Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 149 of 196

Mad cow wine & grill – Pullman Saigon Centre

Set to change the face of Vietnam’s hospitality scene, Mad Cow Wine & Grill will open in August 2017 as the newest outlet in Saigon to offer amazing grilled steaks and seafood, and to present a great selection of madly priced wines.

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“The Pullman Saigon is one of Vietnam’s leading lifestyle hotels, quite unlike any conventional hotel, and Mad Cow is Pullman’s new daring and cool dining experience, entirely different from your usual hotel restaurant,” says Tony Chisholm, the General Manager.

Pullman Saigon has come up with a smart concept and provided something with a strong vivid name, look and feel; something new, fun and accessible in the city. The restaurant and bar scene in Ho Chi Minh City has changed dramatically over the last five years. And while standalone restaurants have not improved a great deal, they have become more creative, introducing clever interior design concepts. If hotels want to enjoy their fair share of the restaurant market, they will need to reinvent themselves. That’s why Pullman Saigon has thought like restaurateurs to provide an experience that is straightforward, outstanding and authentic.

Mad Cow Wine & Grill combines the feel of an edgy grill with the casual tone of an urban wine bar to create a stylish, laid-back atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal on the 30th floor of the award winning 5 star Hotel Pullman Saigon Centre and look out over vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Mad Cow’s expert culinary team brings each cut of meat to flavorful perfection on handmade charcoal grill. Aside from grilled delights, Pullman Saigon offers delicious tapas – sourced locally and created fresh every day. Mad Cow signature dishes are Grass Fed Angus Beef Tartar – served tableside, Lamb Gnocchi, BBQ Whole Seabass, Black Angus Beef Rib and the signature Mad Beef Burger Maddie, Mad Highland Cow is fresh on the scene and excited to meet and mingle. Maddie brings hand-picked, fine wines to every gathering and thinks life is too short to be taken all that seriously. Young at heart and quick-witted, Maddie doesn’t mess around when it comes to single source, quality beef as well as free-range and, where possible, organic pork, poultry and fish. In addition, Maddie is the perfect host, guaranteeing a great night out, be it with colleagues at the bar, friends at the Cellar Door evenings, your family for a sit-down dinner, or all by yourself for a damn-good steak.

The menu is just right for steak aficionados. Pullman Saigon works closely with a single-origin Mulwarra farm in Australia, to bring the finest chilled beef all the way from paddock to plate. Mulwarra free range grass fed beef and wagyu beef are sourced from Australia’s premier cattle regions in the eastern states of Victoria and New South Wales. Mad Cow endeavors to be the customers’ first choice for Australian beef, wagyu beef, veal and lamb.

Grilled seafood. Chef Danny Grimshaw and team will flame-grill contemporary seafood cuisine, playfully balanced with Vietnamese accents. Guests can select from Signature Seafood dishes including fresh lobsters, oysters and prawns or choose from the à la carte menu.

The wine list is second to none – it is the city’s most accessibly priced collection of hand-picked favorites from around the world. There are more than fifty labels to choose from – including ten labels by the glass – at the same price you’d pay in a wine shop.

Mood is everything – from lighting and music to carefully arranged seating for every occasion. With shared high tables, a sociable u-shaped bar, and an exclusive private room, guests will always find the mood for the moment, whether they travel alone or move with a crowd.

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8 must-see places in Binh Thuan in the evening

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

[rpi] 1. STROLLING DOWN TRAVELLERS’ STREET – VIBRANT AND SAFE SERVICE AREA

Although Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street (Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City) is small, on its right side, there is a clear blue beach with resorts and luxury hotels close together. On the left, there are plenty of food business establishments, mini supermarkets, souvenir shops, fashion boutiques, art galleries, manicure parlours, massage spas, laundrettes and bicycle, motorbike rentals and sports equipment renal.

♦ Top tips: The later the night, the busier Travellers’ Street. The stores are crowded, there are places even opening both day and night. The price here are very reasonable, there is no scamming. Besides security is also very good, visitors can comfortably play without worrying to be disturbed by beggars or people selling lottery tickets.

♦ Cuisine: Nha Toi Restaurant (81 Dien Bien Phu), Nau BBQ (394 Hung Vuong), Bob’s Cafe American (43 Nguyen Dinh Chieu), and Bolero Coffee (99 Ly Tu Trong).

2. ROM ISLAND – SEE THE FOREST LIGHT SHIMMERING ON THE SEA

Rom Island is located in Mui Ne Ward, 26 kilometres to the Northeast of the centre of Phan Thiet City. It has a beautiful coastline, calm blue water, cool coconut palms and undulating white and golden sand dunes. In particular, visiting Rom Island on moonlit nights, walking along the beach, bathing under the moon in a space filled with wind, and watching the sparkling forest lights on the fishing boats from a far distance, will make you feel the poetry of the place.

♦ Top tips: On Rom Island, there are many places for visitors to choose to stay such as comfortable accommodations in resorts or guesthouses made of bamboo on the sand dunes. Besides, exciting entertainment activities take place all day such as sandboarding, sea bathing, campfire and squid fishing.

♦ Cuisine: Along 706 Street there are many restaurants and cafés: Hon Rom 2, Sandunes Beach Resort & Spa, Surf Club Café Rids and Bi Ti Coffee.

3. MUI NE NIGHT SQUID FISHING – EXPERIENCE BEING A FISHERMAN

Instead of enjoying squid dishes cooked at the restaurants, you can get involved in the whole process from fishing to cooking and, of course, then enjoying the freshest hot squid on the spot. Night squid fishing not only helps you train your patience but also brings interesting experiences as you are sitting in a canoe or wooden basket boat casting the fishing rod and then wait for the squid. Above your head is the night sky lit with thousands of sparkling stars, the atmosphere is fresh, and sometimes you will hear the voices of people cheering when catching new spoils.

♦ Top tips: You can book a night squid fishing tour at a travel agency or visit fishing villages along Mui Ne Beach, floating restaurants or fishing families to be able to experience an exciting night squid fishing trip.

♦ Cuisine: Freshly caught squid will be processed at the spot for you to enjoy fresh and hot immediately.

4. FISHERMAN SHOW – LEGEND OF FISHING VILLAGE ON A MAJESTIC STAGE OF WATER MUSIC

The Fisherman Show is a special entertainment show which not only bares bold features of the fishing village culture but also combines contemporary dance and drama with sparkling effects of light and hi-tech water music. The show’s script shows the culture of Phan Thiet Fishing Village with fishermen, basket boats and Nam Hai Ceremonial Prayers and includes many elements of entertainment and legends which are easily absorbed by the vast majority of Vietnamese and international audiences.

♦ Top tips: Address: Lang Chai Theatre, Nguyen Thong Roundabout, Phan Thiet City. The show is at 8pm from Wednesdays to Sundays. Duration: 1 hour. Ticket price: VND150,000 per person. Also at 7pm there is a music program for 30 minutes with ticket prices of VND50,000 per person.

♦ Cuisine: Eat at restaurants in nearby resorts or head to Bo Ke with a myriad of seafood restaurants.

5. PHAN THIET NIGHT MARKET – INTERESTING SHOPPING AND SIGHTSEEING DESTINATION

Phan Thiet Night Market has 174 stalls, mainly selling souvenirs, handicrafts, fashion products, food and Binh Thuan specialties. It also serves the shopping and sightseeing needs for local people. The night market is also a new tourist attraction, a shopping and entertainment destination for domestic and foreign visitors visiting the coastal city of Phan Thiet.

♦ Top tips: Phan Thiet Night Market is located on Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street and Nguyen Gia Tu Street (Phu Thuy Ward, Phan Thiet City). Opening time: 5pm – 11pm daily.

♦ Cuisine: Eat at food stalls in the market or some nearby restaurants: Phuong Vy Restaurant (Tu Van Tu Street), Vuon Cau Restaurant (19th April Street), Me Trang Café (Vo Van Kiet Street).

6. PHAN THIET WATER TOWER – ROMANTIC BEAUTY BY CA TY RIVER

Phan Thiet Water Tower is located on Ba Trieu Street (Binh Hung Ward), in Phan Thiet’s green park by Ca Ty River. This is also considered one of the symbols of Phan Thiet Coastal City. The tower is 32 metres high and divided into two parts: the floor (the water tank) and the lower part of the tower is octagonal. Phan Thiet Water Tower is abbreviated and inscribed with U.E.P.T (Unise Des Eaux de Phan Thiet) surrounding the tower, made up of porcelain pieces written in circular style.

♦ Top tips: When the light is on all over the streets, visitors to the water tower by Ca Ty River will feel the poetic beauty of Phan Thiet City, immersed in the cool breeze blowing away all sorrow and tiredness.

♦ Cuisine: Kim Son Lau (34 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai), Lan Nguyet Banh Can (a southern specialty consisting of small pancakes made with quail eggs, cooked in small clay pans) (8 Hai Thuong Lan Ong), Saigon Cuisine (2 Ly Tu Trong).

7. VISITING THE CAFÉS – IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE HARMONIC RHYTHM OF THE CITY

In Phan Thiet City, there are many impressive cafés and interesting music programs to serve visitors every night. Coming here, you can feel the airy sea air at night, admire the lapping waves, or harmonise the soul with a sweet melodious song. And, some cafés also have jam sessions, where the performers themselves are the visitors who have registered to sing.

♦ Top tips: There are many choices of cafés: Binh Minh Café, Duong Doi Café on Le Loi Street with an impressive sea view; Giai Dieu Café (National Highway 1A, Phu Long Town), Lam Kieu Café (255 Tran Hung Dao), Do Café (63 Thu Khoa Huan) with a music stage for customers, Pho Da Café (70 Thu Khoa Huan) and Win Café (178 Ton Duc Thang) with live music in the evening.

♦ Cuisine: The cafés have rich menus full of coffee, fruit juices, smoothies and ice cream.

8. VISITING THE BARS – FIRE UP WITH VIBRANT MUSIC AND DANCE

A nightlife activity that is popular with visitors is bar hopping to celebrate together in spaces full of music and excitement. Of course, the coastal city of Phan Thiet is also an ideal place for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the joys of day and night.

♦ Top tips: Along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street there are many interesting bars such as Super Bar (117a Nguyen Dinh Chieu), Dragon Beach Bar & Lounge (120/1 Nguyen Dinh Chieu), Line Up Bar (122 Nguyen Dinh Chieu) and Pogo Beach Bar (138 Nguyen Dinh Chieu).

♦ Cuisine: The bars have menus full of drinks such as beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails and mocktails.

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8 must-see places in Binh Thuan in the afternoon

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

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1. PO SAHU INU TOWER – AN INCREDIBLE CHAM’S LEGACY

Located on a hill called Lau Ong Hoang, the group of ancient tower relics known as Sah Po Inu or Phu Hai Tower is in Thanh Hai Ward, 6 kilometres to the Northeast of Phan Thiet City. This is an architectural temple tower of the Cham to worship small fairies who are the daughters of Lady Po Nagar. This tower group consists of three towers and many other spilled towers of which now only the ruins and foundations are left.

♦ Must see: Buu Son Pagoda, Lau Ong Hoang Hill, Co Mountain where the tomb of the poet Nguyen Tien is located, Phan Thiet Beach and Doi Duong Beach about 4 kilometres away.

♦ Top tips: Every year in January of the lunar calendar, Rija Nugga, Poh Mang Sang Festival is held at the foot of the tower. People pray for rain and goodness. Ticket price: VND10,000 per person.

♦ Cuisine: Ngoc Phuong Restaurant (Nguyen Thong Street), Garden Restaurant (202 Nguyen Thong), Phan Thiet fried sweet potato (114 Han Mac Tu) and Café Suri (152 Han Mac Tu).

2. WHITE LAKE – A VAST LAKE IN THE MIDDLE OF WHITE SAND DUNES

White Lake is a large freshwater lake in Hong Lam Village, Hoa Thang Commune, Bac Binh District, Binh Thuan Province, about 65 kilometres to the Northeast from Phan Thiet City. Bau means lake and around the lake there are many white sand dunes, hence the name White Lake. White Lake is divided into Ong Lake and Ba Lake by a sand dam. Ba Lake is also known as Lotus Lake because there are many lotuses blooming in the lake during the summer. Ong Lake is smaller than Ba Lake and located near the sea.

♦ Top tips: Wander on the sand dunes, go camping, or participate in many attractive games. Price VND10,000 per sandboarding turn, VND300,000 per hour of jeep hire to conquer the sand dunes, VND50,000 per person to visit Lotus Lake by boat.

♦ Must see: Binh Nhon Pagoda (located between Ong Lake and Ba Lake), Mui Yen (about 5 kilometres from Ong Lake).

♦ Cuisine: The food service here has not developed so you should bring food when you come here. Or after hours of relaxing, you can return to the city centre and find plenty of options.

3. PINK SAND DUNE – SAND PARADISE FULL OF EXCITEMENT

Located in Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet City, Pink Sand Dune is also known as Mui Ne Sand Dune or Bay Sand Dune. The rolling sand dunes sometimes are shaped like waves and sometimes like spirals. Sand dunes change their forms and colour hourly due to tectonic movement. Sand valleys and sandy peaks suddenly appear, and then, as if by some miracle, a pink sand stream looks to be running towards the foot of the dunes.

♦ Top tips: Visitors coming here, besides watching the spectacular sand dunes, can also participate in many extreme games such as sandboarding or riding ATV or UTV terrain vehicles. The board rental starts from VND10,000 to 40,000 per hour, the terrain vehicle rental price ranges from VND300,000 to 400,000 per hour, depending on the type of vehicle that can carry 2-3 people.

♦ Cuisine: Anton Coffee, Windy Hill Restaurant, Ba Tai Restaurant, Xuan Phat Restaurant, Gia Huy Restaurant (all on 706 Street), Cay Lan Restaurant, Thinh Phat Restaurant (all located on Huynh Tan Phat Street).

4. FAIRY STREAM – A BRIGHT RED AND ORANGE STREAM

Fairy Stream is in Ham Tien Ward, located about 18 kilometres to the Northeast of the centre of Phan Thiet City. This is a small stream next to Hon Rom Mountain, hidden behind sand dunes. With a length of over 2 kilometres and a height of 6 metres, the water from the hills and the sand caves creates a gentle winding stream, which nestles around the sandy yellow clay with red, brown, yellow and white coloured sand in very fancy shapes that create a natural picture with many contrasting but extremely vivid colours.

♦ Top tips: Fairy Stream’s water does not flow fast but gently and the water surface is above the ankle, the deepest is not over the knee. So you can stroll barefoot in the stream and enjoy the natural scenery with the beauty of a paradise.

♦ Must see: Hon Rom Beach; Mui Ne Fishing Village.

♦ Cuisine: Along the stream, there are snack and drink stalls.

5. GHENH ISLAND – WORLD OF WILDERNESS

Ghenh Island is also known as Lao Island or Lau Island. It is located off-shore, less than 1 kilometre from Mui Ne and 30 metres above the sea level. This place is a wild oasis with beautiful coral reefs in the sea and on land there are wild plants, rock cliffs, many birds and no houses.

♦ Top tips: To get to Ghenh Island, you can book a tour service or rent fishing canoes from local fishermen. From Mui Ne, canoes will take about 10-20 minutes to arrive on the island. On Ghenh Island, tourists can go camping, experience white water rafting and go sightseeing or fishing. Afternoon is the time when Ghenh Island is the most beautiful, it is when the red sunset glows on the sea. If you like fishing, you should go in the morning, prepare some fishing rods and bait.

♦ Must see: Ong Nam Hai Shrine on the island.

♦ Cuisine: You can bring food and fresh water to the island or return to the mainland and eat at restaurants in Mui Ne.

6. FORGOTTEN LAND PARK – VIETNAM’S FIRST SAND SCULPTURE PARK

In Forgotten Land Sand Sculpture Park covering about two hectares, there are many impressive sand sculptures created by professional sculptors from many countries around the world. The sand sculptures show a variety of themes: from characters in Vietnamese and world fairy tales, to simulating impressive architecture or portraiture of celebrities.

♦ Top tips: Forgotten Land Park is located at Ho Chi Minh National Sport Training Centre 2 – Nguyen Thong Street, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City. Open from 7:30am to 6pm daily, the fare is VND100,000 per adult and VND70,000 per child.

♦ Must see: From the park, along Nguyen Thong Street about 1.5 kilometres, visitors can have fun at Sea Links Golf Resort, visit RD Wine Castle or watch the sunset and experience sea fishing at Ong Dia Rock Beach.

♦ Cuisine: Cyclo Seafood Restaurant, Cay Bang Restaurant, Hoa Vien Brauhaus, Soc Nau Restaurant (all in District 1, Phan Thiet Ward). Or visit Ong Dia Rock Beach with its many snack stalls.

7. KITE FLYING ON BEACHES IN HAM TIEN WARD – KITES FLYING IN THE SKY

The beaches in Ham Tien Ward are the most vibrant places to fly kites in the afternoon. On the gentle sloping beach, there are many people controlling colourful kites flying in the clear blue sky.

♦ Top tips: In the public beach area or in resorts, there are services selling or renting kites with different shapes and offering types for adults and children. The ideal time to fly kites is in the afternoon, when the strong winds help kites fly high. In addition to kite flying activities, there are many interesting water sports in the area for visitors to try; the most popular one is kitesurfing.

♦ Cuisine: Along the beach there are countless restaurants: Ngoc Phuong Restaurant, Forest Restaurant, Thinh’s Restaurant and Bar, Hong Vinh Restaurant and Mooney’s Irish Bar.

8. DUC THANH SCHOOL – ASSOCIATED WITH THE IDENTITY AND CAREER OF PRESIDENT HO CHI MINH

Duc Thanh School is in Thanh Duc Village, now at no.39, Trung Nhi Street, Phan Thiet City. This is the place where President Ho Chi Minh lived and taught in 1910 before he went to Saigon to go abroad to find the revolutionary way. Today Duc Thanh School still retains almost intact relics and keepsakes such as the dormitory – where teachers and students lived, the school board meeting room – where meetings were held, guests welcomed and poetry and literature discussed and the starfruit tree in the garden that Mr. Thanh (Nguyen Tat Thanh – former name of President Ho Chi Minh) watered in the afternoons.

♦ Must see: Ho Chi Minh Museum, Binh Thuan Armed Forces Museum, Phan Thiet History Museum, Phan Thiet Market, Victory Monument (Tran Hung Dao Street) and Van Thuy Tu Temple, home to the largest whale skeleton in Vietnam (54 Ngu Ong).

♦ Cuisine: May Hue Fish Hot Pot (20 Phan Dinh Phung), Dong Khanh soft thin vermicelli noodles (40 Tran Phu) or Phan Thiet Market with its many food stalls.

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8 must-see places in Binh Thuan in the morning

You have a morning to explore Binh Thuan, where you should go and what to do to have enjoyable experiences? Here are the detailed suggestions from Wanderlust Tips for you to have a perfect journey in Binh Thuan.
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1. KE GA LIGHTHOUSE – THE OLDEST LIGHTHOUSE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Ke Ga Lighthouse is located on Ke Ga Island in Tan Thanh Commune Ham Thuan Nam District, Binh Thuan Province, 100 metres from the mainland. Ke Ga Island is located in a beautiful sea, crystal clear blue water, pure white sand beach, coconut forest, lush green weeping willows, and sharp, pink and white marble cliffs shaped like spikes. In the distance, visitors can see the soaring lighthouse on the island, made primarily of marble. This the lighthouse that has the highest tower in Vietnam and is 41 metres tall.

♦ Top tips: You can get to Ke Ga Island by canoe, basket boat or motor canoe (ticket price: VND40,000 per person). If you go by canoe, you should request it go around the island for a panoramic view. Lighthouse ticket price: VND10,000 per person.

♦ Must see: The pristine beach of Thuan Quy is about 5 kilometres from Ke Ga Sea.

♦ Cuisine: In Ke Ga Village, there are restaurants such as Cay Dua Restaurant, Trong Tam Restaurant or dining at Golden Rock Beach Resort.

2. TA CU MOUNTAIN PAGODA – ANCIENT SIGHT IN COASTAL BINH THUAN

Ta Cu Mountain Pagoda is located on Ta Cu Mountain, Tan Lap Commune, Ham Thuan District, Phan Thiet about 30 kilometres Southeast of Binh Thuan. Mount Ta Cu is 649 metres high and Ta Cu Mountain Pagoda is located halfway up the mountain at a height of over 400 metres. The pagoda was built in 1879 and has an architectural structure that includes: the Three Entrance Gate, temples, Buddha statues, tomb towers and caves, nestling in a year-round green forest. Ta Cu Mountain Pagoda and the forests in the Nature Reserve were ranked a National Landmark by the State in 1993.

♦ Top tips: The ticket price includes lunch and is VND20,000 per person. To visit Ta Cu Mountain Pagoda, visitors can climb hundreds of zigzag steps in the middle of the jungle, or take the cable car (round trip ticket fare and entrance fee: VND160,000 per person) and a tram to admire the whole impressive scene below.

♦ Cuisine: Thien Thai Restaurant, Tako Restaurant, Lim Garden Coffee that belongs to Ta Cu Tourist Area.

3. THAC BA ECO TOURISM SITE – A WHITE WATERFALL AMIDST THOUSANDS OF GREEN TREES

Thac Ba Tourist Site is located in Tanh Linh District, Binh Thuan Province about 100 kilometres from Phan Thiet’s centre. Thac Ba has two waterfalls, one that is over 10 metres high and one where the water plummets from 5-7 metres along the length of a 1.5 kilometres stream formed by the ravines of the Ong Mountain. The water cheerfully falls year round. The waterfall is deep in the thick forest, under the shadow of hundred-year old trees and amidst birds’ singing.

♦ Top tips: Adventurous people can climb up to the top of the waterfall to admire the panoramic view of one of the oldest forests and then swim in the lake at the top of the falls.

♦ Must see: Visitors can visit many famous sites in Tanh Linh District such as: La Nga River, Ham Thuan – Da Mi Hydropower Plant, Lac Rong Sea Lake.

♦ Cuisine: Food service at Thac Ba Eco Tourist Site.

4. COCO BEACH CAMP – A DREAMLIKE CAMP

Coco Beach Camp is located in Lagi Town, Binh Thuan Province, over 70 kilometres from Phan Thiet City, about 160 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City. Coco Beach Camp has only one large beach, a small villa by the beach, a Hawaiian-style round bar and colourful tents.

♦ Top tips: Here you can camp right on the beach, take part in beach games, enjoy swimming, have a BBQ party or sing karaoke or dance with friends at eventful dinner parties. The best time to travel here is from January to May, when Binh Thuan is in the dry season, which is when the blue sea becomes less turbulent with no rain. From September through December, it does not always rain, so it is recommended to check the weather to avoid hazards.

♦ Cuisine: You can bring your food here to have BBQ parties or eat at the campsite’s restaurant.

5. BA ISLAND – AMIDST THE SKY AND THE VAST OCEAN OF IMMERSE WAVES

Ba Island is an island rising high up in the middle of the sea, about 2 kilometres East of Lagi (Ham Tan District, Binh Thuan Province) and 70 kilometres Southeast of Phan Thiet City. In the first half of the 17th century, Cham people erected a temple to worship the Lady Po Nagar, the holy goddess of the ancient kingdom of Champa, which is also the reason why the island was named Ba Island (lady island). However, Ba Island is admired not only for the ancient temple, but also for its impressive location amidst the sea, highlighting the majestic beauty of the ocean.

♦ Top tips: There are only four people on the island and no fresh water. The journey to the island is very hard and only suitable for those who love to explore.

♦ Cuisine: You can bring your own food to the island or return to the mainland to eat at the restaurants in La Gi Town.

6. MUI NE FISHING VILLAGE – DISCOVER THE SEA LIFE OF PHAN THIET

About 23 kilometres to the North of Phan Thiet City Centre, Mui Ne Fishing Village is located on Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Mui Ne Ward, about one kilometre along the coast. The coast here is particularly quiet and calm all around the year, and it is an ideal location for boats to shelter.

♦Top tips: The ideal time to visit the fishing village is 6-7am, the time when local fishermen are buying and selling their produce to a vibrant crowd. In addition to experiencing the simplicity of local life, you can also buy yourself a variety of fresh seafood at cheaper prices than those sold in the market or in restaurants. If you have time, it is recommended to visit the fishing village in the evening, when hundreds of boats anchor in the sea, bathing in the red sunset and the sea’s surface turns a silver colour creating a scene that is wonderful and romantic.

♦ Cuisine: In the fishing village, you can choose to buy seafood: squid, fish, shrimp, crabs and snails to bring home or hire someone to cook for you and enjoy it right away.

7. CO THACH BEACH – IMPRESSION OF A MAGIC ROCK WITH SHIMMERING COLOURS

Co Thach Beach (Binh Thanh Commune, Tuy Phong District, Binh Thuan Province) attracts most visitors with its shimmering rocky shores. The rock was formed naturally by the action of tides, sea currents and water. The rocks are not only black or grey, but also have many colours: brown, yellow, purple, white, blue, pink and red marbled with many beautiful lines. However, the most interesting sight of the year is in the middle of March when the whole rock is covered with beautiful green moss.

♦ Top tips: From Phan Thiet City, along National Highway 1A, 90 kilometres North, to the crossroads of Lien Luong Town, turn left along the red dirt road flanked on both sides with casuarinas forest.
Must see: Seven-coloured rocky shore, Co Thach Pagoda, also known as Hang Pagoda, Son Cliff, sand dunes and Ong Nam Hai Tomb.

♦ Cuisine: Co Thach Beach area has many fresh seafood stores where you can buy seafood or hire people to cook it for you to enjoy it on the spot.

8. CAU ISLAND – MAJESTIC ROCK BATTLESHIP AMIDST THE OCEAN

Cau Island belongs to Phuoc The Commune, Tuy Phong District, Binh Thuan Province and is about 9 kilometres from the coast. This place is beautifully gifted with nature. These are rock shores with exotic and diverse rock shapes like a fascinating piece of architecture.The island also has very pristine beaches with clear blue sea, cool water, gentle white sand and colourful coral reefs.

♦ Top Tips: From Phan Thiet City, along the National Highway 1, about 90 kilometres, tourists will come to the centre of Phuoc The Commune where Phuoc Son Fishing Village nestles on the coastal road full of coconut trees. From Phuoc The Fishing Village, tourists can hire fishing boats from the fishermen or take a boat, which brings fresh water and food to the island. It takes about 30 minutes to Cau Island. The island is very pristine, lacking fresh water and tourism services.

♦ Cuisine: You can bring food and fresh water to the island or buy seafood from local fishermen and hire someone to cook it.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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What did visitors say about À La Carte Da Nang Beach?

One of best relaxing places when visiting Danang is À La Carte Da Nang Beach. With its oceanic view, impressive infinity pool, exquisite modern architecture, thoughtful services and friendly staffs, À La Carte Da Nang Beach has conquered hearts of many visitors.

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The first impressions of À La Carte Da Nang Beach to visitors are its impressive and delicate space and design.

Hanh Thuy has just had a holiday at À La Carte Beach in June this year, she said she will certainly be back here because this hotel had left in her heart very nice impressions: “À La Carte Hotel Danang Beach is beautifully designed with two sides facing streets, overlooking the sea, it has spacious space and beautiful view. In addition, the rooms are carefully designed and convenient, suitable for family. Besides, swimming pool on the 23rd floor is also a great highlight. During the days I stay there, the staffs are extremely friendly, from the receptionists to the guards, they were always dedicated.”

Foreign visitors Mac Pandac was also excited when talking about À La Carte Da Nang Beach: “Everything else was amazing though. The rooftop, the main lunchroom. Awesome facilities and thoughtful decor. All as advertised. The ocean view king studio we stayed in warm and homey. Cleanliness was top of the bill. The staff was extra incredible too. Always hrlped me with baggage and my little ones. The rain didnt let up but with them greetig you at the car with umbrella in hand, it was fantastic.”

À La Carte Da Nang Beach is not only suitable for individual travelers, but also for families, this hotel always bring the most friendly and comfortable atmosphere to the visitors.

Tourist Ha Thuy Lien said:”Wonderful, you may think I exaggerate but La Carte Da Nang Beach really gave me a distinctive experiences, you will feel like you are at home. When I stepped into the Delight + room, it made think of a nice apartment house by the beautiful beach of Da Nang. In addition, the staffs are extremely professional and dedicated. This made my one-week vacation at La Carte a great and unforgettable memory to me.“

After having the most relaxing time in resting room, you can step outside to experience the pleasurable services of À La Carte Da Nang Beach.

Guest Yuko Kimura said about the services as follows:“Stayed in June 2016 in the Executive Suite with ocean view. Clean room and kind staffs. Food is great. The swimming pool on the roof has a great view. The spice spa massage is heaven. Very close to the beach. There is a shuttle service to the airport, the Marble mt. and Hoi an city with smaller fee than taxi if your schedule allows.”

Travelers Manorith Philavong also had a good impression about this hotel: “Nice view on the beach from the room which is not far away from hotel. Good time and lots of fun at the roof top bar for New Year Eve. The staffs are very friendly. Good foods for room services.”

For travelers Stephanie Lynn, À La Carte Da Nang Beach is one of her unforgettable places during her first Asian tour: “I was travelling solo and my first time in Asia so daunting right? Not at this hotel. Made me feel right at home and part of the family. excellent location as beach is right across the street. Great for families. Service is always with smiles. Currency exchange right on site and free wifi.It is the staff at this hotel that make it great. Super clean and comfortable rooms.Spa foot rub is a must.Food, whether traditional Vietnamese or pastas and pizzas are delish and convenient. Breakfast buffet is lovely. Check out the view of the Rooftop pool it’s really paradise + the vibe and drinks at the Top Roof top lounge is spectacular I could sit there all night. They know how to mix a cocktail. Would stay here again in a second. Treated like a queen the whole time.”

One of the most important factors contributing to the success of the À La Carte Da Nang Beach is friendliness and enthusiasm of the hotel staffs.

Guests Guido Hatzis shared: “My girlfriend and I stayed here in january 2015. This hotel has the friendliest and most helpful staff I’ve ever encountered. Their english is proficient and their service is magnificent. A special mention to Long Truong for exceeding his requirements to satisfy our needs. Will definitely be back!”

Indeed, the objective reviews of visitors about La Carte Beach Da Nang make us understand the greatness of this hotel.

Visitor Thuy Hoang said: “Definitely one of the best, affordable hotel in Da Nang city. The customer service is absolutely amazing and the rooms are apartment style, which can be unique and impressive at the same time. I am very lucky to spoke with Mr. Klaus Paetzold, a general manager, and tell him how much I appreciated staying at A La Carte. I definitely want to go back here for the near future and cannot wait to see this hotel improve in the market.”

À La Carte Hotel Danang Beach

Address: 200 Vo Nguyen Giap street, Phuoc My ward, Son Tra district, Da Nang city.
Email: reservation@alacartedanangbeach.com
Phone: (+84236) 3959 555 | Fax: +84 (0) 511 3959 556
Website: www.alacartedanangbeach.com

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

8 must-see places in Phu Yen in the evening

Travel to Phu Yen in the evening, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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1. TUY HOA NIGHT MARKET – VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

Located in Ward 7, Tuy Hoa City, Tuy Hoa Night Market is an evening shopping destination attracting many visitors. The market has consumer and food stalls, and amusement parks for children and youth, with an area of 500 square metres. Tuy Hoa Night Market is a vibrant highlight for colourful nightlife activities of Tuy Hoa City as well as Phu Yen Province.

♦ Top tips: Visiting the night market, visitors will have opportunities to immerse in the exciting atmosphere with both local people and other visitors from around the world. Here you can shop for clothes, shoes or souvenirs from the stalls, or visit juice stalls to enjoy a cool glass of water while watching Tuy Hoa City sparkle in the evening lights.

♦ Cuisine: Nha Toi Restaurant (81 Dien Bien Phu), Nau BBQ (394 Hung Vuong), Bob’s Cafe American (43 Nguyen Dinh Chieu), and Bolero Coffee (99 Ly Tu Trong).

2. APRIL 1ST SQUARE – LIVING SPACE, EVENING ENTERTAINMENT FOR LOCALS

Located in the centre of Tuy Hoa City, April 1st Square is called the heart of the city. Built in a spacious area with an exquisite layout, this square has space for all kinds of activities and satisfies the needs of sports, photography, picnics, sightseeing, conferences and celebration ceremonies. This is the place where many important events and activities of the city are regularly organised.

♦ Top tips: In the evening, April 1st Square is a spacious amusement area for Tuy Hoa’s citizens as well as visitors. You can walk along the square then take a rest at a sightseeing spot or take part in many joyful activities. There are many services for renting skateboards, patin shoes, and tandem bicycles, catering to the needs of many ages.

♦ Cuisine: Mrs. Tam Restaurant (289 Le Duan), Nau House – Phuot Phu Yen (171, Le Duan), Sandy Beach Coffee (270 Nguyen Hue), and Bac Huong Cafe (1/21 Nguyen Du).

3. VISIT THE NHAN TOWER (WEEKEND EVENINGS) – ENJOY THE SPECIAL ART PROGRAM

Nhan Tower is a unique Cham tower in Phu Yen Province. It is the worshipping place of the ancient Cham people. The tower is located on the northern bank of Da Rang River in Tuy Hoa City, built in the late 11th and early 12th centuries on relatively flat ground near the top of Nhan Mountain. Nhan Tower has been recognised as a national art-architectural monument, located in the “Nhan Mountain – Da River” landscape group, which is considered as the symbol of Phu Yen. The morning light highlights Nhan Tower’s unique architecture amidst the vast natural scenery, while in the evening the tower shimmers with colourful lights in the dark.

♦ Top tips: Every Saturday evening, there are colourful arts programs featuring Cham culture in the southern region. You will enjoy lively dance performances, jubilant songs, and also better understand the cultural characteristics of Cham culture.

♦ Cuisine: Specialty Restaurant of Hoang Hai Dang (Bach Đang embankment), Nem Nuong 92 (92 Nguyen Cong Tru), Bo Ne 3 Ngon (40 Nguyen Cong Tru), and Pham Tho Truong Café (62, Phan Dinh Phung).

4. DA RANG BRIDGE – WONDERFUL NIGHT SCENE

Da Rang Bridge is located in Tuy Hoa City, across Da Rang River (also called Ba River). This is the longest bridge on National Highway 1A through Central Vietnam. The bridge with a zigzag steel frame harmonises with the charming mountainous area of Nhan Mount and Ba Rivers creating a beautiful and inspiring scenery.

♦ Top tips: At every moment of the day, Da Rang Bridge has a different look. Early in the morning, visitors can enjoy the fresh air when a new day has just begun to bring cool winds, and the early morning dew covers the river banks. When the sunset comes, the bright red sun dives into Ba River, shimmering with the last sunshine at the end of the day. And when the night comes, the breeze blows and the stars and the lights shine to create a wonderful night scene. Many visitors enjoy walking or riding on Da Rang Bridge in the evening, experiencing the peaceful and beautiful city of Tuy Hoa.

♦ Cuisine: Along Bach Dang Street, there are many fresh seafood restaurants.

5. STROLL ON TUY HOA BEACH – NIGHT SCENERY BY THE SEA

Located in the centre of the city, Tuy Hoa Beach stretches about 10 kilometres. This place never fails to impress visitors with white sand and golden sunshine, green casuarina forests and a cool breeze. In the early morning, this place is a favourite place for those who are going for exercise, enjoying the wonderful atmosphere and fresh air. By evening, many people and tourists gather to stroll on the beach and enjoy the sea breeze. Along the beach, one side is the vast ocean, the other side are sparkling city lights from colourful shop signs welcoming visitors. Take a walk on the beach, hear the rustling of the waves, and feel the atmosphere with a little salty taste, which will wash away all of your tiredness.

♦ Cuisine: Lang Gio Bien Restaurant (5 Doc Lap), Nhat Huy Coffee (21 Doc Lap), Ocean Tuna Restaurant (Dien Bien Phu intersection, Le Duan), and the Wine Restaurant 307 Le Duan.

6. CAFES IN TUY HOA – ENJOY THE UNIQUE TASTE OF COFFEE

Tuy Hoa is not famous as a coffee region unlike places in the Central Highlands. However, Tuy Hoa powder coffee is famous in the country. The taste of Tuy Hoa coffee is so special thanks to the preparation and style of the coffee. When roasting coffee beans, people marinate them with ingredients such as fish sauce and chicken fat. In addition, before preparing, we dip the filter into hot water, then add coffee powder up to 1/2 of the filter, then add the boiling water about 1-2 centimetres from the top of the drip filter. From preparation until drinking, coffee drinkers pay close attention to the tranquillity, peace of the scene and soul. This is a moment to relax, to wash away all the busyness of life, and let yourself be at peace to enjoy the scenery of the city.

♦ Cuisine: Try some of the famous cafes such as Tung Coffee (69 Tan Da), Huy Tung Coffee (123 Nguyen Trai), and Khong Khue Coffee (3 Tran Cao Van).

7. KARAOKE SINGING – EXPERIENCE THE KARAOKE MOVEMENT IN PHU YEN

In Phu Yen, visitors will enjoy the “mobile karaoke” movement in every corner from the countryside to the city, in the market, or at restaurants. There is not as much equipment as in karaoke bars. Portable karaoke consists of a portable speaker, a USB, a memory card, and a tablet or mobile phone, so people can find the lyrics and have a fun performance. Immerse yourself in the lively excitement of the karaoke movement here, let go of your timidity and sing along with cheerful, gentle locals.

♦ Top tips: If you hesitate to sing in front of a crowd, there are many karaoke bars in Tuy Hoa City with good sound quality, updated songs and very affordable prices, serving until 11 pm. Some places to check out include Phu Moi Karaoke (2 Tran Phu), Vinh Vina Karaoke (Group 4, Chu Van An Quarter), and Karaoke Star (6 Duy Tan).

♦ Cuisine: Enjoy the famous dishes of Tuy Hoa in many restaurants such as chicken rice, banh hoi (soft thin vermicelli noodles) with organ meats (pork), cha dong, banh canh he (noodle soup with garlic chives), and grilled fish noodle soup.

8. BAR HOPPING – IMMERSE IN VIBRANT LIGHT MUSIC

If you want a more exciting evening, you can visit bars in Tuy Hoa City. Contrary to the calm and tranquil atmosphere of Tuy Hoa City at night, the bars will bring a joyous atmosphere of music and light. You can choose a bar with a light music style, sip a cocktail and enjoy the atmosphere of the sea, or choose a noisy bar with jubilant dancing to enjoy a memorable evening with friends.

♦ Top tips: Some famous bars in Tuy Hoa City include Galaxy Coffee & Bar (296 Hung Vuong), Tuy Hoa Xua (Hung Vuong Street), King Club (3 Hai Duong), and BB Club (Phu Dong and Le Duan Street).

♦ Cuisine: There are many kinds of drinks in the bars: wine, beer, cocktail, smoothie, and fruit juice.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

8 must-see places in Phu Yen in the afternoon

Travel to Phu Yen in the afternoon, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.
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1. NHAN TOWER – CHAM CULTURAL STRUCTURE

Nhan Tower is located on the Northern bank of the Da Rang River, near National Highway 1A, in Tuy Hoa City. Building materials consist of brick, with a variety of sizes depending on the location of each wall and floor. They are aligned seamlessly and very firmly bonded. Nhan Tower has an architectural style like Po Nagar Cham Tower in Nha Trang, which is built in the form of high floors. The Tower is quadrangular with four floors: the higher is smaller than the lower floor, but still in the same style. The top of the Tower consists of many layers, with the top made of a stone shaped like a lotus bud, the Linga symbol of Cham people. Inside the Tower, there is no altar, no statue; only in front the Tower there is a smaller altar worshipping Dien Phi Ngoc Cham A Na God Supreme. The altar was built in the time of the Hau Le Dynasty.

♦ Must see: Phu Yen Martyrs Memorial House; Thuan Thao Ecological Zone; Ngoc Lang Vegetable Village; Phu Yen Museum; Tuy Hoa Market.

♦ Cuisine: Chuc Xiu Restaurant (3 Bach Dang), Nam Phuong Restaurant (43 Nguyen Tat Thanh), Tung Coffee (69 Tan Da), Grilled Beef & Spring Roll Vermicelli Restaurant (94 Bach Dang embankment).

2. LONG THUY BEACH – PHU YEN’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH

Long Thuy Beach, also known as My A Beach, is located in An Phu Commune, Tuy An District, about 10 kilometres from Tuy Hoa City. The beach stretches along the edge of the water, with bright smooth sand. The seawater is blue and crystal clear, and the sea slope is gentle and sparkles under the sun. Nearby is a green coconut forest, with a light wind that rustles leaves. Together, this makes a breathtaking scenery, attracting tourists from all regions.

♦ Must see: Nearby is Ganh Ong – Bai Xep Beach, a place that appeared in the well-known film, I See the Yellow Flower on Green Grass, adapted from a novel of the same name. At present, Ganh Ong – Bai Xep is a growing tourist site, promising to be Phu Yen’s new attractive destination.

♦ Top tips: Guests can dive into the cool blue waters, take a rest under the shadow of a coconut tree, or enjoy countless fresh seafood.

3. HON CHUA ISLAND – A LUSH NATURAL CARPET STRETCHING ACROSS THE SEA

Only about 7 kilometres from the mainland, Chua Island is located in the group of Hon Dua Islands off the coast of Long Thuy Sea, An Phu Commune, Tuy Hoa City. With the special composition of small, stacked stones, as well as vertical cliffs due to the erosion of waves and thick vegetation, the remote view of Hon Pagoda is that of cool, green vegetation stretching on the sea surface.

♦ Top tips: To get to Hon Chua Island, go to Long Thuy Beach, then drive a few more kilometres to An Chan Fishing Village and then hire a fishing boat to get to the island. Hon Chua Island is magically beautiful with blue sea, white sand, golden sunshine and a very fresh, pleasant atmosphere. The Pagoda is surrounded by abundant coral reefs, with a diversity of species. These colourful coral reefs are also a refuge of many kinds of shrimp, fish, squid, and crabs. With just a diving mask and a life jacket, you can admire the amazing underwater world.

♦ Cuisine: You should bring foods and drinks when visiting the island, or buy seafood from the local fishermen then ask them to cook the dishes.

4. HON YEN ISLAND – JOURNEY THROUGH THE SEA

Hon Yen is located in An Hoa Commune, Tuy An District. From Nhon Hoi Village, you will see two small islands lying next to each other, about 100 meters from the centre. The big island looks like a huge cone, with the steep cliffs of Yen Island. The small island is Hon Sun Island. At the beginning of the month, when the tide goes down, a road across the sea is revealed that connects the shore with Hon Sun Island, straight to Hon Yen Island. With this road, visitors will have the opportunity to take a walk across the sea.

♦ Must see: Surrounding Hon Yen, there is an impressive marine landscape. In the centre, there are rocky mountains stretching out to the sea near Hon Yen Island, called Ganh Yen. Ganh Ho Chao is located at the foot of Ganh Yen with dark black rocks and a jade blue pool. On the right side of Hon Yen Island located by the Nam Hai Tomb. On the left side is Phu Thuong Beach with a stretching coastline.

♦ Cuisine: Enjoy delicious seafood like squid, cellana, and crab at restaurants in the nearby residential area. Tourists can also go to restaurants at O Loan Lagoon, about 6 kilometres away.

5. MAI NHA ISLE – “ROBINSON ISLAND” OF PHU YEN

Mai Nha Isle is located in An Hai Commune, Tuy An District, Phu Yen Province, about 27 kilometres to the North of Tuy Hoa City. Departing from the wharf in An Hai Commune or Ninh Dong Commune, after 20 minutes by boat, you will arrive at the Isle. This place will immediately surprise you with its pristine and breathtaking beauty, lush green mountains covered with grass, smooth sandy beach and clear water. The island is very isolated, so you can privately enjoy the scenery.

♦ Top tips: The ideal time to visit is from March to August, when the weather is good. On the island, there are only few fishermen’s houses; there are no travel services, no electricity, no hotels, and fresh water is rare. Here, you can explore nature, swim in the sea, and go camping and fishing.

♦ Cuisine: There are no travel services here, so you should bring enough food and water when going to the isle.

6. CHOP CHAI MOUNTAIN – STRIKING THUNDER MOUNTAIN

Chop Chai Mountain is 391 metres high, next to National Highway 1A, in Binh Kien Commune. The mountain is shaped like a giant pyramid floating in the middle of the plain of Tuy Hoa City’s outskirts. At the top of the mountain, there is a network of television and radio broadcasting towers and a military radar. During the rainy season, it is often struck by lightning; this is why people have given the mountain an interesting name – “Striking Thunder Mountain”.

♦ Must see: Around Chop Chai Mountain there are four temples built on the slopes: Hoa Son, Minh Son, Khanh Son, and Bao Lam. At the foot of Chop Chai Mountain, Phu Yen Province’s armed forces liberated the lawyer Nguyen Huu Tho in 1961 from the base of the National Liberation Front.

♦ Top tips: The road that leads to the mountain summit is quite narrow and steep. When you reach the top, you can admire a panoramic view of Tuy Hoa City.

♦ Cuisine: Around Chop Chai Mountain there are many bars serving goat meat. Goats are raised on the mountain, so the meat is very tasty.

7. NORTH FORBIDDEN FOREST OF CA PASS – THE IDEAL ECO-TOURISM SITE

North Forbidden Forest of Ca Pass is located in Hoa Xuan Nam and Hoa Tam Communes, Dong Hoa District, Phu Yen Province, about 30 kilometres to the South of Tuy Hoa City. With a natural area of about 8,780 hectares, the forest preserves hundreds of plant and animal species, including endemic and rare species.

♦ Top tips: Located in North Forbidden Forest of Ca Pass, the 706-metres-high Bia Da Mountain is ideal for mountain climbing. Visitors can climb up Da Bia Mount trails (about 2.2 kilometres). From the top of the mountain, the panoramic view of Phu Yen looks like a colourful watercolour painting with stretching paddy fields, forests, straits, bays, and green islands.

♦ Cuisine: Go to Vung Ro Bay about 6 kilometres away, there are a lot of floating restaurants selling a lot of fresh seafood.

8. VAN HOA PLATEAU – “DA LAT” IN THE HEART OF PHU YEN

Located at 400 metres altitude, Van Hoa Plateau belongs to Son Hoa District, including Son Xuan, Son Long and Son Dinh Commune. This place attracts visitors with its beautiful sunlight, wind and mist. In the autumn climate, it is always milder than in Tuy Hoa, when the morning mist covers the surface of the Phan and Phu Streams. And in the winter days, white rain drops cover all of the roads and branches. Van Hoa Plateau has a vast mountainous terrain, with many lakes and beautiful waterfalls. This plateau is especially famous for its historical relics such as: Uncle Ho Church, Spring Hall, and the Truc Bach Hospital.

♦ Top tips: From Tuy Hoa City, to go to the Van Hoa Plateau, follow National Highway 1A 14 kilometres to the North to Hoa Da Village, turn left on the road DT 643 and turn to the West about 25 kilometres. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to explore green nature and spend their time peacefully with rest and relaxation.

♦ Cuisine: Enjoy many kinds of fruits such as butter, banana, pineapple, and jackfruit at Don Market. They are all delicious and famous specialties.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Paradise Elegance: A journey of distinction

Paradise Elegance cruise with luxurious design, first-class amenities, excellent dining services, and exciting natural exploration activities … will bring you unique and memorable journeys on Halong Bay.
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Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Vice president of Paradise Vietnam: Nguyen Hong Nhat

Having worked in the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years, and commited to Paradise Vietnam since 2014, Wanderlust Tips asked Vice Presedent Nguyen Hong Nhat, to share his interesting experiences with Paradise Vietnam in particular and the accommodation an the cuisine industry in general.
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Paradise Vietnam Group has quite a number of luxury cruises operating in Ha Long Bay along with a range of high class hotels and restaurants already, why did your group decide to launch two new Paradise Elegance Cruises in 2017?

As you know in regards to the two Elegance Cruises, one was launched in February and one will be launched this July so we will have a total of 11 cruises on Ha Long Bay. For our business, we are always aiming for higher standards in our services. And we built Paradise Elegance as a yacht service to meet the rigorous international standards from scale, design, furniture and cuisine to perfect services. As a pioneer in accommodation services in Ha Long Bay, we create market-leading products.

Despite being the largest cruise on Ha Long Bay, Paradise Elegance has only 31 spacious cabins, unlike other cruises of the same size that have 40 or more cabins to accommodate more guests. We hope that after an exhausting long-haul flight, Elegance provides a comfortable fully-equipped “home” for visitors to take a rest and relax.
However, I think nothing is more convincing than a real experience on our cruise. We believe in objective evaluation of visitors. Many customers have shared their wonderful experiences on reputable websites like TripAdvisor. This reliable travel community frequently ranks Paradise Cruises in the top 10 best cruises in Ha Long Bay.

Why did you decide to move from a luxury hotel group where you had worked for 10 years to a Vietnamese group?

Every business organisation has its own strength and aspects needing to be renewed, whether it is old or new, whether it is an international or Vietnamese corporation. And the two brands I m committed to are no exception, one is Accor – a multinational hotel group, and one is Paradise Group – a domestic group which has recently appeared but has seen incredible development. With its current speed of development, Paradise will soon catch up with other international groups. In fact, we have many branches in a lot of countries around the world (Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, England, Northern Europe, Australia, New Zealand) along with specific plans for business development, including launching our restaurants on the international market, first of which is the Asian market. My experiences at Accor are extremely helpful for me in the process of working for Paradise and making this Vietnamese group become well known internationally.

One thing I enjoy here is the flexibility in decision-making. In a multinational group, it would be much more complicated because as there are many different management levels. However, when working for a domestic group, an ideal will be quickly implemented, meaning that you can immediately verify the superiority of the initiative. There are a lot of things that I have to build from scratch, so I know there are challenges but it is also time for me to indulge in see plans turn from paper to actual training system – parts of a business which are usually already built in international groups.

In pursuing international service standards, has Paradise developed any Vietnamese characteristic in its service system?

As you know, there are only some foreign staff members in our group. Having local staff makes for a Vietnamese identity, which we would like our customers to experience.

In addition, on the cruise, some items like the wooden furniture are Vietnamese products so the visitors can learn about local products of extremely good quality that are sophisticated and luxurious. This helps Vietnamese tourists feel at home, while foreign visitors experience a beautiful and luxurious Vietnam.

One thing everyone realises is that we are very fond of and prioritise Vietnamese cuisine. I have the opportunity to go to many countries and many continents, which makes me realise that Vietnamese cuisine is really delicate and loved by many foreign people and I have found Vietnamese restaurants in every countries I have visited. That’s why we developed a restaurant system serving Vietnamese cuisine like Ngon Villa, Home Hanoi, Home Hoi An, and in August we will open Home Saigon. The food served on board offers pure Vietnamese taste. It is a unique, unmistakable flavour that we would like Paradise’s customers to experience.

Although targeting affluent customers, Paradise Group has a relatively young staff. How does this relate to the company’s personnel orientation? Does young personnel cause any difficulties in trading high-class products or services?

Although Paradise has quite a lot of business lines of large scale and we target affluent customers who are considered the most demanding, we still believe in recruiting young people. Paradise always aims to train people properly and we believe that young Vietnamese are very talented. They are willing to listen and learn so they integrate well and make progress very quickly. That is why every year we have programs to find and train talent straight out of universities.

We even recruited students just graduating from high school; our only requirement is their enthusiasm and talent. And it is important that young people have are creativity and show bold initiative. We set aside a considerable budget on recruiting and training. But we find that this is well spent because people are the core value of an organisation. Of course, important positions are always filled with experienced people who impart experience and inspiration to the next generation.

Thank you for taking the time for this interview with Wanderlust Tips, we wish you and Paradise Group success for the coming projects!

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Gastronomic adventure with 2-star Michelin Chef Thierry Drapeau

If you have never experienced haute cuisine, especially on a luxury cruise in Halong Bay, Haute Cuisine on High Seas – the convergence of essence – is an event that gourmets cannot miss.
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A FLAVOUR MAGICIAN

Getting a Michelin star is the true dream of every famous chef in the world, as this award for culinary arts’ reputation is like the Oscars in film industry or the Grammys for music. And the French chef Thierry Drapeau is one of the few top chefs in the world to be awarded 2 Michelin stars. Drapeau’s dishes are inspired by his culinary homeland Vendée, which created his famous cooking style called “food from Mother Earth”.

Thierry Drapeau has nurtured his dream to become a famous chef when cooking with his father in the kitchen as a young child. At the age of 21, he was appointed Chef de Partie at Le Bateau Ivre, a 2 star Michelin restaurant. He went on to work for other Michelin-starred restaurants including Courchevel and L’Escale before returning to Vendée in 1996.

At present, Thierry Drapeau is the owner of La Chabotterie in his hometown of Vendée, in western France – a high-class restaurant with scrumptious dishes served and revered by gourmets and devotees of pure French cuisine. His restaurant got its first Michelin star in 2006, followed by the second in 2011.

Every restaurant at this level is a different world where a chef can indulge in creating and transforming flavours. Drapeau’s culinary world is full of colourful dishes. He often uses vegetables with different colours to decorate and highlight the feature of the main food. His culinary world is full of the flavours of the Vendée region, harmonising with his memories from each journey, including Vietnam where he visited many times and which is a destination Drapeau has fallen in love with.

AN ADVENTURE WITH CHEF THIERRY DRAPEAU

In the culinary world, the Michelin star is one of the most prestigious awards evaluating the quality of a restaurant and the talent of a chef. Therefore, even if people must often book a place at a Michelin-starred restaurant a year in advance, millions of diners still dream of enjoying scrumptious food at these honoured restaurants. In Vietnam, it is more difficult because very few luxury cruises or high-class hotels are famous enough to invite such culinary artists to cook at their places. For these chefs, cooking is a performance, and the dishes they cook as well as the places they come to mark their reputation.

The Haute Cuisine on High Seas event taking place on the Paradise Elegance on 23rd August is not only an event for the elite willing to pay, but also a convergence of delicate souls and top gourmets. At the event, diners will have the chance to talk with the famous chef Thierry Drapeau, as well as enjoy French food cooked by this talented chef.

Dubbed the cradle of European cuisine, French cuisine attracts diners with its sophistication in its cooking process. Known as one of the top French chefs, Thierry Drapeau will perform his distinctive cooking techniques to create the wonderful dishes associated with his fame. Steak tartare with fresh oyster and avocado mousse, baked hake with bay leaves and saffron and smoked lamb ribs with spiced lamb shoulder are some of Thierry’s most famous dishes and guests can enjoy them on Paradise Elegance.

Haute Cuisine on High Seas is a meeting place for France cuisine, the essence of culinary culture of the Old World and high-class wine of the New World provided by Trivento – the most famous and long-standing wine producer in Argentina. Trivento’s wines have a silky yet fresh and mildly seductive aroma, often extracted from ripe fruits and oak bark, which promises to make even the most demanding visitors fall in love. There are no diners who could resist the soft, sweet taste of steak tartare accompanied by the harmonious aroma of ripe cherry, smoky coconut and blue-cherry of the famous Trivento Eolo Malbec 2013. Strong yet fresh fruit flavours mixed with traditional bitter and soft sweet tastes makes anyone who drinks this luxury wine enjoy its smooth and unforgettable aftertaste.

The harmonious combination of the delicate classic interior style and modern decoration makes Paradise Elegance a luxurious and elegant beauty and this will provide the perfect ambiance for the scrumptious food prepared by chef Thierry Drapeau, which will satisfy all your senses. Thierry Drapeau’s cooking show on Paradise Elegance is a rare opportunity for you to admire the sophistication of Michelin-starred culinary art.

Thanks to meeting all the international standards of modern equipment and sanitary conditions, Paradise Elegance is able to welcome chef Thierry Drapeau to perform, as the kitchen is the place for this culinary artist to create and transform tastes.

When the culinary adventure with Thierry Drapeau comes to the end, the Piano Lounge will welcome visitors with exciting melodious music and the strong flavour of Armagnac XO Larressingle Carate served in the shimmering smoke of the best Cuban cigars.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet