Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 174 of 194

Park Hyatt Saigon appointed new pastry sous chef

(#wanderlusttips #Parkhyattsaigon) Korea-based chef Narae Kim who received the Awarded Valedictorian from Ansan University in South Korea in 2011 has newly appointed to the position of Park Hyatt Saigon’s new pastry sous chef.

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Chef Narae will drive several different facets of the hotel’s pastry line, and she will oversee creation and execution of dessert menus for all restaurants and social events, including receptions, luncheons, dinners and weddings. In addition to daily operations, Chef Narae will also be responsible for The Pastry Boutique at Park Hyatt Saigon, which opened on 8 August 2016 to satisfy the city’s lovers of sweets and treats.

Chef Narae’s career with Hyatt™ began in 2011 at Hyatt Regency Guam, where she revealed her talent and passion for baking. She then moved to Grand Hyatt Seoul and was in charge of the pastry line at The Paris Grill restaurant before coming to Park Hyatt Saigon as its new pastry sous chef.

She has also won several professional pastry competitions, including “Best Dessert” at Pastries in Paradise in Guam in 2011, silver prize at the Junior Pastry World Cup in Italy in 2011, Sugar Show piece Silver medal at WACS Luxembourg Culinary World Cup in 2014, and gold medal at WACS Global Pastry Chef Challenge Asia in 2015. Chef Narae also had a chance to share her professional pastry knowledge and skills for young talents as a coach at World Skills Competition in Korea and United Kingdom from May to August 2011.

“It’s a wonderful challenge,” Chef Narae says about her new position. “I’m being given the opportunity to express my passion and creativity for pastry at one of the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. Together with the opening of The Pastry Boutique, we hope to bring a new expression of luxury and exquisiteness to our culinary world at Park Hyatt Saigon.”

Located at the main entrance to Opera restaurant, The Pastry Boutique catches guests’ eyes with its sumptuous cakes, sweets and pastries displayed like rare jewels in a glass case. Seasonal sweets and a fine selection of pastry gifts will be beautifully packaged for guests to take home as exclusive souvenirs.

As part of Park Hyatt Saigon’s ongoing culinary enhancements, The Pastry Boutique specialises in artisanal pastries which are baked fresh with natural and local ingredients. Chef Narae has chosen to make traditional French Religieuse choux the signature cake of The Pastry Boutique. In addition to authentic pastry cream flavour, Chef Narae’s Religieuse choux collection will offer pastry lovers a wide variety of delicious delicacy options, including yogurt, chocolate and raspberry rose.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Zurich ranked world’s most sustainable city

(#wanderlusttips#Zurich #Swiss) Zurich may be most famous as the beating heart of the global banking industry, but it is also the world’s most sustainable city, according to a new global rankings released today by Dutch building consultants Arcadis.

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Seeing off competition from the likes of Singapore, Seoul and Sydney, Switzerland’s largest city topped a list of 100 major places which were ranked across what the index compilers call the “three dimensions of sustainability”: people, planet and profit. The survey was carried out by Dutch building consultants Arcadis who used 32 indicators to compile the list. These ranged from life expectancy, education and income inequality to energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and green space within cities.

Overall, Zurich scored 74.6 per cent in the rankings, driven by a strong performance on environmental and economic performance. It was closely followed by Singapore, Stockholm, Vienna and London, which all scored above 73 per cent.

The report highlighted a number of Zurich’s sustainable achievements, including investment efficient and renewable energies, a sustainable public transport system and a willingness to increase public awareness of environmental issues. Singapore, Stockholm, Vienna and London all came in the top five, while Manila, Delhi, Nairobi, Cairo and Kolkata propped up the other end of the sustainability scale. In the foreword to the report, John Batten the Global Director of Water and Cities at Arcadis, wrote, “the purpose of the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index is not to create a hierarchy of elite cities, but to indicate areas of opportunity. All cities continue to make progress on their missions to become more sustainable economically, environmentally and for the good of their inhabitants. As the world continues to become more reliant on its urban centers [sic], it is our hope that city leaders and industry find this a valuable tool in assessing their priorities and pathways to urban sustainability for the good of all.”

At the other end of the spectrum Cairo and Kolkata were named the worst performers, with their scores hurt by a lack of economic development and poor progress on environmental factors such as energy efficiency, carbon emissions, air quality and access to urban green spaces.

“A clear link between economic development and environmental sustainability is apparent,” the accompanying report notes. “Therefore, cities in advanced economies are largely at the top while those in emerging and developing economies tend to cluster towards the bottom.”

In the UK, London’s place at number five in the rankings was driven by its position as an economic powerhouse, and its wealth of green spaces – London has more than 3,000 parks and green spaces, making it one of the greenest capitals in the world.

Meanwhile, US cities tended to score lower in the rankings against their European counterparts due to their higher per capita carbon emissions and lower amount of green spaces. San Francisco and Los Angeles, for example, scored 53rd and 60th respectively, well below major European rivals.

Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

11-year-old legless boy conquered 900m high moutain in China

(#wanderlusttips #Moutainconquering) Gao Zhiyu, a 11-year-old boy who was lost his legs in an accident years ago, have amaze others by ascending a part of Moutain Lao near Qingdao city.

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The impressive effort was made by 11-year old Gao Zhiyu from Jimo in Shandong Province and 32-year old motivational speaker Chen Zhou from Linyi.

The pair ascended the mountain using wooden blocks with handle grips to walk and rest on.

Following over five hours of climbing, the pair arrived at a 900-metre high site at Mount Lao. The mixed terrain included steep sandy inclines and a number of stone steps.

Both of the climbers lost their legs in separate accidents when they were young. Having seen news about his past climbing efforts, Gao Zhiyu invited his hero to make the attempt with him, who gladly obliged to the delight of the 11-year old.

Chen is also a singer and a climber who has conquered over 100 peaks nationwide.

Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

A vacation at a masterpiece by the seaside

(#wanderlusttips #seasideresorts) With their stunning beachfront locations, unique architecture and luxury amenities, the following resorts are the perfect getaways between the ocean and the mountains.
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Mia Resort Nha Trang – A peaceful haven

Add: Bai Dong, Cam Hai Dong Commune, Cam Lam District, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Phone: +84 58 3989 666
Email: info@mianhatrang.com
Website: www.mianhatrang.com

Mia Resort Nha Trang is a harmonious combination of nature and architecture, a safe haven for those who seek peace and relaxation. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple on a romantic getaway, a family with young children, or a group of friends looking for an unforgettable experience, Mia Resort Nha Trang’s many options will satisfy your every need. Couples will love a stay at a Standard Condo, garden villa, hillside villa, or beachfront villa. Family Condos are perfectly designed for families travelling with young children. If it is refreshing stay with the privacy and comfort of your own home that you are after, then the two-bedroom Mia Suite with a private pool and fully equipped living room is the best choice. Currently, Mia Resort Nha Trang is putting the finishing touch on 12 new 5-bedroom beachfront villas, which will officially open in the third quarter of 2016.

These luxury villas promise to be perfect for a group of friends or family who wish to enjoy big natural space as well as their privacy. The 5-bedroom villa is a paradise if you are wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and completely relax. All 12 villas stand alone and are just a few meters from the beach, with a large environmentally friendly outdoor pool. Each villa has its own quiet garden. Green grass decorates roofs and cobblestone paths. Green bamboo, sugar cane, and lemongrass trees surround the garden, and an immense white sand beach connects it to the ocean, together creating the harmonious beauty of the resort. From your bedroom, you have a beautiful view of the ocean, which makes waking up every morning all the more exciting. Whichever room you decide to stay in at Mia Resort, you are bound to have an unforgettable experiences at this 5-star tropical paradise.

Mia Resort Nha Trang offers a special promotion: 10% discount for 1-night stay, 20% discount for 2-night stay, and 30% discount for 3-night stay. The program is available from September 5 to November 30, 2016.

Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang – A tropical garden by the beach

Address: Beachside, Tran Phu Boulevard, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province
Tel: +84 58 352 2222
Email: reservations-nhatrang@evasonresorts.com
Website: http://www.sixsenses.com/evason-resorts/ana-mandara/destination

Nestled in beautiful Nha Trang Bay, Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang resembles an ancient Vietnamese home. Making it an ideal choice for families wanting to enjoy their vacation at a 5-star beachside resort. Poetic sunsets await you and when the resort is bathed in candlelight the setting is perfect to simply let go. The resort’s 17 villas and 74 rooms are fully equipped with modern facilities, and line up along the ocean.

Each room has a panoramic view of the vast ocean and overlooking Nha Trang Bay. If you are travelling with young children, you can spend time with them at the Children’s Club and the children’s swimming pool. The outdoor Ana Beach House Restaurant, which serves fresh seafood upon request and the Pavilion Restaurant, which serves Vietnamese cuisine, are both family friendly. Also on offer are recreational activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, beach volleyball, mountain biking, a fully equipped fitness and wellness centre and a massage room. After a tiring day of discovering your surroundings, enjoy total relaxation at the Six Senses Spa or take a dip in the cool water of the pool.

At Evason Ana Mandara Resort Nha Trang, you can fully let go amidst a colourful tropical garden.

Tips: From now until October 31, 2016, Evason Ana Mandara Resort Nha Trang offers a special promotion program: Guests who book 1 – 3 nights at the resort enjoy a 20% discount of the bar rate for all room types.

Mia Resort Mui Ne – A wonderful holiday by the sea

Add: 24 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Mui Ne, Binh Thuan Province
Phone: +84 62 3847 440
Website: www.miamuine.com

Mia Resort Mui Ne impresses at first sight with its traditional folk architecture. From the roofs and brickworks to he lotus leaf-shaped sinks and the green garden, this resort is one of a kind. Poetic Mia Nui Ne Resort sports its own private beach and offers excellent service that exceeds all expectations.

The 31 rooms of Mia Resort Mui Ne are unique artworks fusing the beauty of nature and tradition with modern amenities. All furniture, curtains and bed sheets are carefully designed to suit the aesthetic and add to the cosy and intimate atmosphere of the resort. All Sapa rooms have private balconies, and all the bungalows open onto the lush garden. The spa is outdoor, surrounded by flowers and a romantic and peaceful atmosphere, which ensures absolute relaxation. After spending your day exploring, you can soak in the cool water of the multi-coloured pool or enjoy a great treatment at the Green Spa.

Mia Resort Mui Ne is truly a paradise for those who seek a rustic, quiet space that offers the comfort and class of a 4-star resort. That is the kind of vacation that awaits guests at Mia Resort Mui Ne.

Currently, Mia Resort Mui Ne offers a special promotion of up to 25% off. The program applies from now until November 30, 2016.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Drinking tea: The art of letting go

(#wanderlusttips #tea #culture) If someone were to ask about my biggest joy during my years in Hong Kong, my answer would simply be: “Tea”.

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Time is like water, the years are like lotus flowers, and life is a pot of tea. This is perhaps why people often drink tea when contemplating life. They can meditate with a pot of tea and let it wash their souls, to get a clear view of what is within and gain a sense of the realm of impermanence.

I don’t remember when tea became a soul mate of mine, but I do remember first encountering this special friend at Xishan teahouse. A stranger to the art form, I was fortunate to participate in an authentic tea ceremony, which resembles a solemn ritual. The tea master brought out a small ceramic stove – a meticulously crafted stove with a lid and a small lid – holding a small heap of burning charcoal. His instruments were a traditional Yixing teapot the size of a fist, and six exquisite teacups white as pearls and paper-thin, so fragile they could break with a gentle squeeze. To begin with the fire was strong enough to boil the water quickly. As he worked, the tea master talked of the origin of the water he was using to make tea, it was taken from a spring 18 kilometres from Beijing. As the ancient ones say: “Pure water must be boiled with bright fire” and I believe the saying is true in this case.

DRINKING TEA – PREMIUM TIEGUANYIN TEA

Next Premium Tieguanyin tea was set on a tray, and its origin was briefly introduced to us. The teapot was now warm, and the tea master gently scooped the tea inside the pot, and poured the boiling spring water inside. I still remember the tea master’s graceful etiquette when he gently pushed away the bubbles to keep the tea from the mouth of the pot, before rinsing the lid with boiling water. Even an everyday action was done smoothly and skilfully, resembling drifting clouds and flowing water, which really opened my eyes.

As he worked, the tea master gracefully explained to us that this is known as “the spring wind brushing the surface”, and its purpose is to clean and even out the temperature between the inside and outside of the pot, so that the flavours of the tea fully unfurl. The flavours of the tea already filled the air, and we thought it was time to take a sip. However, the tea master once again surprised us when he discarded the tea water, which he explained was to clean the tea of any dirt and activate the best flavours of the tea.

Boiling spring water was once again poured into the pot and each of the porcelain teacups was rinsed with boiling water. After a long wait, I started feeling a little impatient. It was then that the tea master picked up the teapot and evenly poured the liquid into the teacups, in a circular manner for each guest. This is called “Guan Gong patrols the city.” He explained to us that the first brew of the tea should be poured this way, to ensure an even flavour in each cup. When the pot was almost empty, the last drops were poured out in one graceful movement, called “Han Xin calls the soldiers”, to evenly distribute the tea, when the flavour was at its best. The tea was a deep beautiful amber colour.

The brewing was now complete, and the tea was respectfully offered to all attendees. The first cup was offered to the host, and the rest were offered to the guests. I was instructed to hold the fragile teacup with my thumb and index finger, and not to drink the tea right away but enjoy the aroma first. After carefully observing the host, I put the cup under the top of my nose, and took a small breath. The aroma entered my lungs, and my impatience vanished. Instead, my mind was clear and relaxed. I took several small sips. The first sip left a bitter taste on my tongue, making me frown. The second sip washed away the bitterness, leaving a subtle sweetness in my throat. By the third sip, the flavours filled my mouth, and I could do nothing but close my eyes and enjoy the pleasure of this exquisite moment.

That was the moment I suddenly realised that tea resembled life. The first sip is bitter, similar to the hardships we have to overcome when we first enter adulthood. Our first failures in life are no different from the first sip, bitter and harsh. The second sip brought the sweetness, of our first achievements. And the third sip is what I call realisation, when the material things disappear, and we know that peace is the true meaning of life. Although I cannot claim that I have fully comprehend the profundity of this art, and maybe never will, I felt that my soul had become calmer, and the pressure of my everyday life didn’t seem so intense.

When I returned to reality, the teahouse staff had already cleaned up the table. When I looked at my surroundings, I suddenly remembered a quote by poet Bai Juyi of the Tang Dynasty, which he wrote while drinking tea: “Seven flavours brewed in a teapot”, implying that enjoying tea incorporates the full scene, the taste, the scent and the performance. Looking back, I feel fortunate to have experienced a tea ceremony with all four elements.

The predecessor of Xishan teahouse was an ancient temple with a history of nearly 1,000 years. Its quiet elegance and the ancient feel of the teahouse made the setting for the tea ceremony quite beautiful. The tea water was from a spring in the mountains, which was pure and fresh and helped maximize the flavours and the aroma of the tea. After doing some research, I also learned that the Yixing teapot also has a rich history. It was excellent with regards to all five elements: age, clay, artist, style and production method. More important than all the objective conditions however was the art of making tea itself. The tea master truly excelled in achieving the right water temperature and the right taste, which gave us the full experience of enjoying flavours, aroma, and the hidden meaning behind the art.

Despite being a stranger to the art, I learned a few things from the experience. One cup of tea has three flavours, bitter like life, sweet like life, and peaceful like life. A good pot of tea can outlast time, like the clouds and the sea remain the same after thousands of years. A few friends can gather and enjoy a pot of tea, and talk about life, about themselves, and about the world. I believe that that is the way to live life to the fullest.

Van Nguyen | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Fascinating discoveries on river cruises

(#wanderlusttips #rivercruise) The tourism trend of luxury ocean cruises, also encompasses river cruise, popular with many tourists who see their many perks. Wanderlust Tips has put together a list of some of the newest and most exciting features.

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A rich cultural journey

Are you looking for a cruise tour? Not sure whether to do an ocean and river cruises If you are keen to go on a trip that offers rich cultural experiences during which you learn about the unique culture of each destination, and will set foot on little-known parts of a country, a river cruise is an excellent choice. It will give you more experiences than any ocean cruise, even the most luxurious ones. This is the very reason that river cruises has been growing in popularity exponentially in recent years, with an increasing number of visitors.

Remarkable views

Ocean cruises are often massive, and you can enjoy views of coastal towns and cities, and visit destinations where the cruise ship docks. Facilities and entertainment services on board are often very convenient, allowing visitors to feel like the ship alone is a destination to explore and experience. Meanwhile, river cruises are often smaller ships, giving visitors an unobstructed view of the riverbanks with their ever-changing scenery. More importantly, visitors can easily dock ashore and explore destinations on their own. Being smaller, all cabins on a river cruise have windows, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful scenery even when they rest in their cabins. Big ocean cruise ships on the other hand often have to anchor offshore, and visitors have to transfer to a smaller boat to reach the shore.

Access to local culture

“A river cruise will give you more opportunities to explore a country, its nature, people, culture, cuisine, and lifestyles.” – says Ms. Ta Bich Ha, Director of Visit Russia Asia and Chief Representative of Volga Cruise in Asia. According to Bich Ha, a river cruise will allow visitors to access and interact with local people and their culture and ultimately expand their worldview thanks to “knowledge and deep understanding of the local people and their lives.”

A different service and journey

River cruises are considered medium-sized portable hotels, equipped to meet the needs of their guests, whereas ocean cruises are like large resort. On a number of river cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia, visitors can experience several countries on one tour. You will only need to check in and check out once without having to worry about packing every night, and the menu changes to showcase the specialties of the different destinations of the cruise. The atmosphere on board is always friendly and relaxed, and you never feel the pressure of time. Seasickness is a rare problem. River cruises can take you to your destinations in a way that no ocean or onshore tours can achieve.

Get comfortable with an “all-inclusive” package

An “all-inclusive” river cruise will ensure that you don’t have to worry about breaking your budget because of unforeseen expenses. You can consider and select from a variety of packages when choosing a river cruise. With an “all-inclusive” package, the price that you pay includes meals, accommodation, on board and on shore activities. On most river cruises, you can enjoy free Internet, so contacting your family and friends at home will not be limited or costly. Thus, a river cruise is truly worth your time and money.

Many local cultural activities take place on board

You do not have to go too far to experience and participate in local cultural activities, which take place right on board: themed meals according to different regions, programs introducing the history of different destinations, recreation activities imbued with local culture. A river cruise will always make you feel refreshed and adventurous, as you will be immersed in the culture of your destination. For example, on a Volga Cruise exploring the great Russia, you can learn more about the Russian Empire, or attend a Russian party – where the food and the clothing of servers fit the theme, visit a Russian farm in the countryside, enjoy a Russian tea ceremony including a famous Samovar teapot, daydream while listening to a Russian folk song, or join a Russian folk dance.

No noise, and no waiting time

On a river cruise, you will never feel tired because of the hustle and bustle of the crowd. A river cruise will allow you to relax and enjoy yourself, thanks to the organization and the cleverly designed itinerary. River cruise ships normally have a maximum capacity of 200 guests, so you can have your own quiet haven and enjoy the caring service of the staff on-board, which makes it different from a noisy and crowded luxury cruise with a capacity of over 3,000 guests. You will never have to wait for food service, or queue in line to get ashore whenever the ship docks.

No worries

A river cruise is a great choice, because you will never have to worry. You will only need to decide on a program and a type of cabin for yourself, and everything else is planned for you. You do not need to plan your itinerary, or pick restaurants to visit, because everything is included in the “all-inclusive” package. You do not need to rush to comply to a tight schedule, transferring between buses and trains, to visit all the planned destinations to get your money’s worth, regardless of your health or preference like on regular tours. On a river cruise, if the beauty of one destination compels you, you can take a long time to discover the area. On the other hand, if the destination does not attract you, or if your health does not allow, you can go back to your cabin, enjoy a cup of tea and a good book. This does not affect anyone else, because the cruise is your companion every step of the way.

A river cruise will give you the most profound experiences. This is a way to explore the world differently.

To get information and consultation about cruises along the most famous rivers in the world, you can contact:

VOLGA CRUISE by CRUISE ALLIANCE

Address: Hanoi Tower – No. 49 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hanoi
Tel: (+844) 8585 8588

Email: info@volgacruise.com

TIPS: 6 reasons to choose a river cruise

The long trip will allow you to let go of your worries and fully re-energise
You only need to check in and check out once without having to pack multiple times
You can explore the culture, history, and traditions of little-known destinations in detail
The menu changes every day to reflect the abundant local cuisine of each destination
Free Wi-Fi allows you to connect with your friends and family throughout the trip
No extra charges.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Condotel Fusion Suites Danang: A classy lifestyle

(#wanderlusttips #FusionsuitesDanang #Condotel) Condotel is a vacation home familiar to travellers who prefer luxurious amenities, comfort, and privacy. Overlooking the pristine My Khe Beach in Man Thai, Condotel Fusion Suites Danang offers its guests an experience of the most professional services, and helps them reenergise thanks to the good care of the staff.

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Dedicated to taking care of your health

Understanding that physical health can also give you mental satisfaction and the ability to enjoy life to its fullest, Condotel Fusion Suites Danang offers in-room foot massage treatment packages, which provide fatigue and stress relief and complete relaxation. In addition, there are countless carefully designed self-care options, including yoga, meditation and fitness exercises. Guests can make use of consultations about nutrition for every meal and drink that can help purify their bodies.

A perfect getaway

Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple seeking a romantic vacation, a family with small children or a group of friends looking to have a fun and classy experience, Condotel Fusion Suites Danang has the perfect option for you. Cosy chic studio for couples, Ocean Suites and Fusion Suites are perfectly designed for families with young children, as they are equipped with lovely bunkbeds. For families or groups of friends who seek the luxurious seaside lifestyle, the Penthouses, Duplex Penthouses and Grand Penthouses have a master bedroom and a bedroom with two single beds. Every apartment is decorated in a cool hue of green colour tone, elegant white, and has cosy wooden elements. They are equipped with facilities including a coffeemaker, a microwave, a stove, a refrigerator, and a juicer; everything you need to make life more comfortable.

Diverse dining services

Fresh Coffee Shop: A grab&go food and beverage service is available for guests all day. Food is made from homegrown, fresh vegetables.

Pool Lounge: Gather around the pool with your friends on comfortable lounge chairs overlooking the beautiful and pristine Man Thai coastline. When enjoying excellent drinks and modern music your day won’t be anything but refreshing.

Zen Rooftop Lounge: With a beautiful view from the 23^rd floor of the hotel overlooking the picturesque coastline and the streets of Danang, Zen makes for a unique experience. Sip on a refreshing cocktails and enjoy a dinner of Eastern and Western fusion cuisine.

Convenient transportation to attractive destinations

– Son Tra Peninsula (4.2 kilometres): Visit Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the tallest Avalokitesvara statue in Vietnam and a thousand-year-old banyan tree. Watch old women weave basket boats, walk through primary forests home to rare animals including the red-shanked douc, visit countless beautiful beaches and enjoy fresh, delicious seafood served with a side of wild vegetables.

– Man Thai Fishing Village (0.5 kilometres):

Paddle in a basket boat, cast a net, experience a fisherman’s lifestyle with people of Man Thai village, and enjoy freshly caught seafood.

– Marble Mountain (9.7 kilometres): Admire the beauty of the majestic mountains sitting next to the beautiful ocean, visit caves and temples, and Non Nuoc stone village, where you can buy meticulously handcrafted stone products.

– Hoi An Ancient Town (27 kilometres): The beautiful ancient town of Hoi An mesmerises tourists with its charming old town, temples and old houses, a beautiful beach and ancient craft villages including Kim Bong carpentry village, Thanh Ha pottery village, and the pristine Cu Lao Cham. Hoi An’s cuisine is amazingly abundant and includes many dishes that are hard to refuse, like chicken rice, Cao Lau noodles, crispy dumplings, pancakes and numerous other kinds of street food.

– Ba Na Mountain Reserve (38,7 kilometres): This is a wonder for explorers with its 544 species of plants and 266 species of animals, including 44 animal species and 6 plant species that are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book.

– Lang Co Bay (38.5 kilometres): The spectacular beauty of Lang Co can mesmerise visitors, with its arched beaches, white sand and blue sea. Hai Van Pass, which is close by, divides the territories of Danang and Hue. Enjoy the picturesque scenery of the mountains and rivers from high above. On your way from the hotel, you can explore Bach Ma National Park, home to Ngu Ho mountain, Do Quyen waterfall, Vong Hai Dai. The climate is refreshing with temperatures that rarely reach above 26 degrees Celsius.

Fusion Suites Danang Beach

An Cu 5 Residential, Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Man Thai Ward, Son Tra District, Đà Nẵng
Tel: (+84511) 3919 777

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Napasorn Kakai: Innovative thinking to develop tourism market

(#wanderlusttips #Thailandtourism) “Success in tourism promotion requires innovative thinking in market development,” Ms. Napasorn Kakai – Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand has shared with Wanderlust Tips Magazine her point of view about tourism market development in an open interview.
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Can you please share with us the contribution of the tourism industry to Thailand’s economy? What are the areas the Thai tourism industry is currently focusing on?

The tourism industry plays an important role in Thailand’s economy. Thus, we always encourage tourism development, especially in supporting fields such as infrastructure, transport, hotels, travel services, tourism human resources, and of course increase the market share and always promote a positive image of Thailand’s tourism. Currently, revenue from the tourism industry is high and can help to develop other areas in our country.

Currently, Thailand focuses on trans-regional tourism, encouraging Southerners to explore the Northern mountainous areas or Northeast of Thailand, and encouraging Northerners to visit beaches in the South. This way, Thai people can experience new things and exchange knowledge, bringing a balance to each area.

For Vietnamese travellers, in addition to popular stops such as Bangkok and Pattaya, we want to introduce new destinations such as the Northern mountains (Khao Yai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) and the Southern sea (Hua Hin and Phuket). This can help travellers fully experience the beauty of Thailand in different regions.

In the context of tourism development along with other countries in Southeast Asia, how will Thailand’s tourism be structured to achieve both class and a unique identity?

Tourism development and tourism in Southeast Asian countries require international co-operation across all sectors. This means transport sectors such as airways, roadways and waterways working together to create a unique international journey, such as “one destination in three countries”. In addition, visa issuance, co-operation in developing human resources and promotion of tourism information are also important.

What do you think are the traits that make Thailand a popular destination? Is it the scenery, the culture, cuisine or other specialised tourism products?

In addition to the beauty of our natural landscapes, traditional culture, cuisine and tourism products, another thing that impresses tourists the most is Thai people’s charm, friendliness, and willingness to help others. These traits help Thailand attract a growing number of visitors every year.

Thailand tourism has cleverly planned tourism programs specialised for women, and even set the trend for medical tourism. In your assessment, does this set Thailand tourism apart and attract different types of tourists?

Success in tourism promotion requires innovative thinking in market development. This includes dividing the mass of visitors into smaller targeted groups, which eases market access and promotion of tourism images.

Women are an important audience group, especially working women and families. According to our research, women are the key deciders when it comes to visiting a new destination to spice up their life experiences.

On the other hand, people pay more attention to their health and shape. Tourism combined with healthcare can improve one’s health and help them recover quicker. This is a great opportunity to develop the medical tourism market.

Why did Thailand choose the tough measure of closing several beaches? Did this affect the growth of Thailand’s tourism?

The Thai government places a special importance on sustainable tourism development, hence the need to take measures such as re-planning beaches. Now, some only open to tourists seasonally such as Surin island or Similan island, which are world-famous diving sites. Every year, these islands will be closed for six months during rainy season, allowing nature to recover and sustain its eternal beauty

Tourism, like everything else, has both good and bad sides. A large flood of tourists into the country can lead to problems such as damaged natural resources, more littering, polluted water sources and increased crime rates. In popular tourism destinations in the world, it’s common to hear about tourists getting attacked or robbed. When problems like this happen in Thailand, relevant agencies will co-operate to provide relief. For examples, the Tourism Authority of Thailand will provide support and care for the victims and the Thai police departments will conduct investigations. We have also issued warnings about potentially dangerous areas for tourists.

Vietnam tourism also faces similar security problems. I, myself, have experienced this problem when I came to welcome a Thai celebrity at Tan Son Nhat Airport in May 2016, and I was pick-pocketed. Despite having come to the police with video evidence of the crime recorded by journalists, they have yet to find the thief. We can see that problems like this exist in every country and need to be solved.

Bangkok Airways and Vietnam Airlines recently opened a direct route between Danang and Bangkok. How do you assess the potential of a beach tourism exchange between our two countries?

We believe this is very good news. The direct flight connecting central Vietnam and Thailand can boost tourism between the two countries. Danang has great tourism potential, as tourists can easily access world heritage sites like Hoi An or Hue. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has participated in the Beach-Leisure & M.I.C.E Travel Mart (BMTM), where we helped connect tourism businesses from the two countries and promote tourism co-operation.

Media in Thailand has commented that Vietnam tourism is a rising star in the ASEAN region. How does this affect Thailand’s competitive development strategy with Vietnam?

Vietnam is indeed a rising star of the tourism industry in the region. Thailand is delighted that Vietnam has put an emphasis on developing tourism and has become a strong tourism partner of ours. The ASEAN countries including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand can co-operate to exchange information and attract tourists to the region, which can greatly benefit all countries.

How do you assess Vietnam’s exploitation of its potentials to develop the tourism industry?

Vietnam has diverse natural resources and many cultural heritages, which are key tourism resources that attract tourists from around the world. In addition, Vietnam will need balanced development in all areas to achieve sustainable tourism. In modern times, people always seek uniqueness, things that they cannot see at home, or natural beauty untouched by human civilization.

Development of tourism products needs to intricately consider both the old and the new, maintaining old traditional values and adding new elements to attract tourists.

Can you share with us in detail some co-operation plans between Thailand and Vietnam in the tourism industry in the coming future?

In the near future, some developments of tourism co-operation between our two countries are:

The exchange of information and knowledge about the two tourism markets.
Inviting representatives from tourism companies and the press to experience tourism destinations, helping them connect for future co-operation, and promote tourism images of the two countries.
Educational exchanges in the tourism and hospitality sector: Thailand has many renowned leading education centres in the fields of hospitality and tourism.
Opening new air routes between Thailand and Vietnam, with the newest charter flight from Ho Chi Minh to Phuket.
Promote transportation via roadways, an important trend in the future.

Thank you very much, we wish you all the best and we hope that the co-operation in all areas between our two countries achieves great success in the future.

Trang Nguyen | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Trippi.vn: Solution for easy travelling

(#wanderlusttips #trippi) Online travel mart and travel information portal Tripi (www.tripi.vn) was recently launched in Hanoi, prior to the Vietnam International Travel Mart 2016 (VITM). It is the first official travel site in Vietnam that allows visitors to book packaged tours, accommodation and airfare.

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The launch of this online travel booking website follows the booming e-commerce trends in Vietnam, and helps bring tourism products closer to consumers. Thanks to this platform, it won’t take long for travellers to book a flight, a cheap hotel room, or an exciting tour at a reasonable price. We have connected with Mr. Tran Binh Giang, founder of tripi.vn to learn more about this website.

Can you share with us how tripi.vn was born? Did tripi.vn learn from other travel booking sites in the world?

The booming e-commerce scene in Vietnam has created an increasing need to find, compare, and buy tourism packages including flights, hotels and tours online and pay for them online. Because of this trend, tripi.vn was born to satisfy the needs of both reputable tourism product providers and their customers. The site hopes to become an effective e-commerce site for product providers, make its service convenient and save time for customers. On tripi.vn, buyers can compare the prices and quality of the same product provided by different companies, such as a hotel room or a travel tour.

Tripi.vn combines the price comparison element (like Kayak.com) with e-commerce (like Amazon.com), which have both been available in developed countries. This combination seeks to deliver convenience to both buyers and service providers in Vietnam. There are three reasons we chose this model. First, the transparent comparison of price and quality on tripi.vn ensures that buyers can always find the best products. Second, online payment on tripi.vn is convenient and trustworthy for customers. Third, many service suppliers do not have good e-commerce platforms to service a large number of customers or allow buyers to search, book and pay online. This is why tripi.vn has created a solution that meets the needs of those service providers.

There already are many online booking sites for tours, flights, and accommodation. What are the strengths of tripi.vn? What are the added values for customers using tripi.vn?

I can summarise the strengths of tripi.vn in two aspects:

In terms of our product, unlike other travel companies, tripi.vn is a booking platform, which provides a diverse range of products from a variety of service providers. It is the first official travel-booking site in Vietnam.

Regarding our technology, I want to emphasise that tripi.vn is a technology company in the tourism sector. Our strength lies in the talented tech team that has worked in multi-national technology corporations such as Google, IBM and Yahoo. We are confident that we can build smart and useful products to deliver the best customer experience. The big data technology trend has started entering some aspects of our everyday lives, and tripi.vn is ready to use big data to deliver added values. This means more convenience, smarter and more useful features, and we plan to launch these features in the near future.

Thus, tripi.vn users will always find the best and cheapest tourism products thanks to the site’s tools that allow you to compare products. In addition, the site automatically finds attractive product packages, such as a combos of flights and car rental, hotel or cruise for the cheapest price available, which can save planning time and cost for travellers. Triplan, a tool that uses big data, helps finding cheap product offers and automatically plans trips, and will be launched in the near future.

How many service providers are now selling their tourism products on tripi.vn? Does using this platform to list their products cost any fee?

There are currently more than 100 reputable service providers who are listing their products on tripi.vn. This includes leading tourism companies in Vietnam, big international hotel groups and airlines currently operating in Vietnam such as Agoda and Booking.com. Listing tourism products is convenient and absolutely free.

Do you believe that searching, assessing and comparing travel products on tripi.vn is easy and convenient?

We have received overwhelmingly positive responses from our customers about tripi’s convenience and ease of use, especially Tripi Holidays, a package that includes airfare. We will continually improve the website and mobile application to ensure our customers have the best experience.

Does tripi.vn control the quality of tourism products listed on your website? What is the role that tripi.vn plays in each transaction on this website?

To ensure the products listed on tripi.vn, we handpick and only work with the most reputable service providers in the Vietnamese market. We are building a professional customer service team to provide customer support. Experts from the Vietnam Tourism Association and Vietnam Airlines, as well as users also transparently rate product quality.

We guarantee the safety of online payment and will provide full refunds if any problems occur with a transaction. To make this happen, we have partnered with NAPAS, National Payment Services of Vietnam, a leading company in assisting e-commerce transactions in Vietnam.

Does tripi.vn aim to reach more customers to become a rating platform for travel services, hotels, restaurants, and destinations, similar to many travel sites in the world?

This is one of the goals that we are currently focusing on. We have deployed integrated channels along with social networks to enhance interaction with travellers, because we understand the marketing power of social networks.

Is tripi.vn only for Vietnamese customers? Does this mean tourism products for international visitors cannot be listed here? Will this change in the near future?

In the immediate future, we mainly focus on developing products and services for Vietnamese people traveling domestically and internationally. With international visitors, the biggest barrier is the language. However, in the not too distant future, we will develop a multilingual platform, starting with English to meet the needs of international visitors.

Thank you for this interview. We wish you success and we hope that tripi.vn will grow stronger in the future.

Hong Anh | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Hachi8: Conquering the tallest peaks

(#wanderlusttips #hachi8 #travellover) Ngo Huy Hoa is famous in the community of travel and photography enthusiasts to which he is known as Hachi8. His passion for photography combined with his love of nature inspired this former construction engineer to give up his stable routines and start exploring every part of the country. His photographs and travel expertise have been widely shared on Facebook and travel forums and have become a source of inspiration for aspiring travellers preparing for trips of their own. Besides his passion for travel and writing his new book, Ngo Huy Hoa is currently working on several photography projects, both personal and for NGOs. In addition, he plans to launch a website dedicated to tourism in Vietnam.

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Hello Hachi. Can you share with us how you first discovered your passion for travelling and new discoveries? What was the purpose of your first trips?

I was an office clerk for a long time, and my weekend and holiday getaways helped me relax after stressful workdays. During these trips, I gradually realised my true passion for photography and for new travel experiences. Independent travel allows me to be more proactive with my journeys and my destinations. First, I took short trips with friends, and eventually I started travelling alone and on longer trips.

Besides hunting for beautiful photos, I have gathered numerous valuable personal experiences on my travels, acquired through my travel companions, the places I visited, the local people and their culture.

More importantly, my trips to different regions of Vietnam fill my life with meaning, make me more empathetic and urge me to call for the empathy of the community by participating in philanthropic activities to help ethnic and disadvantaged children across Vietnam.

In recent times, you frequently shared photos of various majestic mountains. Why do you aspire to conquer these tall, dangerous peaks?

I love nature, and especially majestic landscape where heaven and earth meet. Besides, conquering these dangerous places gives me an adrenaline rush.

Conquering dangerous, desolate mountains, challenging even for locals, must have required passion, determination, and health. What were the problems that obstructed your conquest? Was there a journey so difficult that you considered giving up?

A: Mountainous areas are always rugged and void of footprints, forcing explorers to be brave and skilled. There were many obstacles and difficulties, such as rugged terrain, complicated landscape, and unpredictable climate. For me, the most dangerous is being unable to determine the direction. Mountainous regions such as Phan Lien San or Ta Lien are such examples. Despite having studied maps and travelling with a local guide, finding directions to travel uphill proofed to be difficult, and I considered giving up many times. In Ta Lien forest, the wrong direction forced us to sleep sitting on the mountainside in extremely poor conditions and prolonged the journey by an extra day.

Can you share some special memories of the paths you have travelled?

There was a dark night when we blindly fumbled across the forest along the Vietnam – China border, on the road from Pu Si Lung peak to Landmark No. 42. The strange noises that the border police feared to be dangerous wild animals pushed our tired legs to go faster than ever. Then there was my journey on the snow-covered Nhiu Co Lan mountain. The frozen cardamom trees became magical to my explorer’s eye. Or there was the moment between life and death, when I fell into a booby trap atop Nam Kang Ho Tao mountain while running from thunder and hail. Despite the many difficulties, I always remember the beautiful moments of my journeys the best.

You have published a book called “Vietnamese footsteps – 4 poles, 1 peak,” a popular read of the traveller community. Can you share more about this book and the messages you wish to convey?

“Vietnamese footsteps – 4 poles, 1 peak” is a retelling of my journeys to explore the country’s four poles: the North pole (Lung Cu, Ha Giang Province), the West pole (Apa Chai, Dien Bien Province), the East pole (Mui Doi, Khanh Hoa Province) and the South pole (Nam Can, Ca Mau Province) as well as Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. In addition to stories and beautiful photos of these destinations, there are also practical experiences that I accumulated and wish to share with travel enthusiasts. Above all, I want to spread my love of our homeland to Vietnamese youths.

Once a construction engineer, did this job benefit you during your independent journeys? Is writing a book difficult for an engineer like yourself? How did you balance work and your passion?

As I shared in the book “Vietnamese Footsteps,” construction engineering forced me to think logically about every matter. I also learned to read and analyse topography and maps, which makes it easier to find directions, make logical itineraries and plans, which contribute to the success of each of my trips. I also organised my work, took vacation and holiday leaves and my journeys incorporate many different kinds of transportation, from flying to walking. Currently, I am a freelance photographer and that gives me more freedom to travel.

What do you think are the most important factors to ensure your safety during dangerous adventures?

I think it is the thorough understanding of the place you’re about to visit. This understanding will help you anticipate any potential danger, and be well prepared for them. This not only includes packing, getting fit and training the right skills, but more importantly getting ready mentally.

Can you share some experiences for young people who share the same passion? What are the basic items to bring on a hiking trip?

A hiking trip requires a lot of skill and preparation. In addition to the essentials for a long trip, the most important are the survival tools. A good knife, fire tools for all weather conditions, painkillers, antipyretic, and antacid. The most important is a navigation device, which can be a GPS or a smartphone with a map application, and do not forget extra batteries. Survival tools and navigation devices are must-haves for my hiking trips.

You have travelled a lot, and often shared your experiences about places you visit. Which was your favourite place in Vietnam? Where have your travelled to in 2016?

I travel a lot, and have fond memories of every place visited in my homeland, but for me, the most special was Dong Van Stone Plateau in Ha Giang Province. This northernmost area of our homeland has a complex terrain, and always makes for an emotional experience for travel enthusiasts like myself. This is why, in June, I published the book “The Journey of the Rock Plateau” – an interesting tourism handbook featuring this place. I am delighted to have received support from my friends and positive feedback from readers, especially travel enthusiasts who share this special love for Ha Giang province.

I kicked off the year 2016 with a boat journey along the spectacular Da River in Lai Chau Province, exploring West Truong Son, visiting the ancient citadel of Hue, riding along the coast of the South Central region, and exploring the mountains of Dalat and Lam Dong Province.

You said your goal for 2016 is to conquer the 10 tallest mountains in Vietnam. Have you reached this goal? October is always the best time for mountaineering, have you chosen your destinations yet?

Vietnam is home to only five mountains taller than 3,000 meters. However, many mountainous areas that stand lower have difficult terrain as well as a unique landscape. In March, I completed two trips to Phan Lien San and Pu Ta Leng mountains, which completed my list of the 10 tallest mountains in Vietnam, a goal I have planned to reach for a long time. The best time to hike is during the dry season from October to March, when the weather is stable which allows for easy trekking. Many of my trips are spontaneous, so I will continue conquering the mountains and sharing my experience with the world.

What are your future plans? Maybe publishing another book about your journeys to conquer the mountains? As an experienced traveller and a trendsetter, do you believe your journeys will set a new trend for travel enthusiasts? Do you have a message to share with passionate travellers?

It is true that my love for the mountains always inspires me to explore and conquer new terrain, and I want to publish a book about the tallest peaks in the country. With this book, I hope to spread my love for nature and for my homeland to Vietnamese youths and even international friends. Love will guide travellers to make sustainable choices, and passion will help the authorities to be more concerned with the preservation of the nature and cultural identity of each region.

Thank you for sharing your discoveries. We wish you many more interesting journeys and success in your future projects.

HanHan | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet