Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 144 of 195

3 fantastic resorts for exceptional vacations to tropical beaches

World-class service, unique architecture, and the perfect location are the reason why you have to list those resort into your bucket list to enjoy the beautiful sun-drenched tropical beaches.

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1. FUSION RESORT PHU QUOC – BREAKING THE MOULD

Occupying a 20-hectare plot within the private bay of Cua Can, Vung Bau, in the North of Phu Quoc, Fusion Resort Phu Quoc is the first wellness-inspired resort on this emerald isle with both beach and riverfront private pool villas.Much like the design and layout of this elegant beachfront property situated on Vietnam’s famous tropical island hideaway, Fusion Resort Phu Quoc’s staff are warm, welcoming, and extremely down-to-earth. Smiles are both plentiful and genuine as they meet and greet their guests like new members of the Fusion family.

Fronting the resort’s guest-relations team are the so-called Fusionistas, a friendly and energetic bunch whose main job is to turn your vacation into one-of-a-kind personalised experience. Brimming with equal measures of hugs, high-fives, and locals-only knowledge, they are at the heart of what separates Fusion from the fuss and formalities of traditional five-star resorts and hotels.

“Your Fusionista is there to guide and support you for the entire duration of your stay,” says Fernando Arroyo, the resort’s General Manager. “They’re warmer and friendlier than a butler, but also much more creative than a concierge. So, whether you want to organise a private tour of one of Phu Quoc’s famous black pepper farms, for example or if you want to arrange a seafood barbecue on the beach one evening, or if you simply want some insider information on the local area, your Fusionista will be happy to help.” With 97 spacious contemporary yet rustic thatched villas, all with private pools, outdoor lounging and dining areas, and many with beach or river view, this low-lying resort provides a revitalising natural environment amid the pristine vibes of a peaceful fishing culture.

As with the brand’s other resorts, their latest opening, proudly offers Fusion’s unique “all-spa inclusive” service, guaranteeing each guest at least two ‘spa journeys’ per day at no extra cost. Built around a lush pepper orchard and featuring its own adults-only pool, simply strolling through the peaceful grounds of this elegant spa facility is enough to send you into a blissful, lemongrass-infused daydream. There’re also daily yoga, meditation, and tai chi lessons, plus a modern fitness centre and personal trainer service. “Vacations are a great time to relax,” says Fernando, “but they’re also the perfect opportunity to get fit, get healthy, and shake off the excesses of modern life.”

After a swim, a workout, or a nutritious breakfast on the beach, the toughest decision at Fusion Resort Phu Quoc is whether to stay glued to the swaying rope lounger outside your villa—with a book in one hand and a freshly pressed fruit juice in the other—or head to the spa and get their signature Natural Living Pepper massage, featuring Swedish massage techniques and Fusion’s homemade black pepper oil.

Through the brand’s original, wellness-inspired ideas and concepts, each executed in a sensible, logical, and often playful way, Fusion Resort Phu Quoc presents the modern traveller with a feeling of true openness, an opportunity to bring balance to the body and mind in a quiet, secluded, and thoroughly reenergising natural environment, right at the water’s edge.

FUSION RESORT PHU QUOC

Address: Vung Bau Bay, Cua Can Village, Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province
Phone: (+84) 297 3690 000
Email: info@fusionresortphuquoc.com
Web: www.fusionresortphuquoc.com

2. SUNRISE PREMIUM RESORT HOI AN – A PELLUCID DAWN ON CUA DAI BEACH

If the ancient yet splendid, simple yet poetic beauty of Hoi An is the reason you travelled to this charming place, then gentle moments admiring the sunrise on Cua Dai Beach or enjoying fresh seafood by the blue swimming pool with a view of the Cham Island will be sweet experiences that will make you want to extend stay. Just a 10-minute drive from Hoi An’s Ancient Town, Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An is a tranquil and pellucid oasis, promising to provide the most pleasant journey of heritage discovery.

A day in Hoi An is bound to be perfect; stroll along small streets to admire the ancient structures of various Asian and European cultures nestled along the romantic Hoai River, smell the scent of agar wood filling the air, or buy embroidered items and silk as gifts for family and friends. A day in Hoi An is bound to be refreshing; relax by the swimming pool and bath in the blazing sunshine, while the panoramic view of Cua Dai Beach reflects in your eyes and enjoy the authentic oceanic flavours at The Pool House Restaurant.

A day in Hoi An is bound to be inspirational; admire the colourful coral reefs and small fish in the sea around Cham Island, then tuck into a meal on the sandy beach of the island under the cool coconut palm shade. And a day in Hoi An is bound to be interesting; sunbathe on the pure white sand and let your skin soak in the warm water of the sea, or let go at Bliss Spa before reenergising with an impressive meal served on a hot stone plate at Spice Garden.

Be amazed by the gorgeous beauty of Hoi An at night with its thousands of colourful lanterns as well as the professional skills of the chef at Show Kitchen featuring Italian cuisine before enjoying the best cocktails at The Lounge Restaurant.Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An is a place where you can enrich your heritage discovery in a manner that is not only poetic and antique, but also memorable and fun-filled. It is an ideal place for an awakening of all your senses and to rejuvenate yourself for the next journey.

SUNRISE PREMIUM RESORT HOI AN

Address: Cua Dai Beach, Au Co street, Hoi An City
Phone: +84 235 3937 777
Web: http://sunrisehoian.vn/

3. PULLMAN VŨNG TÀU – A SWEET GETAWAY

When we are caught up in the noise and high-pressure of urban life, our energy level is always exhausted and it’s time we need to find a peaceful getaway. Just two hours drive from Saigon, the tranquil oasis of Pullman Vung Tau welcomes visitors with its impressive architecture on a white sandy beach and a sunny lounge space.

Leaving all the chaos of urban life behind, when stepping inside the hotel, visitors are bound to be fascinated by the elegant Asian-inspired architecture. The contemporary style features of the innovative decor and colour schemes create a huge source of positive energy for visitors. There are delightful details waiting to be discovered like Vietnamese conical hats, or handmade bamboo and rattan furniture harmoniously merging with the aesthetic of a modern and luxurious space of a 5 star international hotel. With artistic details in both interior and exterior design capturing Pullman’s spirit, Pullman Vung Tau offers a comfortable, relaxed and classy living space.

Just a few minutes walk from the hotel you can relax and immerse yourself in warm and clear blue waters. Reawaken all your senses at a flavourful party at the Riviera Restaurant with its open kitchen, or let your emotions flow along with melodious tunes and rich flavours of cocktails and interesting variations of the Tapas at the Corniche Ultra Lounge, to suddenly realise how long it has been since you slowed down to enjoy a colourful and fulfilling life experience.

To satisfy even the busiest visitors, Pullman Vung Tau has designed convenient and ultra-modern meeting spaces, offering performance-oriented amenities with three meeting rooms. Phu Quoc is a sunny room with a capacity of 100 guests, Hue offers a wide range of selections for small meetings and banquets, and the Sapa is ideal for board meetings with a capacity of up to 11 people. 10 break out rooms with 2,056 sqm of flexible spaces catering up to 2,500 delegates along with 1,385 sqm pre-function space, a lush garden and fountains for open-air ceremonies under the operation of dedicated event specialists will ensure you a time to remember even for a great indoor conference or a vibrant outdoor wedding.

PULLMAN VUNG TAU

Address: 15 Thi Sach Street, Thang Tam Ward, Vung Tau City
Phone: +84 254 355 1777
Web: www.pullmanvungtau.com

Wanderlust Tips

5 masterpieces on the ocean

Travel on water has long been a wonderful and novel experience. Instead of sitting in the restricted space of an airplane, train or car, you can float on the water and take a deep breath of the sea breeze. And surrounding you is blue water and the vast sky.
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1. STAR – A WONDER ON THE SEA

Inspired by a maddening idea, the architect Ignor Lobanov turned a utopian project into a reality when constructing the Star – a super unique yacht with structures far beyond human imagination. It can be said that the Star’s design is not like any previous yachts, it was designed to resemble an iceberg floating on the water. The Star was also inspired by stars, so from another perspective, the Star looks like the perfect reflection of a star on the water.

The Star can be used as a private yacht or a floating hotel with capacity for 200 guests during the day and 36 overnight guests. On the yacht there is a helicopter landing pad, underwater observation deck and four elevators leading to the eight main decks. With nearly 3,500 square metres of luxury resort space, the Star can reach speeds of 18 knots.

The highest deck of the yacht has a view of 20 kilometres. The unique design also allows the yacht to easily change direction without being constrained by conventional anchors.With such outstanding features, the price of a Star yacht is not cheap at about 400 million Euros (more than 10,000 billion Vietnamese Dong).

2. GRANTURISMO 40 A BREAKTHROUGH IN THE WORLD OF SPORT CRUISES

“Elegant, perfectly organised interior and luxurious style,” is what people say about the Gran Turismo line built by the world-famous Bénéteau Group. The most prominent among this cruise line is the Gran Turismo 40 – the boat impressing yacht enthusiast with its perfect balance between strong sporty temperament and practical features that make life on board easy and luxurious. To create this novel variation, Bénéteau Group has cooperated with well-known designers Nuvolari and Lenard – who created the best sport cruise of the same class.

With the talents of these two well-known designers, the Gran Turismo 40 offers as much pleasure to the eye as it brings to all the senses and sailing. A streamlined hull and a hardtop with carefully designed side glazing accentuate elegant lines. With her central driving console and the latest generation of Air Step hull, she offers excellent sensations and safety when travelling at up to 65km/h. The Volvo Z Drive engine makes this new motorboat particularly manoeuvrable.

Also, the Gran Turismo 40 has a hardtop, which can be pushed right back. The electrically powered side glazing means that the ultra-spacious cockpit can be freed totally to accommodate up to twelve people. The conversion of the cockpit seating into immense sun-loungers increases the boat’s relaxation space further, adding to the boat’s already generous 4m2 sunbeds with adjustable backrests on the fore deck. The layout of the lower deck provides a feeling of space, which has never been seen before on a boat of this size, with her two cabins, and a bathroom with separate shower.

The Gran Turismo 40 will fascinate anyone with the most unique and groundbreaking details, offering the ultimate experience for anyone who owns or has a journey on this classy cruise. Tam Son Yachting exclusively imports Bénéteau Group’s Gran Turismo to Vietnam.

3. HIMIKO EXPERIENCE A BEAUTIFUL GLASS SPACESHIP

Himiko offers visitors a completely different experience when travelling to Tokyo (Japan). Instead of watching the city with the high buildings and busy streets, you are able to admire a more romantic and spacious Tokyo when floating in the bay.

Himiko Cruiser was designed by the Japanese manga illustrator and cartoonist Leiji Matsumoto. The unique shape of the yacht is based on the shape of a tear with curved windows and floor panels shining at night. Besides the impressive exterior, when walking inside you will feel like travelling in a beautiful glass spaceship. Broadcasts on board are performed by the manga characters Tetsuro Hoshino and Maetel who served on the ship in Reiji Matsumoto’s famous manga ‘Galaxy Express 999’, which gets children and fans of the series extremely excited.

Himiko promises to take visitors on a fascinating, relaxed route around Tokyo. You can take the Asakusa – Odaiba Direct Line lasting 50 minutes for 1,560JPY (~VND311,000) per person. On some special occasions, Himiko is also used for sea journeys taking about 2 hours, which include lunch or dinner so guests can enjoy a delightful meal on the water. The ticket price is JPY6,000-15,000 (~VND1,200,000-3,100,000) per person.

4. ADASTRATHE PINNACLE OF TECHNOLOGY – CONTROLLING A CRUISE BY IPAD

This masterpiece is owned by billionaire Anton Marden, who spent USD15 million to buy Adastra with its 42.5 meter long body, capable of extending beyond 50 metres with a single gesture: touching his iPad’s screen! Looking at this novel super-yacht, many people think it suits the task of flying across the sky rather than surfing on the ocean. The nose of the boat is long and pointed, with two curved wings that are artfully designed, with only a small part of the yacht in contact with the water while it is moving, making it extremely gentle and smooth.

Adastra offers comfortable accommodation for 9 guests and 6 crewmembers. The 16-metre wide body gives the main deck an expanded panoramic view with a living area, dining table and positioning station on the yacht. The stern section has extra seats, a bar and space for a 4.9-metre feeder and a garage right below for another 3.1-metre long feeder. The innovative design and high-tech equipment made Adastra win three major categories at the prestigious yacht design award in Monaco, including the most impressive marine engineering award.

5. MS TURANOR PLANET SOLARSOLAR SUPER-YACHT

Just imagine: you would be thrilled to travel on a solar super-yacht around the world. And this idea came to life with MS Turanor Planet Solar. In 2012, the Turanor cruise began its journey around the world and the trip ended successfully with a stop in London, England.

The name Turanor is based on a word meaning “solar power” in the novel Lord of the Rings by famous author JRR Tolkien.Turanor was designed according to the ideal of a Swiss ecologist named Raphael Domjan. However, New Zealand’s LOMOcean Design provided the technology of the yacht.

This is a catamaran designed to save energy by cutting waves while travelling, rather than riding on the waves. Turanor weighs 8.5 tons, is 31 metres long, 15 metres wide and 7.5 metres high, has 536 square metres photovoltaic panel equivalent to 2 tennis courts. The yacht has an average speed of 7.5 knots, equal to the speed of a tanker.
Turanor’s battery is capable of storing enough power for the yacht to run for 72 hours in the absence of sunlight. The yacht has enough space for 60 people. In contrast to the diesel fuel trains, passengers on MS Turanor Planet Solar do not hear an engine sound. It glides gently across the ocean. The price of this yacht is USD16 million (over VND363 billion).

Worthy to be honoured on this list, MS Turanor Planet Solar has ushered in a new revolution for the use of clean energy, making trips much more meaningful.

Wanderlust Tips

Ty Collins: GM of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay

Mr Ty Collins – GM of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay – shared with wanderlust tips his optimistic opinions about the tourist potential of phu quoc in particular and vietnam in general formed while working for the first five star resort on this emerald island.

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Ty Collins has been appointed as General Manager of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay. Having been with Marriott for 22 years, the American-born hotelier has an outstanding background in the hospitality industry. During that time, he took up different positions in different countries such as Thailand, Korea, and India.His most recent role has been as General Manager at JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa from September 2010. During his time in Khao Lak, Ty positioned the resort as one of the best resorts in Thailand and has been recognised with several leadership awards including General Manager of the Year in 2013.

Additionally, Ty served as the Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hyderabad and Executive Board Member AMCHAM India and Chairman of the Thailand Business Council.

What can you say about the development potential of tourism in Vietnam in general and Phu Quoc in particular?

I can see from my experience, that there are continuous efforts in Vietnam to compete at an international level with all the famous destinations in the world, proven by the development of Danang, Halong Bay and others.Vietnam’s government continues to encourage investment in the country’s burgeoning tourism industry, which plays an important role in enhancing infrastructure and human resources as well as entertainment facilities. Generally speaking, all the efforts aim to help people enjoy different and interesting aspects of Vietnam.

I can see that development is moving South to Phu Quoc and the advantage that Phu Quoc has, compared to the rest of Vietnam, is the destination is in the South which means guests can enjoy a pleasant escape from winter, especially people from the Northern countries. This also means that Phu Quoc is able to compete with other top-listed tropical beach paradises such as Bali, Phuket and Koh Samui.

With its great location, 45 kilometres off the Southern coast of Vietnam, and only a 40-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, this island has been blessed with rich marine life and is home to unique traditions and is full of wonders for curious explorers.

As the Kien Giang UNESCO world biosphere reserve, Phu Quoc Island is rich with natural resources. There are wondrous arrays of authentic charms and untapped potential that this island has to offer.

What has JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay been doing to contribute to the sustainable development of this beautiful island?

As is evident, Phu Quoc’s development is in its early stage. Its beautiful natural resources, natural parks, beaches and mountainside is one of the best new destinations in Asia and that will require sustainable development by all key stakeholders to make it successful for the next 20-30 years.

From a commercial point of view, Phu Quoc’s long-term development depends on the sustainable strategies of both the local authorities and the developers. I think there needs to be a collaborative development plan with all developers and government to ensure that Phu Quoc develops in a way that maintains beauty and sustainability and improves the cleanliness and natural beauty of the destination.

Marriott’s “Spirit to Serve” has as its goal the improvement of the quality of any community we are in, by creating jobs, sustainable development and demonstrate a sincere commitment to the community. Therefore I believe that the presence of JW Phu Quoc will contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the island as well, especially in the Southern part of the island.

Located in a dream destination of Vietnam, what are the most unique points of this resort, which makes it so popular and trendy now?

As you can see, we target affluent guests seeking for a luxurious experience, however are not limited to luxury. The resort welcomes curious travellers who are looking for a destination with unique stories. That is exactly what JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay offers.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay’s design narrative was developed around the concept of a mythical academy of learning, honouring French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck who laid the groundwork for Darwin’s theory of evolution. As the story goes, Lamarck University was the intellectual and educational pinnacle of Bai Khem in the early 1900’s and attended by the island’s French colonists before finally closing in the 1940’s. The talented Bill Bensley has translated the story from words into the language of architecture. His vision is to make the resort become a place where guests leave inspired. And we have proof to show he achieved that.

An evolution in the architectural style ensures that the resort feels like a collection of individual boutique hotels, rather than a large resort, and each building is modelled after an academic department. Buildings reflect early 20th century style and embrace the traditions of French colonial architecture. Every detail, down to the decorative elements and associates’ uniforms, have been carefully crafted and considered by Bensley to reinforce the resort’s overarching theme.

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback, a native dog breed, is the mascot of the hotel and design details reflecting the mascot can be seen in various areas of the property.The emerald colour of the ocean paints a perfect backdrop to the palate on which the architecture thrives.

Among the JW Marriott property, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is taking the exceptional stay experience to new heights with its unique design concept in which meticulously sourced original art, antiques, curios and artifacts lend a whimsical air which blends harmoniously with modern comfort and JW world-class service.

What are the exclusive excursions you suggest for the resort’s guests?

Based around the fictional university’s departments JW Marriott offers immersive field trips including, but not limited to:

♦ Cartography: Discover the hidden waterways of Phu Quoc’s National Park via kayak and explore beneath the enchanting rainforest canopy.

♦ Artisan Fishing: Heading out to the Southern side of Phu Quoc guests are taught techniques that are hundreds of years old with the aim of mastering the delicate art of Vietnamese artisan fishing (and successfully catching their own dinner!)

♦ Bicycle to Ho Quoc pagoda : A timetable of ‘extra-curricular activities’ is as extensive as you’d expect from a real university, with Vietnamese language lessons; French pastry making classes; stand-up-paddleboard yoga; lantern making classes and traditional Vietnamese cooking lessons being just some of the activities the whole family can enjoy. For kids who love the outdoors, the pristine white sands of the ‘ice cream beach’ provide the opportunity to snorkel among teeming coral reefs or kayak along the rugged coastline. Landlubbers can rent bikes and head off on an adventure to the

An Thoi open market, Coconut prison, or Ho Quoc Pagoda, or simply take in the charms of this palm-fringed island. Back at the resort there’s a games room complete with table tennis, a pool table and more board games than time to play them, perfect for families with a competitive spirit!

♦ Coconut Prison: Joining a guide on a short bike ride to Coconut Prison guests will have an opportunity to delve into the dark side of this beautiful island’s history

What kind of recreation activities can guests enjoy at the resort?

Beside the above-mentioned excursions, guests can also enjoy plenty of recreational activities at our resort from lantern making class, cooking class, hydro fit, boot camp or surfing yoga, beer yoga… at Sunrise, every guest will find some activities suited to their lifestyle.

For those who are seeking a more leisurely pace, guest can lounge at the resort’s private beach or one of the property’s 3 outdoor pools: Sea, Sand and Shell Pool.

At its very own peaceful sanctuary, Spa by JW, with 8 treatment rooms, spa lovers can enjoy an extensive range of exquisite spa treatments, including massages and body and salon services that combine the best of Eastern and Western traditions.For those looking for immersive gastronomic experiences guests can take part in mixology classes in the Department of Chemistry; learn the secret art of pastry in a lesson at the French and Co Brasserie; explore Pink Pearl’s wine cellar during an Oenology master class; or indulge in a Vietnamese cooking classes.

What are your challenges as GM of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay in Vietnam?

From what we’ve seen and experienced here in Phu Quoc, it is challenging to hire and maintain human resources due to the small local population of the island. Therefore we have to be extra diligent in training, team building, and long term development of our associates to keep them engaged. It is not an overnight task to fulfil but I believe that it brings mutual benefits to both the local community and our guests who love to explore the local culture and people.

Thank you for joining us inAugust issue and we wish you a great time ahead with JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay.

Hong Nhung | Wanderlust Tips

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Dining etiquette in different countries

Each country has different cultural and customary features. If invited to have meal with local families or friends, the tips below will help you not become an impolite person at the table.
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Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

The ultimate gastronomic adventure at Resorts World Sentosa

At the great food festival, you’ll be wowed by colourful cuisine from the world over. Learn from the best chefs. Taste delightful dishes of art. And explore the expanse of the world’s culinary landscape. Beyond the festival, you may even be dining underwater in the resort.

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For food lovers, there is no other place to be but Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore on 21st to 24th September 2017. For these four days, the biggest gathering of international culinary stars will be at ‘The GREAT Food Festival’, including 30 movers and shakers of the culinary world.

Brought together by Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore’s most Michelin-starred destination, and Savour Events, the international gourmet festival curator best-known for SAVOUR, the festival’s five segments will let you in to an epic multisensorial adventure that will sate the appetite and demands of any gourmand.

Discerning foodies may want to start with over 50 dishes created and curated by Michelin chefs at the ‘Star Chef Arena’ and the heritage-inspired bites from over 10 countries at ‘Heritage Lane’, before ending with a breath-taking spread of desserts and pastries at ‘Rollin’ Sweet Times’. For those who prefer an elaborate sit-down experience, there’s none better than an extravagant medieval banquet at ‘Feast of Kings’, or a four-hands dinner at the ‘Connoisseur Collection’. Gourmands who are chefs themselves would certainly want to sit in and get hands on in the masterclasses by select chefs.

For a breather from the festival, head over to CURATE, Resorts World Sentosa’s Michelin-starred chef showcase restaurant. When it hosts ‘Art at Curate’, a quarterly curated culinary pop-up event held in partnership with Michelin Guide Singapore and Robert Parker Wine Advocate, diners will get to meet invited international chefs and partake in their culinary talents. Other times, it boasts a menu of inventive creations which challenge, tease and cajole your senses.

To get away from the bustle, you’ll love Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora. Located inside S.E.A. Aquarium, it is the only place in Singapore offering guests a chance to indulge in delectable cuisine and enjoy a tranquil evening of watching fishes, rays and sharks swim by in one of the world’s largest aquarium with more than 100,000 marine animals.

Wanderlust Tips

09 reasons to go on a road trip to explore Malaysia

Driving a car across a country is an extremely interesting experience, which i did not think i would have the chance to enjoy in a country where travel and public transport services are as convenient as in malaysia. But fate had me on a five-day road trip through malaysia to find the beautiful treasures of this country and create wonderful memories. If you are thinking of exploring this tropical paradise, consult these 9 strikingly delightful things that i learned on my own memorable road trip through malaysia.

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1. FREEDOM OF SELF

Driving a car will give you a more authentic experiences, you can wander through plenty of the narrow alleys of this country without worrying about keeping pace with a tour group. In addition, the feeling of driving on the left is quite exciting as in Vietnam we drive on the right. Of course, a car can carry four people so the expense for the trip would reduce significantly if you take some friends. You can freely wander on the hills of Cameron or Old Town in Penang or take a stroll in Melaka (once called Malacca) because time is yours. You have full control over your own schedule which is designed by you for you.

2. CAR RENTAL, PETROL, ROAD TAX ARE CHEAP

Malaysia’s transportation system is so developed that with a map or GPS system you can comfortably drive yourself without stopping to ask for directions. The current petrol price in Malaysia is only about VND10,000 for RON97(at present in Vietnam RON95 is over VND17,000). This means that if you drive a car like the Toyota Vios with an average highway fuel consumption of only 6L/100km, you only pay VND60,000 for the petrol on this 100-kilometre journey.

The road tax in Malaysia is also very cheap, I drove 250 kilometres from Putrajaya to Ipoh, but only paid about 30 Ringgit (VND150,000) for the toll, meaning I paid just VND600 per kilometre. Currently, road tax for expressways in Vietnam is from VND1,000 to VND2,000 per kilometre. In addition, most sections on the North-South expressway of Malaysia have 8 to 10 lanes, just a few sections have 6 lanes. Motorcycles can also drive on the expressway. So it’s easy and economical to explore Malaysia by car or motorbike.

3. EVERYTHING IS VERY CLEAN

Everything in Malaysia is very clean, from the highway to the allies in the countryside. We drove all day long in the heavy rain, but when we got out of the car, we did not see any mud sticking to the car, it was as if we just went to a car wash rather than driving in the rain. Driving the car for days, the tires were still clean and the body of the car was not dusty. Even the guardrails on the highway are very clean, which shows that roads and vehicles emit very little dust into the environment. The streets in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Ipoh are neat and clean and lined with urban forests. These are fresh cities without noise, smoke and dust, unlike other industrialised cities I have seen.

4. HIGHWAY REST STOPS ARE LIKE HOTELS

There are many Rest & Relax Areas on the North-South expressway. It’s usually a complex of restaurants, toilets, petrol stations, motels, shopping counters and supermarkets and all of them are very clean and neat. When going to the toilet area, you may get lost if not being careful, because it is quite large. Public restrooms at rest stops are usually divided into 3 separate areas, one for Muslims with clean showers, faucets, sinks and toilet pedestal, one for men and the other for women. All of them would make you feel like you are using a restroom at a 4 – 5 star hotel rather than a rest stop. And although they are clean and nice, this public service is completely free.

5. EVERYTHING IS AUTOMATIC

Malaysia’s tollbooths are very large and automated. You buy a card with the value of a certain amount of money (like a phone card), then when coming to a tollbooth you just need to swipe the card, the barrier will automatically open, and at the same time the toll charges and the amount left appear on the screen. I almost never saw any staff at a tollbooth like you do in Vietnam. Even at gas stations along the roads, you can use swipe cards, choose the amount and pump the petrol yourself or you have to go to the counters and give cash to the staff and they will fill in the number of litres, but you also have to pump the petrol yourself. This means that a petrol station with dozens of machines requires only 2-3 operators.

6. THE ROAD IS VERY QUIET

Unlike Vietnam, vehicle users in Malaysia rarely honk their horns. It would not be surprising if in 10 days of crossing the country you do not hear a horn. Because to the people of this country, honking is something very horrible and impolite. The speed on the highway is quite fast, the vehicles drive very close together and turn into other lanes continuously but I did not hear any horns. If you walk across the road, they are ready to stop the car and wait for you to pass.

7. THE ROAD SIGNS GIVE INSTRUCTIONS VERY CLEARLY

The system of signage in Malaysia is very detailed and clear, which is always useful for those who love driving to explore this beautiful country. Most of the signs are in accordance with international standards, so it is easy to understand, as many of them are similar to signs in Vietnam, others just differ in colour. Also, during the days wandering in Malaysia, we encountered very few traffic police, even at the intersection we rarely saw any, everyone drives in accordance with the traffic lights. On the highway, there is only one patrol car on nearly 300-kilometres of road. Unlike Vietnam, on each 50-kilometre section of the expressway, there is one traffic police station.

8. THE CLIMATE IS FAVOURABLE

Malaysian climate is like Saigon, there are 2 seasons: rainy season and dry season, average temperature is from 24oC – 35oC. However, the sun here is not too harsh, the weather is windy and there are many forests around the city and on the highway (palm trees, coconut and rubber trees), so the climate is very pleasurable, but at night if it rains you may feel slightly cold. Here, you can freely open the door and enjoy the fresh air.

9. THERE ARE TOO MANY PLACES TO HANG OUT

The total land area of Malaysia is equivalent to Vietnam’s, but this country is split into two regions by the sea: West Malaysia and East Malaysia, its population is just over 30 million people. The landscape is quite diverse with jungles, rivers, seas, waterfalls and caves. Malaysia is also a multicultural, multi-ethnic country so you can explore the many temples, caves or customs of each ethnic group in this country. Of course, Malaysia also has many specialties and tropical fruit for you to indulge in. From the capital Kuala Lumpur you can drive all the way South to Singapore, or to the North to Thailand with a lot of famous tourist attractions.

Malaysians are very friendly and generous, and the most wonderful thing is that they can speak many languages including English, so you do not have to worry too much about the communication with locals.

Tran Giap | Wanderlust Tips

The Garden of Eden

The fresh breath of summer is permeating on all the garden trails, early morning mist lingers and the blooming and innocent beauty of a young woman dressed in the feminine designs of No Model appears dreamy and pellucid, yet modern and elegant, attracting all glances.

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The “Garden of Eden” photo set is like the rippling groove of a bell taking us on a journey of gentle and fragile emotions. Accompanying the journey is a woman of shy and innocent beauty like a budding briar bud. Although only established at the end of 2016, the high-class domestic fashion brand No Model is a favourite with fashion lovers and has captured all their attention.

Not pursuing any current market trends, No Model’s fashion always appears to be youthful and innocent, creating its own trend, being various in design but unified in a Vietnamese sense of fashion. The designs of No Model – whether for men or women – are full of creativity, personality, luxury and elegance in both look and material.

Photographer: HOANG DANG
Make-up & Hair: MONICA THACH THAO
Stylist: HUYEN GIN
Model: KY DUYEN
Costume: NO MODEL

Wanderlust Tips

Fashion collection: A curious wanderer

William Arthur Ward said: “Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.” A bit of boldness, effervescence, and curiosity along with a lot of enthusiasm is the driving force for young people to start their own inspiring journey to explore our wonderful world.

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A passion for learning, a desire to experience novel things and the challenge of ones own limitations coincidentally are also the elements that combine to make the soul of the architectural masterpiece Bill Watson created for JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay – a structure simulating a fictional university named Lamarck University.

The backdrop of the architectural masterpiece Bill Bensley created is the beautiful Khem Beach and Kenzo’s designs add youthfulness, boldness, and durability in black, grey and white and geometrical tiger, graphic and diamond patterns on delicate and sturdy knitting fabric.

The talented Bill Bensley has translated the story that inspired the design from words into the enchanting language of architecture. And to complement the emerald-coloured sea and the lush surrounding landscape, Bensley picked a palate of warming reds, turquoise, blues and greens for the interiors.

Custom-designed furniture in dark timber and patterned flooring further elevate the sense of comfort and luxury in the rooms. All accommodation is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and spacious bathrooms with a pair of vanity basins and lavish amenities.

Photographer: HOANG DANG
Make-up: BIN NGUYEN
Hair: MONICA THACH THAO
Stylist: HUYEN GIN
Model: MINH TU – TOP 2 ASIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL
Costume: KENZO
Location: JW MARRIOTT PHU QUOC EMERALD BAY (VIETNAM)

Wanderlust Tips

Viva Mexico is back at Hotel Nikko Saigon

On the occasion of celebrating Mexican National Day 16^thSeptember 1821 – 16^thSeptember 2017, Nikko Saigon Hotel is delighted to host the Viva Mexico food festival at La Brasserie from 11^th – 17^th September 2017 with an epic buffet dinner features the rich and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine.

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In partnership with Embassy of Mexico and inspired by the hotel’s talented native Mexican Executive Chef, Viva Mexico has been an annual successful food promotion held at Hotel Nikko Saigon since 2012.

Mexican cuisine is elaborate and often tied to symbolism and festivals, one reason it was named as an example of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Many of the foods of Mexico are complicated because of their relation to the social structure of the country. Food preparation, especially for family and social events, is considered to be an investment in order to maintain social relationships. Even the idea of flavor is considered to be social, with meals prepared for certain dinners and certain occasions when they are considered the most tasty.

With the slogan “No time to siesta. It’s time to fiesta!”, La Brasserie restaurant will bring guests an exceptional gastronomic fiesta as an exciting adventure to one of the world’s best culinary destinations. A wide selection of fantastic Mexican favourites and drinks will be presented along with the endless flow of premium seafood.

Typical Mexican delicacies includes: Lamb Barbacoa, Lobster with Chipotle, Pozole, Fresh Marinated Grouper, Guacamole with fried totopos, Iberian Belota, Boqueron, Quesadilla, Enchiladas, Tostadas, Carne Asada, Tamales, Empanada, Tacos Al Pastor, Cactus Salad with Tomato Salsa, Pastel de Tres Leches, Polvorones de Canela etc.

La Brasserie, 6:00pm – 22:30pm, price: VND 1,200,000++ per person. Including free flow of Tequila, Margarita Cocktail (Classic, Strawberry), Pina Colada in coconut, Sangria, Fruit Punch, house wine, beer, soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee.

La Brasserie, Level 2 Hotel Nikko Saigon

Phone: (08) 3929 5520
Email: dining@hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Ly Son: Hot volcanic island

‘Ly Son’ should be the name of a mountain. Why would an island nestled amidst the sea have the name of a mountain? The name ‘Ly Son’ suggests that there is something distinct about this increasingly popular island – Ly Son not only has blue sea, white sand and sunshine. Ly Son is also Vietnam’s only island formed by a five-crater volcano 25-30 million years ago. In the past, when fishermen saw this island from a distance, it looked like a range of five mountains rising up from the sea, and because the sea and oceans are measured in nautical miles, they called this island Ly (meaning nautical mile) Son (meaning mountain).

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STONE MASTERPIECE
Up on getting to the island by boat, I understood why ‘nautical mile’ is an important part of the name of this island. The distance from the nearest port, which is Sa Ky, to Ly Son is 15 nautical miles (28 kilometres). When the boat started to cleave the waves, we wished that the distance were only 1-2 nautical miles.

The entire 75 minutes on board turned passengers into acrobats. But unfortunately, we are not circus performers aside from being able to juggle. The waves here are really big, bigger than waves in Co To. You should listen to music so that you do not hear the sound from the stomachs of the people around you.

My friend who has travelled a lot by boat recommended I lie down on a chair. The balance gained that way prevents you from feeling dizzy. However, there was a side effect that only came when we went to bed: the bed seemed to turn into a ship and I felt light-headed again.

The island here! We were as happy as Robinson or Pi once we started exploring. Although the first impression was not favourable, as the port area is dusty and crowded like a market, my travel instincts told me that beautiful and interesting things rarely appear immediately. Patiently discover and to find it – that is the interesting part of a journey.And we did not have to wait too long. Due to a natural phenomenon, the volcano erupted, spilling its lava, which then encountered air and cold sea-water to create a rare and magnificent sight.

To Vo Gate, a black 2.5-meter-high arch formed by volcanic rock emerges amidst the sea, creating a spectacular view during dawn and sunset. The little rocks scattered around it, are the evidence of a volcanic eruption like the one we witnessed when we first got here. Local people named it ‘To Vo’ because it looks like a beehive. To Vo Gate is similar to the Azure Window, a famous symbol of Malta Island, one of the tourist paradises of the Mediterranean. Azure Window unfortunately collapsed during a strong storm in March, disappointing tourists and locals alike.

Vietnam is fortunate to have such an amazing wonder and there are many people climbing on the gate to capture selfies. Tourists and even brides and grooms wait for a moment to capture beautiful photos. Worried about the Gate, the Department of Culture and Information of Ly Son District recently announced a limit of five people climbing up on the gate at one time. However, no one looks after it, so few people abide by the law. So do hurry to visit To Vo Gate before it collapses due to this storm of visitors.

Besides To Vo Gate, Thoi Loi Mountain, the highest of the five craters is also a special gift of nature to Ly Son. With a height of about 170 metres above sea level, from the mainland, Thoi Loi Mountain looks like the dome of this island. You can easily get to the top of the mountain by walking or by motorbike, but you should be careful because there are some steep slopes.

Once getting to the peak, you can comfortably drop your soul into the white clouds above your head, or the blue carpet of the endless sea below that is decorated with white dots of tiny ships departing for the high sea and the light green border of the water with white sand at its bottom.

We also saw a white strip below – part of Cau Cave at the foot of the mountain. Cau Cave is the result of mountain erosion by wind and waves over the course of millions of years. The white strip we saw is a small sandy beach in front of the cave. The water here is so clear that from the shore I could see the layers of seaweed changing colour from dark to pale green to brown next to blocks of stone – another great place for a selfie with a Fisheye Lens. Swim and dive and you will find yourself lost in the world of clownfish like in the movie ‘Finding Nemo’ with lots of colourful little fish swimming around you. Many people travel to this beautiful place to relax and go fishing, hence it is named Cau (meaning fishing) Cave.

If you come here in the afternoon when the tide is low, you can walk through the cave to get to Hang Pagoda, which is nearby. We arrived in the morning and had to wade through the cave when the tide reached our bellies. Being in the cave is like an adventure, but you should be very careful as there is a multitude of slippery stones below. If you do not want to get wet, you can rent a rowing boat for only VND10,000.

As the name suggests, Hang Pagoda is a temple located in a cave. The pagoda was built by one of the first settlers of this island during the Le Kinh Tong Dynasty (1588-1619). Overlooking the sea, the surroundings and entrance of the temple are cliffs with beautiful stone patterns that create a sculpture made by nature. In this 400-year-old temple, the air is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This is a refuge for people in times of natural disasters or to hide from pirates. At the entrance, there is a small well built to catch the falling groundwater from the cliff. This water is considered sacred as it helped people survive when staying here. Today, visitors to this pagoda often drink a sip of this sacred water for good luck, wealth and to pray to the deity for a male heir. But according to the locals you should not look at the well when you drink as then you may miss the opportunity to become a millionaire.

Although I wanted to drink enough sacred water for all of my future wishes, I decided to go to the next place so as to not miss out on the best moments of the present, like a chance to go to Be Island (Little Island) – a small island near Ly Son said to be a must-see attraction when you come here.

WHERE THE MEDITERRANEAN MEETS HAWAII

Unlike Ly Son, Be Island made us fall in love at first sight. A beautiful small dock is nestled in calm blue water below the coconut trees making this island look as charming as a young girl. We spent so much time at this place just taking photos that people passing by started reminding us that the most beautiful scene was yet to come, so we rushed ahead.

A vehicle looking like the tuk-tuks of Thailand only costs VND10,000 per ride, but we refused because Be Island is very small so it only takes 10 minutes walking through the fields and lush gardens to get to where we wanted to go.
The ‘young girl’ grows into a ‘beautiful woman’ and takes your breath away with a mix of the deep blue colours of the water bringing a Mediterranean feel to the place and white waves and black volcanic cliffs reminiscent of Hawaii. Though some people think Ly Son is like the gentle Maldives of Vietnam, I found it to be hotter and more impressive.

We rented basket boats and went diving to admire coral reefs – a popular activity here. It was an enjoyable experience. The circular shape of the boat requires a very special rowing method, the rider has to stand on his boat and keep the balance while leaning his body to the left and then to the right. It made me understand that the reason men here have very toned bodies is thanks to this daily work-out.

However, the corals here are not very colourful so we went back to the beach to relax, and do a bit of sightseeing. Only when we got hungry did we start thinking of the seafood. The specialties of the area are King crab, lobster, moon snail and sea urchins, as well as popular dishes such as fresh steamed sentinel-crab and steamed squid, which made us happy. Yes, sometimes happiness is that simple.

Now back in Hanoi, whenever I think of Ly Son, a 3-in-1 feeling appears: dizzy (with waves), breath-taking (thinking of its the beauty) and salivating (remembering the seafood).

W.TIPS

TRANSPORTATION

From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, there are daily flights operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Jetstar to the nearest airport, which is Chu Lai in Quang Ngai. Round-trip flight tickets range from VND1.5 million to 3 million per person. You can also fly to Danang and then drive 130 kilometres to Sa Ky Port. Train and bus tickets are cheaper but you have to spend half a day travelling. Sometimes, a flight ticket is even cheaper than a train ticket, so if you are lucky you can get a promotional ticket from VND400,000 to VND600,000 per person.

From Chu Lai Airport, you have to travel 50 kilometres to get to Sa Ky by bus or taxi. Here, you can buy high-speed ship tickets to the island. There are many ships from 7:30am to 3:30pm. If you want everything to follow your schedule, then you should book tickets in advance, especially on weekends or holidays because the tickets often sell out very quickly. You can book tickets by phone with the Port Management Board: (0255) 3626 431 or email: dangky.skg@gmail.com.

To get to Be Island, you have to buy a high-speed boat ticket at Ly Son Port at a price of VND80,000 per person and the ride takes 15-20 minutes.

Travelling on the island: it is best to rent a motorbike or car because the attractions are 5-7 kilometres apart. The price for renting a car is VND150,000-200,000 per day at the hotel or motel.

ACCOMMODATION

Ly Son Island: Muong Thanh 4-star hotel and Ly Son Central 3-star hotel are the two most popular hotels with prices of VND1.2-2 million per night. There are some small hotels and motels from VND200,000 to 300,000 per night like Hoa Bien: 0983867522 (near Thoi Loi Mountain) or near the dock like Tan Tien: 01678344108, Dai Duong: 0977205818 and Minh Tam: (0255) 3867268.

Be Island: There are no hotels here. But there are some homestays, which cost VND200,000-300,000 per night, such as Minh Vy Homestay: 01658768790/01688313631 or Bui Minh Homestay: 01657452175.

EATING

There is a common characteristic for seafood restaurants here, which is that they all offer local specialties in addition to basic dishes. There is a fresh selection of produce for you to choose from. Prices are much cheaper than in other places, like VND600,000 per kilogram of crab or VND800,000 per kilogram of lobster.

SHOPPING

The Ly Son’s specialties you can buy as a gift for family and friends is garlic. Solo garlic is the most expensive as it is a rare type of garlic. Each hectare of land can only yield a harvest of about 1-2 kilograms or at most 5 kilograms of this garlic. And it is considered a precious medicine, which can cure flu, stomachache, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease so it costs from VND800,000 to 1,200,000 per kilogram. The more common garlic comes as type 1 and type 2 with prices from VND50,000-250,000 per kilogram.

HAI AU RESTAURANT

Located in the centre of the island with cool airy space overlooking the sea, this restaurant is suitable for both families thanks to its warm interior and tourist groups as it has a large yard outside. In addition, the restaurant offers services such as organising campfires, events, barbecues, music shows and galas in accordance with individual needs. There is also a karaoke area.
Address: Dong Hamlet, An Vinh, Ly Son. Phone: 094 502 72 53.

PHAT HAI RESTAURANT

The restaurant is located right by the sea. From the wharf, turn right and continue for about 1-1.5 kilometres to get to this restaurant. This is one of the most crowded restaurants on Ly Son and some dishes here are more expensive than at other places.
Address: By the coast, An Vinh, Ly Son.

LONG HIEN RESTAURANT

This is a barbecue seafood restaurant frequented by both Ly Son locals and tourists, located near Ly Son Port. It is recommended to visit the restaurant in the evening because that’s the suitable time to enjoy fresh seafood, caught in the afternoon. And the owner is very friendly.
Address: Tay Hamlet, An Vinh, Ly Son, Quang Ngai. Phone: 0984477600.

HOA BIEN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

The restaurant is in a guesthouse so it is very convenient for the guests and the seafood is varied and fresh.
Address: Dong Hamlet, An Vinh, Ly Son, Quang Ngai. Phone: 0983867522.

Le Diem | Wanderlust Tips