Coming to Pullman Vung Tau, you will have chance to enjoy reunification time with families and friends through Tet special Gastronomy journey and relax with entertainment activities for the beginning of new year full of happiness.
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TET HOLIDAY PACKAGE(17th– 24th February 2018)
Enjoy traditional Tet Holiday at Pullman Vung Tau with special package including one-night stay in Superior Room, breakfast and Special Tet Buffet Dinner for two people at Riviera Restaurant, starting from VND4,590,000 per night.
Terms & Conditions
Payment in Advance, non-refundable, non-cancellation
Advance reservation must be arranged prior booking and is subject to availability.
SPECIAL TET SET MENU LUNCH (17th – 24th February 2018)
Riviera restaurant will be serving a specially created Tet set menu. A special set courses of must-have dishes combine of Vietnamese and Western tastes for the Tet celebration to usher into another prosperous year. Price: VND499,000
Time: 12am -3pm
LUNAR NYE SPECIAL BUFFET DINNER(18th – 20th February 2018)
Celebrate this reunion time with your friends and family at the splendid Riviera restaurant with variety of fresh seafood, delectable roasts along with many others. Price: VND1,099,000
Time: 6pm – 10pm
VIETNAMESE DINNER BUFFET (21st – 22nd February 2018)
Family and friends are invited to celebrate the year with the Vietnamese inspired Dinner Buffet. Be indulged in varieties of scrumptious Vietnamese cuisines and reenergize yourselves to usher into the fabulous new year. Price: VND790,000
Time: 6pm – 10pm
SPECIAL TET HIGH TEA AT LOBBY BAR (17th – 23rd February 2018)
Assortment of gourmet cakes from our signature range from Sweet&Co. and selection of fine premium teas to choose from. A sweet high tea is a beautiful start for a sweet coming year.
Price: VND275,000
Time: 2pm -5pm
LIVE FAMILY KARAOKE(17th – 24th February 2018)
It will be tuneful and melodic at our Corniche Ultra Bar. Welcoming the Lunar New Year with the joyful moments and memorable nights together with your friends and family. Price: VND290,000
(including 4 beers or soft drink + fruit platter and 30 minutes slot of live karaoke)
All prices are inclusive of 5% service charge and 10% VAT
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has made Condé Nast Traveler’s highly influential list of the best hotels in the world for 2018. Vietnam’s most storied hotel was hailed as the No. 1 Hotel in Hanoi by the editors of the prestigious US travel publication.
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Spanning six continents and 54 countries, the annual Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2018 recognises hotels around the world that editors and contributors of the bestselling magazine visit time and time again – and daydream about long after checkout.
“This year’s Gold List is a love letter to those hotels, resorts, and cruises that stay with us long after we have returned home,” wrote the editor in chief of Condé Nast Traveler, Pilar Guzmán. “We are interested in the way a place, in all of its ineffable complexity, beauty, and sometimes darkness, tugs at us and calls us back, much like human relationships do.”
William J. Haandrikman, General Manager of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi said: “This is simply amazing! Being able to keep ourselves remembered amongst prominent hotels in established destinations shows that the Metropole Hanoi is a trusted choice.”
The 2018 Gold List Awards were announced in the January 2018 issue of Condé Nast Traveler as well as on the publication’s official website. In October, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi emerged from the voting of over 300,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers as the 21st best hotel in Asia. (Readers’ Choice Awards).
The magazine hailed the hotel for its “spacious and richly appointed” rooms, as a “peaceful refuge” and for service that goes “above and beyond.” The magazine’s Gold Awards are more selective than the RCA. While eight hotels and resorts in Vietnam were recognised in the RCAs, only two hotels in Vietnam won placement on the Gold List.
Novotel Phu Quoc Resort is located on Truong Beach overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Phu Quoc Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam. It is famous for its natural white sand and stretches of long beaches. The resort is a short 10 minutes from the International Airport and a 40-minute flight from HCMC.
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The resort’s design aspects give the feeling you have landed somewhere between a contemporary vogue and comfortable elegant fishing village with natural designs featured throughout. Ultimately you will feel you are in your own idyllic private beach hide-away.
The rooms are placed next to lush green gardens with ocean views, or choose to stay in a Beachfront Bungalow for a truly indulgent experience. If you are travelling with family or friends, 3,4 and 5 Bedroom Villas with dedicated facilities may be your preferred style. They all feature private pools and BBQ areas.
Stay with us to experience spectacular scenery, a turquoise sea over looking at the most breathtaking sunsets. Enjoy a selection of dining venues, innovative bars and the ultimate ocean chill-out lounge. Rest and rejuvenate with an array of traditional and international spa treatments. Visit night markets, or take a cooking class while the kids enjoy our kids club.
Looking for a unique retreat to host your next event? Treat your team to their next incentive event in paradise. Let the expert MICE team spoil your delegates with an event they will never forget.
Recently, Hanoi Daewoo Hotel proudly received Marry Excellence Awards 2017 given by Marry.vn – one of the most popular websites providing wedding information and services organized by Marry Network. The award marks the milestone of Hanoi Daewoo Hotel in becoming one of top wedding destinations with unparalleled service.
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In 2017, Hanoi Daewoo Hotel has served more than 50 weddings, from modern and elegant events at Grand Ballroom to luxury outdoor ones. Boasting an unsurpassed selection of splendid wedding venues to suit every need, Hanoi Daewoo Hotel provides a perfect setting for your special day.
Whether your ideal celebration is an intimate gathering for close family and friends or a grand affair, our bespoke packages are designed to fulfill your every desire, making your wedding as unique as you are. The magnificent Hanoi Daewoo Grand Ballroom is the perfect setting for a grand wedding celebration for up to 450 guests. Featuring an elegant setting with opulent chandeliers, it is among best pillar-free hotel ballrooms in the heritage capital.
Surrounded by greenery lush garden, Serenity – the largest poolside venue in Hanoi – provides an enchanting feeling for those looking to impressing their guests with a romantic, elegant yet alfresco experience. Our passionate culinary team, led by talented chefs, will pay attention to the smallest detail, to ensure that every dish is an expression of you.
[Wanderlust Tips December 2017] Whether located on a high mountain or in the middle of a prosperous city, three classy hotels recommended by Wanderlust Tips will be the perfect choices for your family holiday. Each hotel in the Mgallery collection is a delightful and inspirational story that takes visitors on the adventures of nature, history, and culture.
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HÔTEL DES ARTS SAIGON – COZY AMBIENCE FOR THE SEASON OF LOVE
As the name implies, the 5-star boutique hotel, Hôtel des Arts Saigon, is designed as an art museum. With its delicate architectural design in striking contrast to neighboring buildings, the hotel looks like a masterpiece of art in the heart of the modern Saigon. From the first moment of stepping into the hotel, visitors will admire the collection of paintings and antiques collected and arranged by the owner of Hôtel des Arts Saigon, which highlights and creates a difference to the walls, corridors or the main lobby of the hotel.
Besides the beauty of architecture, Hôtel des Arts Saigon is also an ideal destination for visitors to relax and experience the culinary elite with friends and family members. You can enjoy Vietnamese cuisine from three regions at the Saigon Kitchen restaurant, exquisite European cuisine at the Social Club restaurant and Rooftop Bar, as well as being immersed in the local Art and culture at Café des Beaux-Arts.
The festive season is approaching, so experience with your beloved one the romantic package for couples named Romantic Getaway Package at the Hôtel des Arts Saigon, MGallery Collection. Just a few steps and you are immersed in the atmosphere of excitement in the heart of Saigon. And you can spend some peaceful moments watching the panoramic view of the bustling city from its highest infinity swimming pool or enjoying the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere at Le Spa des Artistes.
SILK PATH GRAND RESORT & SPA SAPA – A ROMANTIC EUROPEAN SPACE ON THE MOUNTAIN
Located on a hill, offering an amazing panoramic view of the marvelous Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa resembles a miniature Europe in the heart of the mountain.
The five-star hotel consists of 147 modern, sophisticated rooms and adjoining villas with the design featuring the essence of ethnic minority characteristics. All of the rooms boast their own large balcony for the natural sunlight and fresh air from the highland. In the morning, tourists can enjoy the feeling of floating amidst the clouds and admire picturesque mountains in front of them.
Following the winding paths of the mountainous terrain covered with flowers and the gentle grass aroma in four seasons, you can admire the dome architecture with Gothic delicate curved iron decorations, reminding us of the golden age of Europe.
The Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa is not only a romantic place for couples but also the only and the largest relaxation and entertainment facility with an area of more than 4,000 square meters in Sapa, promising to bring exciting experiences to family vacations with a children’s playground, a karaoke room, an indoor heated swimming pool with 180° panorama view and the restaurant system serving from excellent local food to exquisite Italian cuisine.
You can enjoy an eventful night at the live music lounge, have a peaceful evening with a passionate cocktail at the Café Lounge or a revitalizing hour at The Chi Spa with its signature herb of the ethnic people from this area.
SILK PATH GRAND RESORT & SPA SAPA
Add: Doi Quan 6, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam Tel: (+84) 0214 3788 555 Website: www.silkpathhotel.com
KERRY HOTEL HONG KONG – EXPERIENCE AN INSPIRING
The new 546-room Kerry hotel – Hong Kong’s first urban resort offers the guests an inspiring lifestyle in outdoor living spaces and family activities whilst setting the standards for world-class business and meeting services.Conceived by the internationally renowned interior designer André Fu and the award-winning architect Rocco Design, the newly built 16-story hotel is the first one to be opened on the Kowloon waterfront since 1995. Providing guests with the uninterrupted views overlooking Victoria Harbour, the hotel’s multi-level design with extensive outdoor landscaped gardens connects the hotel with surrounding areas and physically develops the hotel’s approach of “More Room For Life” and relaxed luxury.
Over 60 percent of the hotel’s guestrooms have an area ranging from 42 to 294 square meters, featuring the panoramic views of the Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island skyline. Five restaurants and bars of the hotel are the only places in Hong Kong with an artificial ourdoor terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour. This is a perfect place to experience the newest dining destination of the city.
While the signature restaurant Hung Tong evokes the feeling of “ancient Hong Kong” with red brick walls, traditional metal gates, wooden vents, vintage-inspired chairs and tinted glass pendants, the all-day dining restaurant called Big Bay Cafe takes guests on a global culinary experience with seven individual pavilions dedicated to specific cooking methods for local and international cuisines.
Enhancing the guests’ experience by both the unique urban resort design and world-class services, the hotel offers Base Camp Kerry Sports which goes beyond typical hotel fitness facilities and helps the guests enjoy an active lifestyle outside the hotel’s doors with outdoor activities including running clubs. Operating 24 hours a day, the Base Camp owns a wide range of fitness equipment, a 25-meter outdoor infinity swimming pool which is heated in winter, Jacuzzi steam bath, sauna and spa facilities.
The holiday hangover has begun, as the New Year’s arrival brings with it a somewhat underwhelming cinema slate. Aside from two high-profile Oscar contenders that are opening wide after limited December qualifying runs, there’s not a lot of A-list work coming to multiplexes in January.
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WONDER
The film is a touching story about the kindness and living spirit of Auggie – an unfortunate boy whose face is malformed due to a rare disease. Auggie encounters a lot of challenge when trying to integrate with the community. But then a big milestone came into his life when Auggie was in his fifth grade at a local school, he has an extraordinary journey to stick together with his family and new friends.
Release date: 29th December 2017
THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF THE GIANT PEAR
Launched on the New Year, this animated film will be a great gift for young children. From a tiny seed, the pear grows and become a giant in one night, or when the group of friends sails into the deep blue sea at night and see the floating ghosts. All these attractive details will create a colourful and funny world.
Release date: 29th December 2017
LEGEND OF THE DEMON CAT
The film is set in the Tang Dynasty, when the Demon Cat can speak like a human and make chaos in Chang’an and caused a series of unusual events. At that time, a poet and a monk came to investigate and found a huge secret. The film is the production of director Chen Kaige and has the participation of famous cast.
Release date: 5th January 2018
THE SUN SHINES HERE
Despite acknowledging that the recognition for the out-of-wedlock son can cause his career to dissipate, Tung Nhan still decides not to let his son desolate. And the unjustly things start to come when the two of them reunite … The message of the film is: “The family is not only about blood relations, but also the bond between the souls“.
Vietnam Airlines has added the latest 9th A350 aircraft in 5th November 2017, to its fleet of 14 aircrafts of A350 XWB model. The aircraft was put into operation in the afternoon of November 6th on Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City flight.
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9 interesting things about Vietnam Airlines Airbus A350
1. According to experts and manufacturers, Vietnam Airlines is one of the most successful operators of Airbus A350-900 XWB aircraft with the majority of pilots, attendants, and technicians are Vietnamese.
2. Vietnam Airlines became the second airline in the world to receive and operate the new generation of A350-900.
3. The Business class cabin is equipped with 29 reclining seats which can be turned into beds, providing absolute comfort for passengers especially on long-haul flights.
4. The Premium Economy class cabin is arranged with 8 seats per row. The 2-4-2 configuration makes the seats in this cabin wider. The reclining level of the chair is of the same as that of Business class’s seats in the A321, and there is a more comfortable leg rest.
5. 2017 is the second consecutive year the airline’s service quality is recognized as 4-star international standard of Skytrax.
6. 53% of the A350 air-frames are made of carbon fiber, which makes the A350 one of the most fuel-efficient aircrafts. At the same time, according to statistics, the A350 also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent.
7. The A350 aircraft has about 16 million different colors and countless other combinations in the cabin, thanks to its modern LED lighting system.
8. Vietnam Airlines’ A350 fleet is currently having flights to 7 cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Paris (France), Seoul (South Korea), Shanghai (China), Osaka and Tokyo (Japan).
9. The next A350 is expected to be transferred by Airbus to Vietnam Airlines this year.
When online travel booking sites became the norm for people to book their travels, everybody soon became their own travel agents. The traditional brochure-laden travel agent as we know it may be gone, but the last few years have seen the rise of luxury travel agents.
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Here are the reasons why we will be seeing more of luxury travel agents or travel designers, as some of them are known:
1. Online booking sites were not designed with the luxury traveller in mind.
Most flight aggregator and hotel booking websites were created to search for the cheapest fares/ rates and promotions. These are not the elements that a High-net-worth individual (also known as the common luxury traveller) requires when travelling.
As we have discovered with previous years’ luxury travel trends, most luxury travellers have embraced multi-generational travelling and as such, require complex bookings over multiple villas and rooms in resorts and hotels. Special requests are a normal part of a luxury traveller’s itinerary.
In their article “The Super Rich are Leaving Technology in the Draw”, Forbes rightfully and aptly describes organising trips for luxury travellers more similar to planning a concert tour for The Rolling Stones than looking for the best deals on airfare and accommodation.
2. Luxury travellers are getting more adventurous
Adventure travel mixed with luxury is a growing trend. Most luxury travellers these days want adventures beyond the brochures. In fact, it seems that the more an activity or tour is in a brochure, the more some of these luxury travellers will avoid it.
The past two years’ luxury travel trend predictions included reports that luxury travellers not only want high-end products. They want products, destinations, and experiences that no one, or only very few have done.
Experience has played a huge part in influencing traveller’s decisions, including luxury ones. As luxurious adventurers go to more far-flung destinations and engage in bolder activities, this involves complex itineraries and requests so a trip like this is best handled by an experienced travel agent.
3. VIP Travellers need advice from someone who’s been there
Luxury and VIP Travel agents are twice more likely to be well-travelled than the regular travel agent. There was a recent discussion on Flyertalk forum, a site where hundreds of thousands of frequent fliers worldwide gather and share travel tips. One member stated that he uses a travel agent because he or she may provide an insight about the destination he’s going to. Knowing that the agent has been to a destination and may have partnerships with travel brands in that area gives travellers a sense of confidence.
Luxury travellers need more than just an agent who knows a brochure from the first page to last. They actually want someone to tell, show and describe to them their own personal experiences. As the luxury travel agent is someone they would have established trust with, they rely on the agent’s personal experience and advice. And as the agent would also know their client’s travel style, they can advise appropriately on whether a destination or an activity is recommended.
4. It’s not just for the luxury traveller. Many are back to use the service of a travel agent.
Some consumers who used to book their own travels online are now reverting back to the services of a travel agent. Studies reveal that one of the fastest growing segments of travel agency users are technology-tied Millennials. They may spend a lot of their waking hours glued to technology, but not all of them actually have the time to book and plan their travel itinerary.
Increasing factors of travel disruption such as airline delays, natural disasters, and global terrorism have reinforced travellers that they need a professional to look after their itineraries, should any of the disruption factors occur. People’s busier lifestyles also mean that they would rather call, send an SMS or email one key contact for changes in their travels, rather than be put on hold or email a generic customer service centre.
Travel to Dak Lak 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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1. CAMPFIRE AND CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GONG
Feel Vietnam Central Highlands’ cultural space The space of gong culture in the Vietnam Highlands was recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity on 25th November 2005. The owners of this special cultural type are Vietnamese Central Highland ethnic groups: Bahnar, Xo Dang, Mnong, Koho, Rơmăm, Rade, Jarai, etc. Gong is closely associated with the life of Central Highlands people, the voice of the human soul to express joys and sorrows in life, in daily work and activities. Visitors will have a lot of opportunities to experience this unique cultural space through participating in campfire and Central Highlands Gong cultural exchange night in many famous tourist spots throughout the province.
Top tips: There are many places that organize gong arts exchanges for visitors such as Ako Dhong Village, Buon Don Tourist site, Jun Village and M’Lieng Village near Lak lake, Ko Tam Ecological Community Tourist Site.
Cuisine: Enjoy Central Highlands stem wine and specialties during the campfire.
2. TRUNG NGUYEN COFFEE VILLAGE – THE AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM OF CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
Trung Nguyen Coffee Village is located in an area of 2 hectares in Tan Loi Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City. This place is now displaying dozens of ancient houses and more than 2,000 artifacts included that are production tools and cultural products of ethnic groups in Vietnam Central Highlands from ancient to modern times.
Top tips:
Coming here, visitors can visit the ancient coffee garden; learn about the origins, cultivation method and artistic coffee processing. Besides, you can explore the ancient house space, Rade people’s stilt houses bearing the features of Vietnam Central Highlands, etc. There is also a souvenir centre where visitors can choose hundreds of unique gifts. Finally, sipping cups of fragrant coffee while enjoying art performances will be an unforgettable impression in the coffee village for visitors.
Cuisine: The food area in the coffee village serves over 50 special dishes of the three regions.
3. BUON MA THUOT SIX-WAY INTERSECTION – A PLACE TO WITNESS THE CHANGES IN THE CITY
Buon Ma Thuot six-way Intersection is located in the centre of the city; this is the starting point of 3 streets: Phan Chu Trinh, No Trang Long and Le Duan. Coming there, visitors will encounter Buon Ma Thuot’s victory monument – the symbol of the city. This is the meeting point of the roads that connect the Kinh and Ede ethnic groups. The roads, which were once dusty in the dry season and muddy in the rainy season, are now paved with stones and smoothly asphalted. Buon Ma Thuot six-way Intersection brings a modern look of a young urban street with surrounded architectural works such as memorials, hotels, and cultural centres.
Must see: A few hundred metres away, there is the cultural centre of Dak Lak Province (2 Hung Vuong) where preserves the famous wild ancient Konia tree.
Cuisine: Y Jut Banh Khot (a southern specialty consisting of small, fried rice flour pancakes) (270 Y Jut Str.), Mrs. Xuyen Hu Tieu Restaurant (27 Le Thanh Ton Str.), Mai rice noodles with grilled meat (98/12 Dien Bien Phu Str.).
4. BUON MA THUOT SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL – A BLEND OF ARCHITECTURAL AND RELIGIOUS BEAUTY
Located in the city centre of Buon Ma Thuot, next to Buon Ma Thuot six-way Intersection, Buon Ma Thuot Sacred Heart Cathedral is the first missionary base of Vietnam Central Highlands. The church, which was made entirely from wood, has a distinctive indigenous cultural style with its design resembling the longhouse of the Rade. With a length of 45 metres, a width of 12 metres, and a total area of 828 square metres, the church can accommodate up to 1,200 seats.
Top tips:
Address: 2 Phan Chu Trinh, Thang Loi Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City. Tourists can visit there during the day or in the evening. In the evening, the church is lighted up, shimmering fancifully and impressively. With the special location right at the centre of the city, it is convenient for visitors to visit and take photos with this most famous church in Buon Ma Thuot.
Cuisine: Red Lantern clay pot riceRestaurant (12 Alley, 04 Nguyen Van Troi Str.), 52 Chicken Rice Restaurant (25 Le Thanh Tong Str.), Tuan Map Bread (20 Phan Chu Trinh Str.)…
5. ENJOY THE TASTE OF BUON MA THUOT COFFEE – PURE, DELICIOUS AND UNFORGETTABLE
Dak Lak has the largest coffee planting area and biggest production of exported coffee in the country. Therefore, the coffee industry always plays an important role in the province’s socio-economic development. Therefore, visiting Dak Lak, especially Buon Ma Thuot City, without drinking coffee, is a great pity. The city has a lot of cafés ranging from popular entertaining coffee shops to common cafés, but it is recommended to go to a small and casual one to taste Highland coffee. Just by watching the city lighting up and immersing into the aromatic coffee, you can have a great evening experience.
Top tips: Cafés are present everywhere in the city. In particular, the coffee in a small casual café is quite cheap, only about 8,000-17,000 VND per cup depending on the coffee type.
Cuisine: You can choose a variety of coffee such as black, ice milky or white coffee depending on your taste.
6. LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC – ENJOY THE BOOMING AND PASSIONATE VOICE
Many cafés in Buon Ma Thuot City regularly organize live music shows to serve tourists. Sipping a cup of pure coffee while enjoying the energetic, resonant and passionate voice of local singers in the midst of the cozy café space will bring visitors an unforgettable evening.
Top tips: Coffee shops with live music performances in Buon Ma Thuot City: Sunrise Coffee (58 Le Thanh Tong Str.), Dalacafe (65 Tran Quang Khai Str.), Cao Nguyen Xanh Coffee (80 Y Ngong Str.), Idol Café (51 Tran Phu Str.), Xua and Nay Coffee (63A Y Ni Ksor Str.)…
Cuisine: Choose from a wide selection of beverages at live music cafés.
7. VINCOM PLAZA BUON MA THUOT – SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Designed in modern style, Vincom Plaza Buon Ma Thuot has 6 floors with a total retail floor area of nearly 11,000 square metres. Visitors coming there can enjoy shopping for fashion items, jewelries, household items, and electrical and electrical appliances, as well as daily necessities from famous brands in the country and all over the world. Besides, Starlight cinema will bring you the happiest entertainment moments inside a lively cinema world with famous blockbusters.
Top tips: Address: 78 Ly Thuong Kiet, Thang Loi Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City.
Cuisine: Restaurants at the centre of Vincom Plaza such as Kichi Kichi, Pizza Company, Gogi House, Baskin Robins…
8. MARCH 10 CITY SQUARE – THE BUSTLING LOCAL LIVING SPACE
The square located at the centre of Buon Ma Thuot City is very spacious and less invaded by surrounding restaurants. Kids come here in the cool afternoon to have fun, fly kite, ride tandem, go cyclo and and roller skates. In the evening, this area becomes really crowded. The restaurants and beverage vendors are bustling and noisy. Many people also carry mats to spread on the ground to rest and eat.
Top tips: After strolling around the square, visitors can visit the brasseries in the area. With a fun, vibrant and friendly atmosphere, this is a perfect evening gathering place for groups of friends.
Cuisine: Dong Que clay rice pot (18 Ngo Quyen Str.), Chicken Hot Pot with Aganonerion (9 Le Lai Str.), NightHotpot & Grilled food (127 Le Thanh Ton Str.)
Travel to Dak Lak 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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1. AKO DHONG VILLAGE – VILLAGE IN THE STREET
Located at the end of Tran Nhat Duat Street, 2 kilometres to the north of Buon Ma Thuot city centre to the north, Ako Dhong village, also known as Co Thon village is featured with scenery of ancient longhouses along the main road. Longhouse is a a unique cultural identity of the Ede group, which is the home to many generations of a large matrilineal family. In addition, the space of gong culture is also carefully preserved by villagers.
Top tips: Travelling to Ako Dhong, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in gongs night by the flaming fire, to hear the legendary epics of the highlands, to enjoy the songs and dances in the traditional longhouse, to witness the art of weaving brocades, and to buy real hand-woven products.
Cuisine: Tai Restaurant (91 Nguyen Khuyen Str.), Tuan Dat Grill village (53 Nguyen Khuyen Str.), ARUL Café (17-19 Tran Nhat Duat Str.), DamRin Coffee (95 Tran Nhat Duat Str.), etc.
2. TROHBU WILD ORCHID CONSERVATION GARDEN – IMPRESSIVE RECORDS OF VIETNAM
Located in Nien 3 village, Ea Nuol commune, Buon Don district, 12 kilometres to the west of Buon Ma Thuot city center, along the Provincial Road No.1, Trohbu Wild Orchid Conservation Garden has a valuable collection of up to 200 species and more than 10,000 orchid plants living on the tree. The Reserve has been honored by Vietnam Record Organization (Vietking) to have the largest collection of wild orchids in Vietnam. Vietking also recognized that this place has the oldest and the most ancient stone gong set and the biggest wooden dugout canoe made from hopea oak in Vietnam.
Top tips: The reserve is an ideal picnic site for visitors comming to Dak Lak. In addition, there are tourist services such as the tour for one day working as a farmer, the tour for experiencing life as a landowner of Ban Me coffee farm in Troh Bu, which bring more interesting activities to tourists.
Cuisine: Bring food or eat at the food court in the reserve.
3. KO TAM ECOTOURISM TOURIST SITE – THE BEAUTY OF VIETNAM CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
Located at 789 Pham Van Dong Street, National Highway 26, Tan Hoa Ward, Ea Tu Commune, Buon Ma Thuot City, Ko Tam culture and eco-tourism site has an attractive geographical location and favourable climate suitable for growing coffee and many kinds of fruit trees. In particular, Ko Tam also enchants tourists by a large space of 13 hectares with countless colorful flowers, clear water-wharf, and beautiful stilt houses.
Top tips:
Visitors come there to experience community tourism; listen to the introduction of traditionally cultural features of local people; visit gardens of flowers, vegetables, fruits, coffee and rice fields, and learn about coffee production. In addition, visitors also have a chance to exchange gong culture, go rowing, swimming, fishing and play folk games, etc.
Must see: Dak Lak Water Park (KM4, National Highway 14) is located on the road from the city centre to the tourist site.
Cuisine: Enjoy the flavour of delicious coffee and dishes made from fresh organic food planted at the tourist site.
4. EA KAO LAKE TOURIST SITE – IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE POETIC NATURE
Ea Kao Lake Tourist Site is located in Ea Kao Commune, 12 kilometres from Buon Ma Thuot City to the southeast. This tourist site with an area of 120 hectares (excluding water surface) was built in modern large-scale but still bear the national identity. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and mountains with rich flora and old tree forests. Nearby, there are villages of Rade people such as H’Ve, Ea Kao, Cu Mbhim, Juong Ju.
Top tips:
Ea Kao Lake Tourist Site is built on a natural space full of green plants combined with abundant types of tourism, cultural and entertaining activities to meet the needs of visitors. The site is divided into many small areas with various tourist activities including recreation areas, rest houses, flower gardens, restaurants, botanical gardens, children playground, campsites, nature reserves.
Cuisine: Enjoy the specialties of the Central Highlands at food service area inside the site.
5. CƯ DLUÊ PINE HILL AND LAKE TOURIST SITE – IMPRESSED BY THE VAST GREEN PINE FOREST
Cư Dluê Pine Hill and Lake Tourist Site is located in the north of Khanh Xuan Ward, 6 kilometres to the West of Buon Ma Thuot City. The tourist site is built on a diverse topography including hills, mountains and plain. This place has humid and tropical plateau climate which has less volatile during the year. The temperature is fairly evenly distributed over space and decreases with altitude.
Top tips:
Going to this tourist site, tourists will have time to walk and discover the nature, watch the blooming colorful flowers by the peaceful and poetic lake. Besides, there are many interesting activities in the tourist site such as fishing, entertaining, going to a coffee bar or dance floor, and playing sports like billiards and table tennis. Hotels, villas around the lake or longhouses and malocas of Vietnamese ethnic groups will be ideal stopovers to have the best relaxing moments.
6. BUON MA THUOT PENITENTIARY- AN IMPORTANT HISTORICAL RELIC
Buon Ma Thuot Penitentiary, located at 18 Tan Tan Street, Tu An Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City, was built by French colonialist in 1900 to imprison Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers. This place has been recognized as a national historical relic by the government.
Top tips:
Coming there, visitors will have the opportunity to see the evidence of French colonial empire’s crimes, thereby reimagining the prison in the past with brutal and harsh regime like hell on earth. Besides, you can also learn more about the glorious struggle of former Communist soldiers such as Ho Tung Mau, Phan Dang Luu, Nguyen Chi Thanh, To Huu, Hong Chuong, Bui San, Tran. Van Quang, Ngo Duc De, Nguyen Duy Trinh, Nguyen Phung Tan, Huynh Thanh, and many other outstanding ones from all regions of Vietnam.
Cuisine: The Tay Nguyen Diem Hen Café (45 Pham Hong Thai Str.), Thao Nguyen Coffee Shop (15 Tan Thuat Str.), Me Khuc coffee (41 Dinh Tien Hoang Str.), Coffee Art Gallery Van (121/2 Dinh Tien Hoang Str.).
7. KHAI DOAN PAGODA – THE LARGEST PAGODA IN DAK LAK PROVINCE
Built in 1951, Khai Doan pagoda is the largest Buddhist pagoda in Dak Lak. This is also the first pagoda built in Vietnam Central Highlands and the last one in Vietnam to be honored by Vietnamese feudalism. The name Khai Doan is a combination of King Khai Dinh and his wife – queen Doan Huy Hoang. The pagoda has the shape of a Chinese letter – “san”, with a triple gate in front of the pagoda, the main hall in the middle, and the ancestral hall at the rear. The Guanyin Hall was constructed separately from the pagoda main structure, and has six sides featuring cloud and dragon decorated pillars. The main hall has an area of 320 square metres, divided into two parts: the front half is built in the longhouse-style architecture of the Central Highlands combined with the poles of Vietnamese ancient house; while the back half has a modern style.
Top tips: Address: 89A Phan Boi Chau Street, Thong Nhat Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City.
Must see: Historical destination – Lac Giao Communal House (67 Phan Boi Chau), about 300metres from the pagoda.
Cuisine: Vegetarian bread (153 Phan Boi Chau Str.), Mrs. Huong Noodles (3 Mac Thi Buoi Str.), Duc Tin Vegetarian food (4 Tran Binh Trong Str.), Bang Khuang Coffee (176 Phan Boi Chau Str.), etc.
8. DAK LAK PROVINCIAL MUSEUM – A PLACE TO PRESERVE THE HISTORICAL AND HUMAN VALUES OF DAK LAK
Located at 12 Le Duan Street, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Provincial Museum displays the cultural heritage and human life of Dak Lak Province.The museum consists of two floors, and the majority of the artifacts are displayed on the second floor with 3 separate rooms. Room 1 exhibits the artifacts and pictures introducing the natural characteristics of Dak Lak as well as the culture of two ethnic minorities named: the Rade and M’nong. Room 2 displays pictures and artifacts about the resistance of the Dak Lak people against French colonialists and American imperialism. Room 3 shows displays pictures of the economic production of the Dak Lak people after the Liberation of Saigon, and the biodiversity in eco-system of the Central Highlands region.
Must see: Near the museum, there are some attractions like Bao Dai Private Palace, Uncle Ho with Central Highlands’ Children Memorial.
Cuisine: Café Cafeteria, Café Dak Lak Museum (inside the museum), Mrs.Thured vermicelli (Phan Dinh Giot – Le Hong Phong), Guitar Club (50 Ho Tung Mau), Container Café (Bui Huu Nghia Street), etc.
