable movie items and so on. Or also the lonely tree in My Sassy Girl. The journey won’t mean that much if we just simply take a look at a beautiful tree, but it will be more interesting and appealing if we know that that tree is part of our favourite movie.

So how about in Vietnam?

Vietnam has also done it. The movie I Saw The Yellow Flowers On The Green Grass directed directed by Victor Vu has successfully promoted the beautiful land of Phu Yen to many audiences. Or after the success of of Kong: Skull Island directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, the indigenous village in it has been reconstructed to attract tourists to Ninh Binh.

In “Go Go Girls” (Hong Anh played the grown-up Hieu Phuong), the slope Nha Bo has become a new destination for young people to take photographs and to check-in. Beautiful landscapes combined with the story of a successful movie will inspire more people to visit. Especially when films are brought to the international stage, it is an excellent way to promote tourism.

In the role of a director, how can you promote beautiful landscapes through movie scenes?

The Way Station was a significant milestone for me due to the change in my role from an actress to a director. This film was aimed at a niche market audience, and it didn’t financially succeed in the domestic market, but I am proud of myself for not giving up in the middle and completing it. Also, I am proud to be able to participate in the promotion of Vietnam to the world as the movie has won international prizes. The film was shot in Hoi An, and 98 per cent of the indoor scene footage was filmed in the Museum of Trading Ceramics, so through this movie, the images of the old town of Hoi An can reach a wider Vietnamese and international audience.

Very soon I have a plan to make a movie about people with mental health issues in today’s modern society. As always, the film will create a space for its audience to have their own thoughts and perceptions. The premise is a character that takes part in changing the fates of other characters in the movie. What I care about the most is always the feelings of the audience after watching the film and that it stirs their emotions, and to do this, the context of the story is critically important. I hope that my films through scenes of everyday life can represent real Vietnamese life as well as through sweeping outdoor scenery show the audience many visually beautiful places combined with meaningful messages.

PHAM THI HONG ANH

Her famous TV dramas and movies include: Người đẹp Tây Đô (Miss Tay Do), Đời cát (Sandy lives), Kiều Nguyệt Nga (Kieu Nguyet Nga), Thung lũng hoang vắng (Deserted Valley), Hải Nguyệt (Hai Nguyet), Trăng nơi đáy giếng (The Moon At The Bottom Of The Well), Em là bà nội của anh (Sweet 20s), and Tháng năm rực rỡ (Go Go Girls). Won multiple national and international prizes at the Golden Kite Awards and the Golden Lotus Awards, won Best Actress for her performance in “Trang Noi Day Gieng” (The Moon At The Bottom Of The Well) at the Dubai International Film Festival.
Worked on the production of the movie “Đường đua” (The Race) and the documentary film “Chuyến đi cuối cùng của chị Phụng” (Madam Phung’s Last Journey).
Her film directorial debut “Đảo của dân ngụ cư” (The Way Station) (2017) received multiple nominations and awards at prestigious regional and international film festivals.
Listed in Forbes Vietnam’s list of the 50 most influential women in 2019.

Thank you for sharing your insightful thoughts with us, and we wish you success with all your upcoming film projects!

Wanderlust Tips

Hôtel Des Arts Sai Gon: Queen of lifestyle hotels in Vietnam

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] The doors to Hôtel Des Arts Saigon open as if by magic, drawing you through the light airy entrance to the lobby. Venturing further into the hotel, it’s as if you are travelling through time onto the set of a 1930s romantic movie, each step taking you ever deeper into an enchanted bygone world.

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LEAVE REALITY BEHIND AND STEP INTO SAIGON LUXURY

The harsh realities of the present moment fade out almost without you noticing, as a kinder, softer world gradually comes into focus. A world of quiet elegance, exquisite but refined taste and graceful living. Like the delicious smell of freshly brewed coffee that permeates the vibrant café scene of Saigon’s streets, a serene atmosphere fills the opulent spaces and secluded corners of the hotel. Spaces which you notice are adorned with carefully selected unique decorative pieces. Your soul is soothed as you relish each beautiful work of art, the gorgeous fabrics, flowing silks and low warm lighting. The staff approach offering to attend to your needs with the grace and poise of a ballerina. Nothing jars, everything flows.

The vibe is tres chic. It’s Paris, darling. The pace gentle, the décor Indochine. The sense of hospitality is classy, classic French style. Glamour is everywhere and it rocks. Be ready to freely cast aside your protective exterior and indulge your sensual side – that part of you that adores fine wines, gourmet food, the beauty of exclusive designer clothes and jewelry, and luxurious pampering. Slip unashamedly into a tender mood perfect for enjoying the rituals of an afternoon tea reminiscent of colonial days, the leisurely smoking of a Cuban cigar in a gentleman’s boudoir or the sipping of a champagne cocktail from an elegant bar stool. You will be in good company.

HÔTEL DES ARTS SAIGON DELIVERS DAZZLE AND DREAMS

In this opulent setting, the air is electric with the possibility of romance. As guests pass through communal areas, the sense that wonderful things are about to happen is palpable. Intimate spaces throughout this establishment provide a perfect venue for those wishing to relax in an exclusive, discrete setting. You cannot help but wonder who is sequestered in the quiet corner booth as you get a waft of fragrance or catch a glimpse of sartorial elegance.

The twinkling lights of Saigon reflect the dazzling guests of the Social Club Rooftop Bar as day turns into night. An upbeat atmosphere builds as conversations spark over a wide selection of sundowners, signature cocktails and delicious drinks. A gentle breeze passing through the warm night air caresses shoulders and frees spirits. The crowd is eager to enjoy the night to the full and a sense of excitement ripples through them. The glow of the pool radiates a dreamy light which is mirrored on their faces. Music carefully chosen by a top class DJ reaches your ears and lifts you up.

EXQUISITE LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCES AT HÔTEL DES ARTS SAIGON

Hôtel des Arts Saigon draws a discerning clientele who aspire to enjoy the best that life has to offer. They know what their life values and they appreciate the beauty in everything. And here at the hotel we aim to offer them memorable sensory experience to savour.

Those in the know will find out about fashion shows, art exhibitions, exclusive culinary events and more. Some examples of past events include trunk shows and fashion events with luxury brands, meals with Michelin-starred chefs and an exclusive wine dinner with Baron Philippe de Rothschild, who is known worldwide for his ownership of Château Mouton-Rothschild. At this event, guests had the once in a lifetime experience of tasting some of the most prestigious Grand Cru wines and millésime champagnes in the world. For example, each year Château Mouton-Rothschild selects a painting from a famous artist to create a unique label for their bottles of outstanding Mouton Grand Cru wine. Hôtel des Arts Saigon aligns with other high luxury brands as well that show class and a taste for the fine arts at every turn.

In addition, a key element for lovers and arts and culture is that Hotel des Arts Saigon, MGallery is just minutes away from some of the most iconic French architectural beauties in Vietnam such as the Central Post Office, Saigon’s NotreDame Cathedral and the sculptural beauty of the Saigon Opera House.

The Hôtel des Arts Saigon blurs the boundaries between a hotel that is simply a luxurious escape and one that creates an unforgettable lifestyle experience for its guests. Regardless of whether you are passionate about wine and fine dining, luxury brands, world-class DJs or lush relaxation, you will find something to spark your soul at this life-affirming destination for Saigon visitors and locals alike.

Wanderlust Tips

Looking for romance in New York

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] New York through my eyes, is a sparkling city of finance, chaos, and so many legendary romantic American love stories.

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JFK airport is big, but not so different from other major international airports like in Melbourne, Auckland, Taipei or Tokyo. Everyone is fatigued from long-haul flights and the stress of border control sorting everyone and everything into a ridiculous order. It is midnight during New York’s winter, and there had been a snowstorm not long ago here, only just over a week, I guess. However, it does not have the feel of the biting cold of a freezing night in Melbourne, and it is quite warm actually. After a long while, I finally drag my suitcases out of the airport while trying to push a reluctant smile onto my face for all the heavily armed officers wandering around. I call a cab, yes, a yellow cab – the icon of New York City to take me to my hostel in Brooklyn, which is not too far from here.

The back seats are separated from the driver’s seat by a glass wall, this is a new experience for me as I have never seen that anywhere else, and of course, at the end of the trip, I have to use whatever is left of my brain cells after the flight to figure out how much to tip my driver. Tipping is absolutely American as there is nowhere else that tips are a way of life like here. It is starting to rain.

Differences aside, I am in New York – the sparkling city of finance, chaos, and so many legendary romantic American love stories.

It is past midnight, but the hostel’s reception is still open. I’m taken to the room I’m sharing with four people, the other three are sleeping already, leaving one bed empty next to the bathroom wall. I try my best to open my suitcase, take out my pyjamas without making too much noise, and after a quick hot shower, I am in bed, ready for a good night’s sleep in New York. 1:19 am. It is raining hard.

I wake up early even though I got to bed so late. The rain has not stopped yet and has even gotten heavier since last night. Outside the window, I see red-brick walls and uneven rooftops in the rain. This has an unfamiliar feel. To me, a winter’s morning rain is a combination of green bushes against a grey sky outside of my little room in Point England, south-east of Auckland Central in New Zealand, or a window looking out at an old wooden fence covered with bright pink camellia flowers in Carnegie, south of Melbourne, Australia. However, this cold reminds me of those winters, all that is missing is coffee and some jazz.

Brooklyn is notoriously known as an “unsafe” borough due to its large population of struggling immigrants, a poorer area especially when compared to the riches of Manhattan just across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. However, I prefer Brooklyn over Manhattan, as in a way Manhattan is too shiny, too industrial for me, packed with its straight and crowded streets, mixed together with old and historic buildings, where people are rushing to catch their trains at one of its dirty and cramped stations. Manhattan lacks the artistic feeling of the supposed dream city of so many. Brooklyn, on the other hand, reminds me of Melbourne, the most livable city in the world as voted for many years. The streets of Brooklyn are smaller, quieter, especially in the winter’s rain, making you, or at least me, feel its calm, chilled vibe which I value far more than the noisy stations underneath Manhattan. I remember Carrie Bradshaw, the main character in the popular series Sex and the City once told her Russian artist boyfriend in shyness and embarrassment after the man read her a poem, “I write a column based on the assumption that romance is either dead or just phoney”. Romance, it is what New York is lacking: a French kiss on Fifth Avenue, perhaps.

The following night, at 3am, it starts to snow. In the morning, I hop off at Pennsylvania station, Midtown Manhattan and am stunned by the scene that is in front of my eyes on the corners of West 33rd Street with 7th and 8th avenues. It is beautiful, like in a movie, but which one? Ah yes, “Enchanted” it is. When Giselle rises from a manhole in Manhattan after being pushed through from a fairytale land. Despite being at night in the movie, I believe that she would have felt the same as me: stunned by the beauty of Manhattan in the snow.

Snowflakes are falling softly and silently on the city of New York, covering all the roofs, the old gargoyles, and the green tarnished bridges between the city’s mighty towers. Everybody is hurriedly moving to their places of work or simply running away from the harsh coldness of this moment. I have been living in cold climates for years; however, snow is still new and exciting for me. My experience with snow is brief and limited to the few days that I spent in Kyoto and at Mount Fuji some years ago, though the beauty of it still amazes me in many ways. When it’s snowing, it gets warmer, similar to Melbourne’s winter rain – when the water stops pouring down, the true coldness will come, as the humidity starts spreading and clinging to your hair, your clothes, your socks, like an old ghost who never leaves.

I stop at an American-style coffee house rated 5 stars by hundreds of people on the internet after passing by numerous coffee and bagel carts on street corners. After all, I am still a boy from down under, breakfast to me is a muffin and a flat white. The café is packed with people. I sit down and order pancakes with bacon and sausages. The hotcakes come out gigantic in size, nearly filling the whole plate while the crispy bacon rashes and sausages are sizzling hot with their dripping fat fusing itself with the melting butter chunks on top of the pancakes. In cafes in Australia and New Zealand, you pay for each cup ordered and their coffee is Italian espresso, which is different from the machine drip Americano here. When you order a coffee, you can drink as much as you want by just asking the waiter or waitress to top up your cup. Just don’t forget the tip!

I am sitting, looking at my warm coffee and pancakes, thinking about all those breakfasts the ladies from Sex and the City shared together over the six seasons of the series. In a café in Manhattan, over breakfast coffee, the four women talk to each other about sex, their romantic relationships, and all the troubles of living in the crazy city known as New York. They cry when Miranda announces that she proposed to her longtime boyfriend, Steve. They (except Charlotte) mock Carrie for her “cheesy” romantic relationship with the Russian artist, as according to Miranda and even Carrie herself, romance in New York is when a man offers you a seat on the subway. Is romance officially dead in New York City?

I walk along the 7th avenue towards Central Park. On my right-hand side, there is the Empire State Building, its tower iconic of New York City in many ways, especially after it appeared on screen with King Kong grabbing the top of it with one hand while holding Ann Darrow (played by Fay Wray) in the other in the 1930s.

The snowing is starting to stop. Times Square appears in front of me, big and sparkling with a million electric lightboards. Now I know why many people want to come here seeking romance as it is the perfect combination of American financial power and American romance as captured by Alfred Eisenstaedt in his picture of the moment when World War II ended on 14th August 1945: the spontaneous kiss between a sailor and a nurse. The famous and iconic scene, as I remember, is also the beginning of the movie “Letters to Juliet” by Gary Winick as Sophie is making phone calls to find witnesses of the kiss. Perhaps, romance just transforms itself into something different for the here and now, without jazz or piano, but with pop songs by Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus?

On my last day in New York, before boarding my flight to the city by the bay on the West Coast where Tony Bennett’s song has been sung since the 60s, “My love waits there in San Francisco above the blue and windy sea”, I decide to visit New York City’s emblematic bridge, as symbolic as the Golden Gate is to San Francisco: the Brooklyn bridge. It is a sunny and windy winter’s day, on the top level of the bridge, people are crossing the river on foot, while on the bottom level, cars and trucks are doing the same. The beautiful view of the bay seems to be taken for granted by both the locals and tourist on this day. A movie scene emerges from my memory of the movie version of Sex and the City. It is when Miranda and Steve both agree with the marriage counsellor that if at a specific date and time, on the Brooklyn Bridge, they decide to come to see each other, all of their problematic past will fade away. Then on a beautiful autumn’s day, on this bridge, they run, hug each other, and kiss.

The sun is setting, and the freezing wind from the bay is howling. The Weather app on my phone says that it is -4oC while I am standing on the Brooklyn side of the bridge, looking across at Manhattan with a chocolate ice-cream in my hand. The temperature is dropping fast, just like the darkness descending on this winter’s night. Romance in New York City might not be far away. It might be just like this: a long walk over the bridge, a chocolate ice-cream on this freezing night, a photo of love to remember – like in a song by Irving Berlin: “What’ll I do with just a photograph to tell my troubles to?

W.TIPS

WEATHER

NYC has four distinct seasons. You should check weather information carefully before your trip to pack the right clothes for the right season. Snowstorms are common in NYC and Northern America during winter, which can interrupt transportation services, including flights.

TRANSPORTATION

>> Subway: NYC has a complicated subway system. It’s a good idea to learn how to read the subway map, signs, and indicators to avoid getting lost. Google Maps is one of the best apps to use to navigate through the maze of tracks beneath Manhattan. If frequently travelling by train, it is recommended that you buy a weekly ticket, even if you are staying for a shorter period of time.

>> Ferry: From the South Ferry Terminal of Manhattan, you will find a free ferry to Staten Island. This ferry goes past the Statue of Liberty (ferries to the statue are tourists ones and cost money). A one-way trip should take about 25 minutes.

>> Cab: NYC is famous for its iconic yellow cabs. Tipping is also required when taking cabs.

ATTRACTIONS

There are millions of things to see in New York City, including a number of museums and galleries. One of the most popular ones is the American Museum of Natural History where the movie “Night at the Museum” starring Ben Stiller was filmed.

FOOD

NYC is a melting pot of cuisines. One way to explore them is by looking up Google Maps for recommendations.

TIPS

Tipping is required across the US for all services, including taxis, dining, and room service. The amount of money to tip is about 15% of the bill or a few dollars for room service (placed on the table with a note with “tip” written on it).

Alex Tran | Wanderlust Tips

The most prestigious film festivals of the world

[Wanderlust Tips April 2019] Annually, film festivals around the world are held to honour remarkable films that are not only visually appealing to audiences but also bringing powerfully evocative messages.

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TRIBECA

The Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro and Craig Hatkoff as a response to the tragic events of September 11th which happened in the Tribeca neighbourhood of Manhattan. Through this, the international film community and people in general can have an opportunity to experience the power of cinema through a reaffirming experience at the festival.

The Tribeca Film Festival welcomes independent films including documentaries, feature films, short films and family films. The festival’s awards include Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Documentary and Best Short Film.

Location: New York, United States.

Time: 24th April – 5th May 2019.

CANNES

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, attracting a huge amount of media attention and witnessing the presence of many of the biggest movie stars and also being a platform for producers to premiere their latest movies. The first Cannes Film Festival was held from 20th September to 5th October 1946, in Cannes, after which it was held in May every year.

The Cannes Film Festival’s most prestigious award is the Golden Palm (Palme d’Or) for Best Picture and Grand Prix voted for by the jury of the festival.

Location: Cannes, France.

Time: 14th – 25th May 2019.

ANNECY – INTERNATIONAL ANIMATED

The Annecy International Animated Film Festival was founded in 1960 and is one of the biggest film festivals focusing on animation. Initially, the festival was held every two years, but since 1998 it has become an annual event, capturing the attention of animators from all over the world. The festival distinctively introduces different animation techniques such as clay modelling, paper cut-outs and moving drawings.

Currently, the festival has 5 awards: long films, short films, films produced for TV stations or commercials, school and student graduation thesis films, along with movies made for the Internet.

Location: Annecy, France.

Time: 10th – 15th June 2019.

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL – MIFF

MIFF is the biggest film festival in Australia, as well as the Southern Hemisphere. Founded in 1952, it is also one of the oldest film festivals on the planet and promotes interaction among film lovers.

The festival currently has four major awards: the City of Melbourne Grand Prix for Best Short Film, the BBC Knowledge Award for Best Documentary Short Film, People’s Choice Award for Best Feature and the Holmesglen Award for Best Animation Short Film.

Location: Melbourne, Australia.

Time: 1st-18th August 2019.

VENICE INTERNATIONAL

Founded in 1932, the Venice International Film Festival is the world’s oldest film festival and one of the so-called “Big Three” film festivals in the world, along with the Berlin International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival.

The festival currently has three major awards, the Golden Lion Award (Leone d’Oro) for Best Picture, the Volpi Cup (Coppa Volpi) for the Best Actor/ Actress and the Saint Marco Award (San Marco Award) for Best Controcorrente Film (non-mainstream, original film).

Location: Venice, Italy.

Time: 28th August – 7th September 2019.

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL – TIFF

TIFF was first held in 1976 and is one of the best publicly attended film events in the world. Originally, it was called The Festival of Festivals.. TIFF was once held in Yorkville, but it wasn’t until it took place in Toronto that it made a big buzz. The festival concentrates primarily on independent cinema, representative films of national cinema and individual directors.

The major prizes are the People’s Choice Award and Best Canadian Film.

Location: Toronto, Canada.

Time: 5th – 15th September 2019.

Lan Anh | Wanderlust Tips