Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 120 of 195

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Justin Wermers appointed as new area director of food & beverage at Banyan Tree & Angsana Lăng Cô

Justin Wermers was appointed as new area director of food & beverage at Banyan Tree & Angsana Lăng Cô

Justin Wermers has been appointed as new Area Director of Food & Beverage at Banyan Tree & Angsana Lăng Cô. In his position, Justin is responsible for the direction, planning and development of food and beverage operations at the 8 dining and lounge outlets at Banyan Tree & Angsana Lăng Cô.

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With over 12 years of industry experience under his belt, Justin will bring invaluable expertise to Banyan Tree & Angsana Lăng Cô’s culinary offerings, with a focus on elevating the dining experience and overall guest satisfaction.

“Justin’s passion for quality and leadership is evident and widely recognized through his many contributions,” said Brett Burton, Area General Manager at Banyan Tree & Angsana Lăng Cô. “With his experience, vision and the support of our Executive Chef Neeraj Parmar, we are excited about the culinary innovations and unique dining experiences that await our guests.”

Prior to this appointment, Justin spent 2 years as Director of Food and Beverage at New World Saigon Hotel – first and largest 5-star in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Justin began his career as an Assistant of Director of Operation – traineeship in Netherlands before moving on to InterContinental Group in USA, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain as Director of Food & Beverage.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

10 reasons why travel girls are extremely attractive

A girl who travels around the world and has great knowledge, loads of life experiences, and an open-minded spirit will be a really attractive person towards to everyone.

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1. “Boring” and “monotonous” are two words that will never appear in the life of a girl who has a passion for travel. She is always inspired with new ideas and plans to set foot in new lands and explore countless interesting aspects of life.

2. A girl who regularly travels must be a smart person because she cannot travel by herself without specific knowledge. Moreover, after each trip, she will learn useful experiences for life and become flexible to tackle any unexpected circumstance.

3. Travelling will make her grow up, understand herself better, and discover her strengths to exploit in life.

4. Travelling trains her ability to make friends with anyone, anywhere, and under any situation.

5. She will be an ideal close friend because she will make a positive impact on her friends’ lives. She comes into and brings along happiness and laughter to make others’ lives become more refreshing and enjoyable.

6. She knows how to enjoy the joys of life during her journeys and how to turn them into motivation to face and overcome the challenges of life.

7. She knows not only the way to make enough money to satisfy her passion for travel but also how to budget her money sensibly.

8. Witnessing many unfortunate lives while travelling, she will learn to appreciate the values of life in every moment of life.

9. A travel girl will be a wonderful lover and wife for a man, because she will not take control of your personal life, always stay by your side, and share with you the happy and memorable moments during her trips.

10. And, a girl who loves traveling will know to love and protect herself. Therefore, she always lives independently and fulfills her own life anywhere she goes and stays.

Wanderlust Tips

Travel Fashion collection: October charming girls at Four Points by Sheraton Danang

[Wanderlust Tips October 2018] On set at Four Points by Sheraton Danang, Chau Bui ascends her beauty in diverse outfits and many shades of emotions, taking us on a journey of fashion.

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Four Points by Sheraton Danang is located at the city centre by the poetic Danang beach. Its luxury 390 guest rooms and suites offer a broad view of the vast turquoise East Sea.

Four Points by Sheraton Danang promises to bring every visitor the most enjoyable getaway, featuring modern facilities and restaurants that serve diverse cuisine, a high-end fitness center and spa, a magnificent top-floor swimming pool, and 730 square metres of meeting and event space.

Luxurious lifestyle and the charming sense of fashion is the delicate combination which promises to create unforgettable, beautiful emotions.

Excutive producer: Crystal Huyen Trang
Model: Chau Bui
Photographer: Hoang Dang
Photographer assistant: Tho Nguyen
Make up: Lan Anh Le
Stylist: Mai Dieu Vi
Outfits: Hoang Minh Ha, Ly Giam Tien, Coast London, Tran Nhat Anh
Location: Four Points by Sheraton Grand Danang Resort (Viet Nam)

Wanderlust Tips

The art of Dim Sum

Chinese cooking is one of the oldest and most diverse in the world, each of the 23 provinces within china has its own cooking style. Of all the Chinese regions, the cuisine in Guangdong province is believed to be the most varied, they’re usually referring to the cantonese cuisine;and it may be indeed true to say that the cuisine cannot be completed without dim sum mania.

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HISTORY-TREASURE DIM SUM

Dim sum means ‘touch of heart’ in Chinese. The small portions were designed to merely touch the heart not sate the appetite, and as such were first enjoyed as snacks. It is inextricably linked with yum cha, or the act of drinking tea – so much so that even now the two phrases are used interchangeably.

There are many myths surrounding the origins of dim sum. The most popular story is that it was created by chefs of the Royal Court many centuries ago, in order to ‘touch the heart’ of Chinese emperors. As the tradition began to spread, those who travelled along the ancient Silk Road through China would often need a place to rest before continuing on their journey. In response to the increasing amount of people passing through, teahouses opened up along the roadside of southern China. It was later discovered that tea aids digestion, so teahouse owners began offering bite-sized snacks as an accompaniment, and thus yum cha was born.

THE CUISINE OF DIM SUM

Nowadays Dim Sum is an integral part of Chinese culture, and is widely appreciated in many other Asian countries. The filling, pastry and shape depend on the region and climate from which it originates. The tastiest is said to come from Southern China such as Guang Dong and Hong Kong. In most cities and towns in Guangdong province, many restaurants start serving Dim Sum as early as five in the morning. It is a tradition for the elderly to gather to eat Dim Sum after morning exercises. For many Southern people, Yum Cha is also treated as a weekend family meal. More traditional dim sum restaurants typically serve dim sum until mid-afternoon. However, in modern society, it has become commonplace for restaurants to serve Dim Sum at dinner time; various dim sum items are even sold as take-out for students and office workers on the go.

Each Dim Sum dishes consists of three to four pieces, which arrives in piping hot bamboo steamer baskets or on small plates. Often, in restaurants, the morsels are served from carts that move around from table to table, which means they’re great for sharing, and provide the perfect excuse to try as many items as possible. Nowadays, many restaurants serve Dim Sum in A la carte menu and it is ideal for customary order to family style, sharing dishes among all members of dining party. Visiting any dim sum restaurant and you will always be served a big pot of tea as you sit down, black, green or herbal tea are best friends of every dim Sum dishes.

HERE ARE TOP 5 DIM SUM DISHES THAT CANNOT BE MISSED

1. HAR GOW

Known as the king of classic Dim Sum, this is a Chinese dumpling wrapped with shrimp inside. There are so many qualities that define this small dish and the skills of a dim sum chef can be determined by how well this dish is prepared. The translucent skin of the Har Gow must be thin and clear enough where you can see the succulent pink shrimp inside but not too thin where it breaks when picked up by chopsticks. If it is too wet, it’ll most likely be too sticky and weak where it’ll break, too dry and it’ll not look or taste too appealing. With so much to talk about with just the wrapping, it’s easy to see why there is so much emphasis on this dish in the world of dim sum.

2. SIU MAI

If Har Gow is the king of dim sum, the queen is Siu Mai. These two dishes are pretty much default orders when having Dim Sum. Wrapped in a thin yellow coat, dim sum Siu Mai is usually made with pork, sometimes shrimp is added to the mix. To garnish, many restaurants decide to use roe to add a little orange pizzazz. This dim sum dish is so popular that it has made a leap to street food as well.

3. STEAMED CHICKEN CLAWS

With a fierce name like “Phoenix Claws,” you know that this dish is not for the faint of heart. While many people will not try chicken feet, this dish is usually heavily spiced with black pepper and is colored red – kind of like a phoenix. Don’t knock it until you try it though!

4. BARBECUED PORD BUNS

One of the most well-known bun dishes to eat while having Dim Sum is Barbequed Pork Buns. This dish is made with Chinese barbecued pork (char siu) and has a sweet-savory flavor to it. Traditionally, this is a steamed bun characterized by its fluffy white appearance, but recently the baked version has come up to be on par with the classic. New twists on this dish include putting a pastry top on the bun, creating a flakey texture to complement the soft bun.

5. SALTED EGG YOLK BUNS

The lightly crisp exterior encases a center that bursts with a fine medley of salted egg and sweet custard. The luscious lava tastes heavenly and clearly surpasses others with it delicate balance of texture and tang.

Renowned as one of the best Dim Sum restaurant and Chinese cuisine in Hanoi, May Man Restaurant which is located on 2nd floor of Fortuna Hanoi is an ideal destination for “Yum Cha” fans. Diner can enjoy All You Can Eat Dim Sum made to order from Monday to Saturday, indulge in the Sunday Brunch or enjoy Dinner A la carte menu, with many varieties of dim sum including steamed, panfried, noodle dishes, snacks and desserts.

All You Can Eat Dim Sum: Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Dim Sum Brunch: Sunday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

For more enquiries and reservation, kindly contact F&B Dept at:

Phone: (04) 3831 3333, ext.6461
Website: fb@fortuna.vn

Wanderlust Tips

Explore street food from Northern to Southern VietNam

In all corners and streets in VietNam, from the early morning to sunset, we can hear the jingling sound of chopsticks, bowls, spoons, and ladles echoing from street vendors. People have preserved a culture of street food for hundreds of years. And whether in northern, southern, central VietNam or coastal regions, dishes served with a broth always play an important role in such an attractive culinary culture.

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THE THOUSAND-YEAR TREASURE

In the book “Hanoi and 36 Old Streets” written by Thach Lam, there is a dish honored as a treasure of the ancient capital. It relates to a story of a Confucian scholar; in his journey to visit Hanoi, when smelling the meat grilled on the hot charcoal, he immediately composed two lines of a poem:

“Thang Long’s thousand-year treasure

Could it be the sweet-smell of Bun cha?”

Born and raised in Hanoi, I have developed a strong bond with the local cuisine, and it has become an indispensable
part of my life. The flavour of a bowl of hot Pho enjoyed in the early morning, aromatic and crispy freshly baked bread, sticky rice with roasted peanut and mung bean is always there in my mind. And I love the douhua covered with sugar water filled with the fragrance of Sambac jasmine. But among the countless dishes of this historical Ncapital, bun cha (Vietnamese Kebab rice noodles) has always been the food I love the most.

Bun cha is cooked by combining many culinary arts of the Vietnamese. All featured ingredients of Vietnamese cuisine appear in this dish including pork, rice, vegetables, and fish sauce. The tangled vermicelli used in this dish is made from rice. The meat is deeply marinated and grilled on charcoal. The special hot fish sauce mixed with grilled meat is different from the ordinary pure fish sauce or plain broth. It is a perfect combination of many flavours including the saltiness of fishsauce, the sweetness of sugar, and the fieriness of chili. You do not need to visit an expensive restaurant to find an authentic flavour of Hanoi’s bun cha. Wandering around the street or going deeper into small alleys, to find street vendors of local people is what you need to do.

Bun cha in Hanoi is a great harmony of all tastes: the aroma of skillfully marinated grilled pork, the freshness of cilantro, the slightly sour flavour of vermicelli, the fiery, sour, saltiness, and sweetness of the fish sauce. If the dish lacks any flavours, it cannot be considered an authentic bun cha of Hanoi.

Hanoi, in my memory, is the sunny midday when the sunlight shines through the green leaves and falls on the plastic chairs and tables in a small corner of the street. It is where a young man properly dressed in the white shirt sits with his colleagues to enjoy his lunch. It is where a working woman takes off her palm-leaf conical hat while ordering a bowl of bun cha. It is also the place where an elderly sits alone and comfortably enjoys her portion. And I am one of them, sitting there, enjoying “the treasure of Thang Long” while watching the bustling street on an emotional midday.

Address: Famous bun cha restaurants in Hanoi: Bun cha Dac Kim (1 Manh street), bun cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu), Bun cha Cua Dong (41 Cuu Dong), Bun cha Tuyet 34 (34 Hang Than), Bun cha nem cua be (23 Bat Su), to name a few.

CAKE SOUP FROM THE POOR COUNTRYSIDE

Leaving Hanoi, I decided to travel to Central Vietnam. I went to small street vendors, enjoyed the local cuisine, and fell in love with the cake soup.

Central Vietnam is home to many kinds of cake soups. In Hue, you can try the fish cake soup, while Binh Dinh is famous for grilled fish cake soup, and Phu Yen is known for the garlic chives cake soup. During a trip to Phu Yen, most visitors give great compliments of this dish, especially when enjoying it in restaurants on Tuy Hoa street.

Unlike other specialties of Binh Dinh, garlic chives cake soup used to be a simple favourite morning dish of poor families. Then many families moved to the big city and earned a living by using the traditional cooking method of garlic chivescake soup. Since then, this dish has become a daily morning specialty of Tuy Hoa people.

The garlic chives cake soup of Binh Dinh is cooked in a different method. Instead of stewing tibia and fibula of the pork for the broth like in other provinces, they use small fresh fish, so the broth is slightly sweet, fresh, and not greasy. When enjoying this dish, you will feel like you are admiring a beautiful food painting covered with the green of garlic chives, the yellow of grilled fish, the white of cake and boiled quail eggs; while its flavour is also very attractive, it promises to awake all the senses of diners.

The rich salty aroma harmonizes with the delicious fieriness of black pepper and fried onion. Tasting the hot chewy noodles, enjoying the soup, then biting a piece of grilled fish, you will realize how delicious and exotic this food is.

Address: It is recommended to enjoy garlic chives cake soup at small food stalls or street vendors such as bánh canh Buu Dien (cake soup Buu Dien) (at the crossroad of Ngo Quyen – Tran Hung Dao street), Banh canh he Hang No (garlic chives cake soup Hang No) (Dien Bien Phu), and Banh canh he (garlic chives cake soup) at 89 Nguyen Hue.

THE APPETITE OF THE GAIGONESE FOR PHÁ LẤU

Saigon is always bustling and prosperous; restaurants and street vendors are often crowded and full of laughs and slurps. The first time I visited Saigon as a student, I went to explore the food and was deeply impressed by the Vietnamese stew with organ meat.

There are many street vendors who sell this dish in front of many schools in Sai Gon. The hot pots of soup filled with the sweet flavor of five-spice powder and coconut milk have become so familiar to people here and always remind them of a traditional specialty from ancient times. Any student living in Sai Gon knows about Vietnamese stew with organ meat.

This dish originated from China when Chinese people immigrated to Vietnam. They brought along this dish and made them a popular and favourite specialty in many regions (especially in Southern Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh city). The word “lấu” in Chinese means “marinade”, including spicy spices to reduce the fishy smell of “phá”.

Phá lấu is made from pork meat and offal, so it is very nutritious. However, it is only considered healthy when safe and clean standards are guaranteed and a moderate amount of meat is used, as animal offal contains fat content and high cholesterol. It is fortunate that today people have a high awareness of food safety, and at the same time try different ways to cook this dish.

People who have never tried this dish may think it is similar to the mixed hotpot, but phá lấu features Chinese herb flavours or the appealing aroma of spicy five-spice powder Different kinds of meat in phá lấu, though, have their own tastes and textures, harmonizing perfectly with each other. While pig ear and stomach is crunchy, the organs are tender and greasy.

The youth in Saigon have different ways in which they enjoy this dish thanks to its variety and great flavour. They can eat the non-stewed version (grilled or boiled offal only) in the late afternoon or Vietnamese stew with organ meat with noodles or bread when they are hungry. Vietnamese stew with organ meat and noodles or bread is one of the must-try dishes in Saigon.

You can eat phá lấu at any time of the day while chatting and enjoying drinks with your friends. When referring to Saigon street food, people always think of phá lấu.

Until now, whenever I have a chance to return to Saigon, I often spend time visiting my favourite street vendor in a small lane. Enjoying the hot Vietnamese stew with organ meat while listening to the pleasant noise of chatting, a joyfulness rises in my mind as I am immersed in the familiar atmosphere of Saigon.

Address: Recommended phá lấu restaurants and food stalls in Saigon: pha lau thuong (Lau at 1A Suong Nguyet Anh), pha lau chien (Thao Restaurant at 243 Ton Dan Lane), pha lau mi (Mr. Ba at 22 Duong Dinh Nghe), Banh my pha lau (Tam Ky Restaurant at 823 Nguyen Trai); pha lau nuong (Chieu commune), pha lau xao me (Dien Lien restaurant at 102 Phan Van Tri).

Wanderlust Tips

What is awaiting you in Aix-en-provence?

Though provence is famous for abundance of beautiful fields of purple Lavender, coming here you will be amazed by its other stunning aspects. Nestled at the foot of montagne sainte-victoire, aix-en-provence, a Yormer capital of provence is a fabulous city-commune in northern France. Legend has it that it was where the ghost of the kings and Artists shone on the water surface. Spending days walking on the Streets, listening to the whisper of the fountains, or immersing in the Sweet sunlight, my life suddenly became so poetic.

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In its golden time during the Middle Ages, Aix en-provence (or simply Aix) was an independent kingdom ruled by René of Anjou. While Provence was a castle located on jagged rock mountains, Aix was compared to a queen or a rich patrician, and was also considered a powerful city of traders and dancers. Luxury castles, elegant fountains, and closed squares all feature the affluence, power, and the soul of the city. And we need to have a sincere heart to tell the story of Aix.

GREAT WORKS OF ART

People call Aix by different names, but one of its well-known names is villed’eau, the city of water, as there is an abundance of fountains in this city. The number of fountains in Aix may be more than you can imagine. You will have to spend many days in order to explore all the fountains here.

Only in Cour Mirabeau, there are already 4 fountains, and the most famous one is La Fontaine de la Rotonde. Situated at the centre of Général de Gaulle square at one end of the Cours Mirabeau,the majestic Rotonde was designed by Théophile de Tournadre and built in 1860. It is 32 metres wideand 12 metres high. It is surrounded by bronze sculptures of twelve lions, sirens, swans, an dangels on the backs of dolphins. At the top of the fountain, there are sculptures of female figures presenting Justice (towards the Cours Mirabeau), Agriculture (towards Marseille), and Fine Arts(towards Avignon). Therefore, people here call it“les trois Grâces” (Grâce in France means kindness, favour, esteem). At the centre of the square, it appears so beautiful, deserving the attention and admiration of all visitors who walk by. Citizens here are also very proud of the artwork representing the wealth of both material and spiritual means of their homeland.

During the days in Aix, I wandered on typical small streets of Provence that led to incredibly beautiful attractions. Aix has many historical relics such as Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Archevêché de Paris, Pavillon Vendôme which exhibits modern an contemporary arts, Musée Granet that features more than 12,000 works of art, in which there are 10 paintings of Paul Cézanne. And it’s important not to forget to mention Paul Cézanne, he is the one who breathed life into the scenic paintings of Pays d’Aix, now they are displayed at museums around the world. You can visit his house which has fully been restored; it is where hecreated great works of art in his life.

I took a rest at a small square where a fountain was singing and the cool breeze was blowing, soothing my soul and mind which were burned by the heat of the summer during the journey of discovering the city. This was a truly refreshing noon to me.

AWAKING ALL OF THE SENSES

Aix is like a stream, it never sleeps. I was very interested in the nightlife because the atmosphere in all the small squares were very thrilling. You and your friends can gather at bars in Place des Cardeurs or Rue Espariat to enjoy some cups of wines; there are many friendly visitors who come here. You can also choose to enjoy a couple’s
dinner at the romantic La Chimère restaurant or go on a journey to explore different aspects of Aix when the sun goes down. When the night comes, fountains full of water on every street of Aix bring a sense of pleasantness and refreshes the atmosphere.

Cours Mirabeau is an avenue located at the centre of the city, connecting the Quartier Mazarin, which extends to the south, and the Ville comtale, the old town which lies to the north. There are many big stores and lovely cafés alongside the street, which reminded me of The Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris. By the order of the Cardinal Michele Mazzarino, Cours Mirabeau was built in the 17th century while the city was being expanded. Mazzarino hoped the capitalists and nobles would build elegant buildings representing their affluence and success. If you are a devotee of history, architecture, and arts, it is a must-see place in Aix. Today, Cours Mirabeau is one of the most crowded streets of Aix, attracting visitors by its lines of giant trees, exclusive high buildings, and stunning fountains.

When the night comes, Cours Mirabeau fully lit up by the lights of cafés and cluster of stalls in the night market that sells local products along the road. The night market is a cultural feature of the city and opens in the summer, an ideal time for visitors to wander around the city and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere in the evening. You can find a lot of specialties of Provence such as dried lavender and its products like dried flower bags, lavender essential oil, aromatic soap, honey; calisson made in the traditional method. You can also find the herb of Provence, which is the ingredient of many famous French dishes and is considered the cuisine feature of this region. Crafts and jewels can also be found in Provence. Walking along the street, I was amazed by the sparkling lights and bustling noises, enjoyed the calisson, and immersed in the fragrance of lavender while reaching to touch cool water in the fountain. It was a memorable night in Aix where all my senses seemed to be awakened.

THE CHARM OF LOCAL CUISINE

The cuisine is an indispensable part of the journey to explore the local culture. Food culture was formed and influenced by the historic and geographical conditions of a region. Aix in particular and Provence, in general, has a diverse climate and landscape The coast here is bordered by bays and creeks with nearly 1,000 fishing boats going in and out daily. It is also the place that produces a great amount of salt for the country. Its great fruitful plains create very favorable conditions to develop agriculture like growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, grains, oilseeds, and nuts. The mountain ranges offer extremely diverse fauna and flora in this region. In addition, Provence cuisine is influenced by Mediterranean Sea cuisine, especially Italian. Tomatoes and eggplants brought here after the Exploration of North America have changed the eating style of many citizens of Provence.

The long-standing history, ideal geographical and climate conditions has led to the blend of different traditional cooking styles from many regions in Provence’s cuisine. However, the unique features which differentiate the Southern cuisine are garlic and olive oil, which appear in almost every dish of the locals. Not being complicatedly decorated, dishes here are just full of colors and cooked with a lot of ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, and fragrant herbs. Some specialties of this region include Bouillabaisse (seafood and fish soup), aioli (a Mediterranean sauce made of garlic and olive oil), pistou (a Provençal cold sauce made from cloves of garlic, fresh basil, and olive oil), and ratatouille (made of courgettes, eggplant, red pepper, and tomato sauce).

My most favorite meal was at a small local restaurant. The friendly waiter brought us two cups of Pastis (an anise-flavored spirit and apéritif from France) and tapenade (a dish consisting of puréed or finely-chopped olives, capers, and olive oil) served with bread; they are both specialties of this region. After my taste was stimulated, the dishes were brought to the table in succession and served in French style: entrée (appetizer), plat (main course), and dessert. I chose gazpacho (a cold soup made of cantaloupe and watermelon), this was a typical summer dish of south France. Then I chose veal fillet served with rice and mixed with mushrooms and black garlic cream, seared tuna served with taboulé and turmeric sauce. The meal ended with the sweet taste of chocolate cake. And it would have been a big mistake if we did not enjoy a cup of Côte de Provence while eating. Trying food cooked from local fresh ingredients in a harmonious atmosphere of Aix brought a deep impression of this city to me,and I fell deeper in love with the streets, hospitable people, and local cultural features.

W.TIPS

VISA. You can apply for a Schengen Visa to travel to countries in Europe bincluding France. Otherwise, you can also apply for a visa at the Embassy of France in Vietnam for around EUR50.

HOW TO TRAVEL TO AIX

From Paris, there are many ways to travel to Aix.

⇒If you have time and want to take a scenic route, you can go by car through the A7 and A6 motorways, which will take about 8 hours to drive and cost EUR70 to pass through the toll station.

⇒You can also easily find public transportation such as highspeed trains that will take only 3 hours. Buses are also available. You should choose iDTGV or OUIGO because the price is much cheaper than TGV. – Travelling by airplane will be very time-consuming with the flight process and the travel time between the city and the airport.

VEHICLES. There is no subway in Aix, but the bus network reaches all over city, and another option is to rent motorbikes or bicycles.

WEATHER. Provence has a Mediterranean climate which is hot and dry during summer time, while winter is not too cold. You can expect temperatures of 38°C when visiting Aix and this can be expected all year round.

Wanderlust Tips

Long Kan: The romantic man of the fashion voyage

The first program “A walk to the sky” of “fashion voyage”, which just took place in july at Sun World Bà Nà hills (Da Nang), still arouses a lot of emotions to its audience and the production team. This is a unique show in VietNam, which took place at an altitude of 1,414 metres on the golden bridge crossing the sky. Many beautiful models and powerful famous celebrities of VietNam attended this great event. And Wanderlust Tips had an interview with director Long Kan – the initiator and producer of this one-of-a-kind voyage.

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After such a dreamy first journey “A Walk To The Sky” of Fashion Voyage 2018, did you feel like coming back to the real world?

Long Kan: (Laugh) Only one week after the show could my mind leave the dreamy world. Everything was so fantastic and romantic like a dream, but sometimes it felt so chaotic and tense like I was in a nightmare. It can be said that the time spent on preparing for this first fashion voyage was when I felt the most inspiration for my future plans. Someone said that I was a bit crazy and unrealistic when carrying out this project, but I always maintain optimism and believe that our production team’s effort, dedication, and great passion will be rewarded.

Though many people considered it crazy, why did you still decide to carry out this big project?

Long Kan: When I told my close friends, supermodel Thanh Hang, Truc Diem, fashion director Ta Nguyen Phuc, designers Chung Thanh Phong and Le Thanh Hoa about my idea for this project, they supported me unconditionally as we all had a dream and desire to do something meaningful together. I have a great passion for fashion, and I am so lucky to be accompanied by a lot of partners and soulmates who share my dream of leaving our mark in this world. Whenever I felt stressful or struggled with my work and wanted to give up, I often thought about the expectations people had for me and the reasons why I wanted to carry out this project. Fashion Voyage is not just to explore and enjoy the world of fashion, but also to experience a journey of friendship and soulmates to reach a crazy dream together.

What inspired you to come up with the idea of Fashion Voyage, and what do you want to achieve through this program?

I love fashion and have undertaken quite a lot of fashion shows ordered by customers, but I always dream of organizing my own show in which my production team and I can cultivate our greatest creativity. After many occasions when I was in charge of overseas fashion shows, I realized that the appeal of a destination is not only for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture and history but also from the charm of fashion. It can be said that journeys around the world have inspired me to make a plan for Fashion Voyage.

Fashion Voyage carries my ambition of a voyage to bring designers and fashion brands to an ambiance that features the most majestic nature and exclusive architecture in Vietnam and around the world.

After Fashion Voyage, the Golden Bridge became a hot check-in attraction of millions of visitors in Vietnam and was featured in many famous international websites/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook like TIME, CNN, BBC, The Guardian, 9GAG, BuzzFeed.com, and Streetartglobe. Do you think this will put great pressure on the upcoming program and the plans of Fashion Voyage?

Long Kan: Vietnam has many magnificent tourist sites and unknown beautiful attractions to raise the curiosity and draw the attention of people who have a passion for fashion and travelling. In the near future, I will broaden the scale of the programs to the international market. Fashion Voyage will be held twice a year depending on the weather, geographical conditions, and expenditure. For a fashion show, trendy features and designers are the most important elements. I hope to harmonize different elements to promote Vietnamese fashion at international destinations and introduce Vietnam’s attractions to famous foreign designers who attend the show.

Besides your devotion to work, which passion helps you to relax, keep balance in life, and maintain your creativity?

I was born with a passion for work and I devoted most of my time for working. To keep balance in life, I usually combine working with other interests such as travelling. I travel to explore, admire and dream. After every fashion show, I spent a lot of time exploring new lands, it is more amazing than any dreams. I think travelling help me to broaden my horizon bring out of my safe zone to discover new and wonderful things. Moreover, it is the inspiration to create colourful and fashionable works of art.

Could you share with us your most memorable journeys?

Some places provoked a lot of emotions in me from the very first moment I arrived. I loved Santorini (Greece), there I found peace and an intense love for nature when walking on each step and wandering in every corner of the famous Oia village. The charm of Santorini lies within the philosophy of union of humanity and the true interaction of nature and humans. And I went back there twice to carry out some fashion photoshoots. Santorini has many majestic natural sceneries, which are so beautiful that anyone who has a passion for photography should not miss. Though featuring only two main colours white and blue, Santorini attracts a lot of visitors who flock to this paradise.

And one of the most impressive destinations in my journey was England. I had a chance to take part in many fashion shows there such as the performances of Vietnamese Student Association in England and projects to promote Vietnamese culture and tourism to overseas Vietnamese and foreigners. The images of Ao Dai appearing in fron of the London Tower Bridge in Vietnam Discovery London 2015 still remains on my mind until now, my team and I were so lucky to have participated in the show. Also, I visited a lot of well-known attractions in England and wandered through the streets of London, Cambridge, Oxford, explored ancient cities like Bath, York Minster, and the most beautiful ancient village Bibury. Sometimes, I spent time enjoying a cup of coffee in front of the house of William Shakespeare in Stratfordupon-Avon, admiring the stunning nature of the Lake District or the famous wonder Stonehenge. England is my dream country where I intend to hold a fashion show for the Fashion Voyage in the near future.

Thank you so much for sharing interesting information with us. We wish you success with your plan for fashion in the future.

Wanderlust Tips

Explore the beauty of Taiwan

This september, 6 Kols of hello world: Diem My 9x, singer – travel blogger quang vinh, food blogger – influencer Phan Anh Esheep, travel blogger Nhi Dang, photographer – travel blogger Tam Bui, and model Ngoc Anh Thu will travel to Taiwan, the pearl island in the blue ocean. This journey will take you to Yilan county, Miaoli county, and Taichung city to admire the stunning natural scenery, marvel at buildings with one-of-a-kind architecture, learn about local culture and history, as well as enjoy countless delicious fresh dishes. It promises to be their most beautiful days in Taiwan.

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YILAN COUNTY

Located in Northeast Taiwan, only 70 kilometres from Taipei City, Yilan is entirely separated from the urban life. This county features a peaceful beauty of nature and the lives of local people

VISIT

1. DONGSHAN RIVER WATER PARK

Although only 24 kilometres long, the Dongshan River has a beautiful setting and a diverse entertainment area located by the riverbank. Therefore, many visitors choose to visit this place during their trip to Yilan. The most famous tourist attraction by Dongshan River is Dongshan River Water Park. This park features underwater activities, an ecological conservation area, and an open-air theater. In addition, there are also bike lanes along the river for visitors to enjoy the poetic scenery of the riverside while riding bikes. Dongshan River Water Park is also home to major events such as the International Children’s Folklore & Folkgame Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival.

Address: No.2, Sec. 2, Qinhe Road, Wujie Township, Yilan County

Opening hours: 8am – 8pm daily

2. GUISHAN ISLAND

Guishan Island is the top part of a high conical volcanic mountain formed by several layers of lava, pumice, and volcanic ash sprayed from the sea. The island is called Guishan (Turtle Mountain) because its shape looks like a turtle floating on the sea when seen from a distance. It is even more impressive that the island is covered by an endless green carpet of plants, surrounded by the immense ocean, creating beautiful natural scenery. Beside the green ambience, Guishan Island is also home to a rich marine animal ecosystem including the Pacific whales and dolphins.

Address: Toucheng Town, Yilan County. About 10 kilometres to the east of the town

Transportations: To get here, from Wushi harbor, take a boat or ferry to the island for about 40 minutes

3. NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRADITIONAL ARTS (NCFTA)

Another popular attraction, also located on the banks of the Dongshan River, is the National Center for Traditional Arts.The center was established in January 2002 on a total area of 24 hectares. This is an agency of the Ministry of Culture(initially called the Council for Cultural Affairs), which aims to conduct research, preserve, and develop the traditional arts. The center is one of the most important tourist spots recommended for visitors when visiting Yilan. Here, visitors will have an opportunity to attend seminars, events, or programs about traditional Taiwanese arts. Besides the head office in Yilan, the center also has other subordinate units located in Taipei City and Kaohsiung.

Address: No. 201, Section 2, Wubin Road, Wujie Township, Yilan County

Website: Visit https://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ for more information on upcoming events, time, locations, and ticket prices

4. LANYANG MUSEUM

It can be said Langyang Museum is one of the highlights of Taiwanese architecture. The museum has unique exterior design and structure, which creates a wonderful harmonywith the natural surroundings. The overall architecture of the Lanyang Museum was inspired by the local natural elements, especially the Cuesta. Inside, visitors will find the reconstructed historical scene of Wushi harbor. In the Qing Dynasty, Wushi was a prosperous port, but now it only remains as a wetland. The museum also introduces a variety of local natural landscapes.

Address: No.750, Sec. 3, Qingyun Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm, from Thursdays to Tuesdays, closed on Wednesdays. Tickets are sold from 9am – 4.30pm.

Ticket prices: TWD100 (~ VND75,000) per person, or TWD80(~VND60,000) per person for a group of more than 20 people

Website: http://www.lym.gov.tw/eng/index_en.asp

CUISINE

1. CANG JIU WINERY

The land where the Cang Jiu factory is located is blessed with countless precious resources. Stream water flowing from the mountain side is clear and pure. The natural scenery is beautiful all year round; cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, the landscape is covered in green in the summer, maple leaves turn red in the autumn, and winter is the time kumquats ripen and turn yellow. Therefore, tourists visiting the Cang Jiu Winery at any time of the year will always have the opportunity to see the romantic nature while enjoying the wonderful wine. In addition, the restaurant also offer delicious local specialities.

Address: No. 126-150, Gēngxīn road, Toucheng Town, Yilan County
Website: https://www.cjwine.com/

ACCOMMODATION

1. HOTEL ROYAL CHIAO HSI

Surrounded by the beautiful nature of Yilan featuring picturesque hills and hot springs, the Hotel Royal Chiao Hsi offers visitors the most relaxing and wonderful time. Royal Chiao Hsi promises to bring you interesting experiences, services, and facilities including the infinity pool, herbal pool,open-air spa, hot springs, and luxurious restaurants. All of these are awaiting you in Yilan.

Address: No.69, Wufeng Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County 262.

Ticket price: From USD531 (~VND12.4 million) per night

Website: https://www.slh.com/hotels/hotel-royal-chiao-hsi/

MIAOLI COUNTY

Located in Western Taiwan, Miaoli county impresses visitors from the first moment they arrive by its green rolling mountains. The more you explore the cuisine of the mountainous town Miaoli, the more you will be attracted.

VISIT

1. RIDING BIKES BY THE ANCIENT RAILWAY ON THE MOUNTAIN

This is a very interesting experience for visitors to Miaoli county; it has just been officially launched in August this year. Visitors will beable to ride on the ancient 100-year-old railway to admire Miaoli’s peaceful scenery and famous landmarks, for example, Shengxingrailway station bearing a nostalgic beauty or the remains of Longteng Bridge after two major earthquakes in 1935 and 1999.

Address: Sanyi Township, Miaoli County.

Transportations: The journey is about 12 kilometres long and lasts for about 1.5 hours.It costs TWD280 (~VND212,000) per turn. Each bike can carry up to 4 people and include electronic sensors to support bicyclists to ride on the sloping mountainside, GPS navigation device, and guided tours who can speak Chinese, Japanese, and English.

2. HUOYAN MOUNTAIN (HUOYANSHAN) NATURE RESERVE

Located in the north of the Da-an River, the nature reserve features breathtaking natural scenery of jagged mountains and green vegetation. Huoyan Mountain (Huoyanshan) Nature Reserve has an interesting geological history. Its geological structure was formed by dramatic tectonic movements and consists of mainly conglomerate and sandstone layers with very weak cohesion. Natural forces such as wind and rain have eroded these mountains, causing large sections to break off, creating jagged peaks and rock-strewn slopes and valleys. The best view of the mountains is from the south; they are especially magnificent at sunset. In addition, every March and April, Mt. Huoyan serves as a stopover for migratory birds coming from the south, adding biodiversity to the reserve.

Address: No.73, Zhongzheng Rd., Sanyi Township, Miaoli County.

CUISINE

1. ZHUOYE COTTAGE

Many visitors dream of being immersed in the green countryside and enjoy the fresh local food. The rustic and simple Zhuoye Cottage offers such a wonderful dining experience. And after enjoying the food, do not miss the Indigo dying class to learn more about their unique culture.

Address: No.1-5, Bengshanxia, Sanyi Township, Miaoli County.

Opening hours: 11.30am – 2pm from Monday to Friday; 11am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 3.20pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

2. CRESCENT PHOENIX

Hakka migrated to Taiwan from the 17th century and occupied about 15% of the population. In Miaoli county, Hakka are the major group of people here. Therefore, Miaoli culture is strongly influenced by Hakka. To enjoy their signature dishes, the Crescent Phoenix restaurant is an ideal choice. Moreover, Crescent Phoenix also has a learning area where guests can practice cooking popular local dishes.

No. 1-3, Shengxing, Sanyi Township, Miaoli County
Address: 10am – 10pm everyday
Website: http://theme.net.tw/

ACCOMMODATION

1. ONSEN PAPAWAQA

The Taiwanese township of Miaoli county is located on the mountain and is famous for wellness tourism in hot springs. One of them is the luxury Onsen Papawaqa. This hotel has 68 rooms featuring modern facilities, a swimming pool, and attractive restaurants. In particular, it also offers hot spring bathing services to improve health. In addition, it has a convenient location which allows visitors to travel to attractions in the neighboring area.

Address: No.58, Yuandun, Taian township, Miaoli County.

Ticket prices: from TWD7,500 (~ VND5.7 million) per night.

Website: https://www.papawaqa.com.tw/

2. GRAND ROYAL HOTEL

Another great accommodation for travellers to Miaoli is the Grand Royal Hotel. It is designed and built in accordance with international standards and promises to offer visitors whole new and wonderful experiences. The location of the hotel is right in the center of Toufen in the north of Miaoli, and it also connects to the shopping center Shang Shun and the entertainment area Shang Shun World, which is very convenient for visitors to participate in entertainment activities.

Address: No. 103, Zhongyang Road, Toufen City, Miaoli County

Ticket prices: From TWD7,000 (~ VND5.3 million) per night

Website: http://www.groyalhotel.com/en/index.php

TAICHUNG

This west-central city is Taiwan’s third largest one, promising to bring an abundance of experiences to visitors. It features modern buildings, romantic nature, delicious cuisine, and enjoyable shopping experience.

VISIT

1. THE CALLIGRAPHY GREENWAY

Calligraphy Greenway extends for 3.6 kilometres, ranging in the north from National Museum of Natural Science, Civil Square, Park Lane by CMP, a food court to the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in the south. It is an urban space structure shaped in a long and wide stripe. That is why this urban space is named Calligraphy Greenway, and owing to that, the atmosphere, tempo, and movement of those events within it are free and flexible just like the cursive writing of Chinese calligraphy.

Address: West Zone, Taichung City

2. GAOMEI WETLANDS

Gaomei Wetlands is one of the most well known and wellpreserved wetland habitats in Taiwan. Standing over 300 hectares, this is an excellent location for bird-watching. The breathtaking scenery during the sunset is truly a must see while visiting Taiwan. The colour of the sunlight is constantly changing from orange, purple rose, to red, some days it is covered with brilliant yellow. Therefore, many people are willing to go a long distance just to catch this unforgettable beautiful moment.

Address: Qingshui Dist, Taichung City.

3. NATIONAL TAICHUNG THEATER

Taichung National Theater was designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito in collaboration with Cecil Balmond at Arup AGU. The theater was built for four years, officially opened in 2016, and became a unique architecture in Taiwan. All buildings are designed with strange tubes and rolling walls, together with the harmony of colors, which makes the theater space bright and glowing. Explaining this new architecture, “The architecture of this opera house is created in such a way that the inside and outside are one continuous (surface), in a similar manner to how bodies are connected to nature (outside) via orifices such as the mouth, nose, and ears,” he said.

Adress: No. 101, Section 2, Huilai Road, Xitun District, Taichung City

Opening hours: 11.30am – 9pm from Sunday to Thursday; 11.30 am – 10 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.

Refer to the theater website for artwork and ticket prices: http://en.npac-ntt.org/

CUISINE

1. CHUN SHUI TANG

Taiwan, the birthplace of the famous bubble tea, you can not miss an opportunity to enjoy the famous bubble tea in the country of its origin. Among hundreds of milk tea brands in Taichung, Chun Shui Tang is the oldest, largest, and most favourite brand. This is also where bubble tea was born. You can find many branches of the Chun Shui Tang in Taichung and easily order your favourite tastes favourite flavors, using their English menu. In addition to enjoying the milk tea, visitors can also participate in the bubble tea training class at Chun Shui Tang Tea House. Then they can learn about the famous history of drinks in Taiwan, and are taught how to make the best bubble tea by the most famous baristas.

Address: In order to learn how to make bubble tea, you can go to the Chun Shui Tang Tea House (No. 9, Dadun 19th st., West district, Taichung city). Classes often last for about 50 minutes with 2 to 8 students. The class starts at 10am/3pm/5pm from Mondays to Fridays.

Website: To enjoy Chun Shui Tang milk tea, there are up to 40 branches for you to choose from. You can visit its website for more details: https://chunshuitang.com.tw/

ACCOMMONDATION

1. THE LIN HOTEL TAICHUNG

It offers luxurious and deluxe accommodation in the heart of Taichung city. The golden-ratio-based design lends a sense of balance and comfort to the guest rooms, while the Dubaistyle outdoor swimming pool, wellness center, and the healthy culinary buffet contribute to the body and soul of every guest.

Address: No. 99, Chaofu Rd., Xitun Dist., Taichung City

Ticket prices: from TWD12,000 (~ VND9 million) per nigh

Website: https://www.thelin.com.tw/index.php?lang=en#sao

2. FULLON HOTEL LIHPAO LAND

Located at a convenient location with quick access to popular spots in the city, Fullon Hotel Lihpao Land is your best choice for accommodation whether you are on a business or tourist trip. The hotel also draws up services and facilities to satisfy the needs of both parents and kids. One of the most impressive attractions is that it is also connected to the Lihpao Land, promising to bring the most enjoyable entertainment experiences.

Address: No. 88, Furong Road, Houli Dist, Taichung City.

Ticket prices: TWD9,800 (~VND7.4 million) per night.

Website: http://www.fullon-hotels.com.tw/ym/en/

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Sky Tower revealed at InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort

The new InterContinental® Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort in Vietnam is delighted to announce that the resort’s Sky Tower, which offers some of the most spacious and luxurious accommodation in Phu Quoc, is now accepting reservations from September 2018.

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The Sky Tower is a spectacular building and architectural presence in the skyline of the island’s popular Long Beach. Located in the centre of the resort’s complex, it is home to one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, along with the striking INK 360 sky bar at its summit.

The Sky Tower features some of the most premium accommodation on offer at InterContinental® Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, making it ideal for luxury travellers – families and groups of friends. Ranging from 64 to 179 square metres, each suite features one, two or three bedrooms, a living room, large balcony, kitchen, and a combination of contemporary and locally inspired décor, making it ideal for those seeking luxury apartment living whilst in Phu Quoc.

Guests can choose to stay in one of the Sky Tower’s Pearl Suites or experience the elevated service at Club InterContinental with a stay in one of the Club InterContinental Tower Suites, or at the highest levels of the Sky Tower, at an Emerald Collection Suite, the latter of which also offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and a complimentary spa treatment each day throughout the stay. A private haven of unprecedented luxury for seasoned travellers, a stay at Club InterContinental accommodation includes access to the Club InterContinental Lounge with an exclusive swimming pool and daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails and canapés.

The views from the Sky Tower are unparalleled, with gorgeous vistas spanning across verdant mountains or the sparkling ocean.

Upon arriving at the exclusive reception and lounge, guests of the Sky Tower are greeted with a traditional welcome drink inspired by the local sim wine. All guests in the Sky Tower can enjoy exclusive access to the Pearl Lounge throughout their stay, a sanctuary of calm and an ideal venue to enjoy relaxed conversation, exquisite dining and breathtaking ocean views.

Designed by Australian Ashley Sutton, the rooftop level of the Sky Tower is home to InterContinental® Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort’s sky bar, INK 360. It is the highest bar on the island, offering blissful sunset views that are truly unmatched by any other venue, an extensive champagne list, house-made infused spirits and liqueurs, and mixology demonstrations. Also, the dining menu features world-wide cuisine, caviar, and oysters, creating a luxuriously exclusive ambience for guests.

Located on the largest island in South Vietnam, Phu Quoc is a tropical island destination that is as unique as it is beautiful. Listed by UNESCO as World Biosphere Reserve in 2006, the island of Phu Quoc itself is covered with at least 50% of National Park, and is home to world famous pearl farms, as well as thriving marine life and rich coral reefs of the surrounding turquoise sea that are sure to make any family stay at InterContinental® Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort one that is truly memorable.

The resort itself sits along the tail end of Long Beach, a mere 15 minutes’ drive from the international airport and 20 minutes from the island’s main town of Duong Dong. This spot along the 20 kilometre stretch of beach is the perfect place for families to experience the picturesque tropical beaches and pristine waters of Phu Quoc, as well as the cultural charm of nearby towns and magnificent ocean sunsets.

INTERCONTINENTAL PHU QUOC LONG BEACH RESORT

Tel: +84 283 978 8888
Email: reservations.icpq@ihg.com
Website: www.phuquoc.intercontinental.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/InterContinentalPhuQuoc/

Grab officially launches on-demand food delivery service GrabFood in Hanoi

On 2nd October 2018, Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading O2O mobile platform, today officially launched its on-demand food delivery service GrabFood in Hanoi. This not only marks an important milestone in Grab’s journey towards becoming the leading everyday super-app that offers Vietnamese and Southeast Asian consumers.