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

Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi organises 9th Thailand Festival 2017

During 30^th September – 1^st October 2017, the Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi together with Thai private sector and Thai Community in Vietnam will organise the “9th Thai Festival in Hanoi” in Thong Nhat Park, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Entrance.
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The purpose of this Festival is to strengthen Thailand-Vietnam bilateral relations, especially at people-to-people level. It also aims at promoting Thailand in every aspects through Thai delectable national cuisine from various parts of Thailand, finest local products and Thai tourism information center.

With over 70 exhibitors and performers coming from Thailand to participate in this remarkable Festival, the event featured a myriad of activities including lively music from Sakon Nakhon Province, modern and traditional Thai performance by Sbunnga Dance Troupe from Chiang Mai Province, Mini Concert by the Thai Popular Singers (Palaphol Pholkongseng and Bell Supol) , Muaythai boxing, Thai cooking demonstration by Thai food experts and lucky draw winning amazing prizes such as motorcycles, return air tickets to Bangkok by Thai Airways and Air Asia, hotel vouchers, electric appliances, gold necklaces etc. on both days.

All proceeds of this event after deduction of costs will be donated to the National Fund for Vietnamese Children which is a Vietnamese Government Agency with an aim to mobilise resources to support Vietnamese impoverished children.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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.