Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 182 of 196

Caviar – black jewel for the dinner table

(#wanderlusttips #caviar) Caviar is a mysterious, special and nutritious luxury food. It is taken from sturgeon and considered one of ten products worldwide symbolising luxury and wealth.

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What is Caviar?

Caviar is a roe that has its fat removed, and is lightly salted without iodine. This processing method dates back many centuries. Only the eggs of sturgeon are called Caviar or salted Caviar.

Natural caviar is mainly found in the Caspian Sea, which is surrounded by Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. There are other types of sturgeon that live in rivers and lakes across the Northern Hemisphere.

Caviar is an extremely nutritious food with ingredients including calcium, phosphor, protein, selenium, iron, magnesium, fatty acid omega-3, amino acid, mineral and Vitamin B12, B6, B2, B44, C, A, D. Scientists have indicated that caviar can help reduce the danger of depression, prevent heart disease, and can be used for treatment of asthenia, tuberculosis, mal-nutrition, lack of vitamins, neurasthenia and to generally improve your health. Caviar is especially good for children and pregnant women.

Caviar is also considered the food of love thanks to its unforgettable taste, luxurious reputation and it is said to be a potent aphrodisiac. The association with caviar and a satisfying love life stems from the relationship between Aphrodite, the goddess of love born from sponges, with everything fish related. Caviar is also a symbol of fertility. Its healing qualities however are the most significant feature of caviar. Scientists believe that caviar can foster neurons that aid people in their romantic endeavours.

In addition, caviar is considered an antidote to alcohol as it contains a relatively high content of acetylcholine (a substance contained in neurons that play a key role in remembering things) that helps create a surface layer in the stomach and increases the alcohol absorption of the body.

Caviar throughout the ages

The English term “Caviar” comes from the Turkish “khayyar” or the Persian word “chay-jar”, which roughly translates to “the cake of power” or “the piece of power”.

In medieval times, King Edward II made sturgeon “the royal fish” and asked people to tribute it to him if they caught it. In China, Denmark and France, caviar was approved by the royal family and you needed a special permission to harvest it. Even in Russia and Hungary, fishing sturgeon requires permission. King Czar Nicholas II and the Russian nobility liked caviar from Danube River so much that the fish became almost extinct as nearly 11 tons of caviar were eaten every year.

In the time of the Pharaohs in Egypt, people realised the value of caviar. Archaeological objects engraved with the image of the fish indicate this.

Ancient Greeks also imported caviar from the Black Sea. Greek writers in their literary works praised the taste and healing abilities of sturgeon.

In the boom period of caviar, sturgeons from the US were transported to Europe by sea and then imported back to the US branded “Russian Caviar” as it is considered the most luxurious one. In 1900, Pennsylvania released a report indicating an estimated 90% of Russian caviar sold in Europe came from the US. The consequence of the boom of American caviar in the early 1900s was sturgeons being in danger of extinction. The shortage spiked a taste for caviar, but this time caviar labelled Russian actually came from Russia. During the 1960s, the price of caviar was so high that people once again looked for domestic sources of caviar.

Nowadays, due to environmental pollution and excessive fishing, sturgeon is in danger of extinction once again and is on the Red List and protected by CITES. Countries around the Caspian Sea have built many preservation centres to preserve sturgeon and then release them back to the nature. Natural exploitation of sturgeon is banned and the fish can only be offered to the market from industrial fish farms.

In the West, Caviar is a luxury food, sold at a relatively high price. Caviar is also called “The black jewel” on the dinner table and is a symbol of luxury and wealth. Economic experts say that more than 95% of people around the world will not be able to afford to try Caviar in their lifetime. This figure may increase since natural sturgeon is becoming more and more rare.

How to enjoy Caviar and what to drink with it

Often served as an appetizer, Caviar is eaten in small quantities, just enough to make diners get a taste of the unforgettable flavour. Traditionally, Caviar is served cold in crystal jars on large ice trays. Using cutlery made of pearl or nacre to enjoy Caviar aids wonderfully sophisticated taste of Caviar. Cutlery made of metals (except gold) spoil the good taste of Caviar.

Enjoying Caviar with toasted bread or unsalted crackers and a light drink is also wonderful. Although this simple dish may no get the approval of all people, nothing can deprive the perfect Caviar of its taste. Other times it is served with a slice of lemon, sour cream, Crème Frâiche, boiled eggs with the white and yolk separated and ground onion. The above ingredients bring out the best even in Caviar of lower quality.

Don’t get greedy when you are served Caviar as an appetizer no matter how ecstatic you are about the excellent taste of the dish. You will be considered clumsy and un-gourmet if you eat more than 2 ounces (about 50 grams) or two spoons of Caviar.

Champagne is an excellent drink to serve with Caviar, but gourmets in Russia – the country considered the home of Caviar – often order frozen vodka instead. Beluga Vodka is considered the most perfect drink to accompany Caviar.

For further information on Caviar, visit www.vi.caviardeduc.com (Vietnam’s sturgeon group).

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Wine and seafood – a stylish combination

(#wanderlusttips #wineexpert #Sommelier) A trip to the ocean will become even more poetic when you enjoy a glass of fine wine with premium seafood dishes. Here is some helpful advice from Sommelier To Viet.

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Wine and exquisite seafood dishes

At the beginning of 2015 I was honoured to cooperate with Lexus Vietnam, Flix Event Planning Company and Christine Ha, a renowned Vietnamese American chef, to introduce some exquisite seafood dishes and pair them with champagne and wine.

Christine Ha, a talented chef who grew up eating traditional Asian cuisine always adds beautiful colours to exquisite ingredients, and combines them with Vietnamese spices to create her recipes. This is why pairing Christine’s dishes to suitable wine is always both a challenge and a great inspiration for many sommeliers.

A bottle of champagne like Taittinger Brut Reserve or Taittinger Prestige Rosé is often chosen to welcome diners along with appetizers such as buttered bread and sturgeon roe. The presence of a champagne bottle on the table always prepares guests for a memorable event. The popping sound of a champagne cork is like the delightful laughter of a young woman. The sparkling gold or pink liquid satisfies every sense from taste and smell to sight. Bubbles emerge from the liquid like a string of pearls wrapped around the neck of a beautiful woman and then burst like the fireworks during a festival night.

At many events I indulge in a bottle of Taittinger Comtes de Champagne “Blanc de Blancs” along with appetizers like fried shrimp balls, squid cake, Japanese sushi and sashimi, or buttered bread and sturgeon roe.

Wine and fresh seafood

In traditional Vietnamese cuisine dishes with uncooked ingredients are rare. However, because of the culinary cultural exchange between Vietnam and other countries ways to enjoy fresh uncooked seafood entered Vietnam and are now widely accepted. Popular dishes include French-style raw oysters, sardinella salad, or Japanese sushi and sashimi. Normally, uncooked seafood dishes will give diners a fresh, cooling sensation and are slightly fishy and salty so white wine with a light taste, sweet scent of flowers and wet grass and crisp sour taste are an excellent companion of these dishes. A bottle of “Blanc de Blancs” made from Muscadet grapes from the Loire River valley, or Chablis Laroche that wasn’t kept in oak barrels and is rich with kimmeridgien minerals from Bourgogne (France), or even a bottle of Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc that has the aroma of peach blossoms, wet grass and passion fruit from New Zealand, are suitable choices.

So what are the general principles when pairing wine with fresh seafood?

Experts say that the best way to pair white wine and seafood are based on several simple criterions:

White wine is suitable to pair with seafood, because the sour acidic taste can cancel out the fishy smell. On the other hand, the acrid taste and iron minerals found in red wine will enhance the salty and fishy smell and make it more uncomfortable. However, young and sour white wine must be served at a cool temperature (7 – 9 degrees Celsius) as at this temperature, the sour taste will be softer.

Freshwater fish are smellier, which means they must be served with young white wines, which are dry and have the pleasant floral aroma of Sauvignon Blanc grapes (white Bordeaux, Sancerre wine from Loire River Valley in France). Some examples are Chardonnay not aged in oak barrels from temperate zones, Riesling Trimbach, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Sylvaner (from Alsace of France), Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling from New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon-Colombard from Australia or Torontes from Argentina.

Clams, oysters, snails, and mussels should be paired with wine that has the scent of minerals or ocean salt, such as Chablis not aged in oak barrels, Muscadet (France) and Xeres (Spain).

Smoked fish is suitable to pair with Chardonnay grapes aged in oak barrels such as Bourgogne Chardonnay Louis Jadot or Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer Alsace (France).

Fatty fish are suitable to pair with rich tasting wine such as Chardonnay Louis Jadot, Condrieu Guigal, or Hermitage White Guigal, which is a mix between Roussanne and Marsanne grapes.

Fish with lean meat and elegant taste are suitable to pair with dry grapes, which are light and have a floral aroma such as Sancerre Henri Bourgeois, Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand, Muscat d’Alsace or Pinot Blanc d’Alsace, Gewurztraminer from Austria.

Grilled shrimp and fish are suitable with Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon aged in oak barrels, with the scent of vanilla or toasted bread such as Chateaux Carbonnieux (Graves), Pouilly-Fumé Louis Jadot (Borgogne), or Chardonnay aged in oak barrels from Chile, US, Australia or Argentina.

Fish cooked in sauce can be paired with wine that is more concentrated, aged in oak barrels. The scent of vanilla, oak and butter of the wine will enhance the fatty taste of the sauce.

Recently, when I visited the Lucaris crystal factory in Thailand, I was invited to eat lobster cooked in cream sauce, and sea bass cooked in white wine sauce. Both of these dishes are paired with Mersault Louis Jadot 2002. The wine had a complex taste, an aroma of butter and vanilla, and was paired with the fatty taste of seafood and sauce. This pairing received a lot of praise from diners. I thought of an Italian saying: “One barrel of wine can work more miracles than a church full of saints.”

Where to buy:

Red Apron Fine Wines & Spirits stores:

Hanoi: 18 Yen The – (04) 3 747 4889 | 28 Xuan Dieu – (04) 3 719 8337 | 91 Xuan Dieu – (04) 3 718 0577 | 10 Da Tuong – (04) 3 943 7226 | 83 Linh Lang – (04) 3 760 6587 | No. 6, Alley 1, Au Co Street – (04) 3 718 6271 | E5-RS 1 Ciputra – (04) 3 743 0743
Ho Chi Minh City: 2 Chu Manh Trinh – (08) 3 822 8260 | 9A Thao Dien (08) 3 744 3363 | 102 Ham Nghi (08) 3 821 2134
Danang: 46 Phan Chu Trinh (0511) 3 889 126
Hoi An: 185 Ly Thuong Kiet (0510) 3 917 070
website: www.redapron.vn
To find out more about Red Apron Fine Wines & Spirits, please contact: redapron@celliersvn.com

Sommelier To Viet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Mr. Mohammad Sarhan “feel like a tourism ambassador” of Vietnam

(#wanderlusttips #Emiratesairlines) Mr. Mohammad Sarhan – Emirates’ Country Manager in Vietnam has shared his views on Wanderlust Tips Magazine April Issue on the development stages of Emirates Airlines in Vietnam and how we can create mutual benefits.

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In 2012, Ho Chi Minh City became an Emirates’ destination. Since then, how has Emirates airline conquered the Vietnamese market?

Emirates has successfully connected passengers from Vietnam with a wide range of destinations in our expanding global network as well as offered them an unparalleled in-flight experience, including an innovative entertainment system and exquisite cuisine.

The top priorities of Emirates are always quality, convenience and efficiency. We will continuously put our efforts into innovation of products and services as well as development of our global network to continue to satisfy and delight our customers.

One of the biggest changes for Emirates in 2015 is the reintroduction of the Boeing 777-300ER for the daily passenger flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Dubai. What does this decision mean?

Since Emirates started daily service to Ho Chi Minh City, we have enjoyed double-digit growth every year and have become the preferred choice among Vietnamese travellers. There has been consistent high demand on the route, thus we think this was the right time to up-grade the route. Also, we would like to enhance the on-board product offering to ensure that our customers enjoy an unmatched inflight experience.

In addition to being known as a tourist paradise, Dubai is also a potential market for Vietnamese enterprises. Do customers choose to travel to Dubai with Emirates mostly for business purposes?

Dubai is truly a fascinating city with its cosmopolitan and diverse culture as well as all-year-long activities for visitors. It’s worth mentioning that leisure travellers on the Ho Chi Minh City-Dubai route are significant in size and have been continuously growing in number. Dubai is also a promising market for many international enterprises, including those which are Vietnam-based, as Emirates has carried a large number of business professionals between Ho Chi Minh City and Dubai, and across our global network.

Whatever the purpose of travel, passengers always look for high-quality carriers that offers them comfortable experiences and value for money. And these are definitely what they can get when flying with Emirates.

In early 2016, Emirates airline launched a global promotion program to encourage tourists to travel to their favourite destinations. Has this program enabled Emirate to be a good companion for travel enthusiasts`?

During the year, Emirates presents various offers/promotions to inspire and encourage travellers to explore new destinations or revisit their favourite cities. The global sale on the occasion of New Year is highly anticipated. We know that New Year is the time when many people begin thinking about their travel plans and aspirations, and we are pleased to add a little more inspiration and incentive to help turn those plans and dreams into reality

What specific plans does Emirates have to develop and enhance the service quality in the Vietnamese market?

Emirates will continue to effectively connect travellers from Vietnam with our vast global network. We will also keep enhancing our products and services to bring passengers convenient and delightful journeys. Globally, Emirates has been, and continues to be, a leader in redefining air travel, working closely with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure all aspects of the customer experience are second to none.

What are the long-term objectives of Emirates in Vietnam?

Our long-term goal is that Emirates presents itself as a modern, international, innovative, and multi-cultural company with a strong focus on quality and service. We would also like to play a significant role in facilitating the development of the Vietnamese economy and tourism.

What have been the biggest challenges for you in your managerial position for a prestigious airline like Emirates?

Working for Emirates means challenging the norms. We go places that no one else dares to go. With our focused and long-term strategy, we continue to explore new markets and economies and are part of their development and growth.

We always raise the bar in anything we do. So this always requires us to be focused and sharp.

You used to be country manager in the Ivory Coast and Greek for Emirates prior to working in Vietnam. What are the differences in the business culture of Vietnam?

It is always exciting to work in a rapidly developing and growing country like Vietnam. It makes me proud to be a contributor in the success story of Vietnam.

Relationships are key in doing business in Vietnam. Strong relationships with clients will lead to trust, long-term commitment and eventually business growth.

Working for Emirates means you are a cosmopolitan that can blend in in different cultures and adapt easily to the different business environments.

What are your favourite aspects of the landscape and culture of Vietnam? And is your affection towards this country a driving factor in the decisions of Emirates in Vietnamese market?

Coming from the U.A.E, which is mainly covered with desert landscape, I like the green landscape and the rainy weather that Vietnam is rich in. Some of my favourite places, which I always promote to my extreme sports and photography passionate friends, are the Son Doong caves and Ninh Binh province.

Vietnam is also very rich in culture and Hoi An is second to none in this field.

I sometimes feel like a tourism ambassador promoting Vietnam’s attractions.

Emirates has flown more than 80,000 passengers into Vietnam last year. This shows our commitment to Vietnam and how Emirates connects people and places.

Thank you for the interesting interview!

Information about Mr. Mohammad Sarhan :

Based on the evaluations and expectations of Emirates, Mohammad Sarhan is an important factor for Emirates’ development in Vietnam.
The famous Dubai-based airline appointed Mohammad Sarhan as Vietnam’s Country Manager in March 2014.
After earning a degree as a Mechanical Engineer Mohammad Sarhan started his career as a Project Engineer in Dubai. He then joined Emirates and has been working in the aviation industry for the last 10 years.

Information about Emirates Airlines:

Emirates Airlines, based in Dubai, was founded in 1985.
Since its foundation, the airline has been awarded more than 500 international prizes, recognizing its efforts in providing outstanding customer services. The firm has enjoyed high and stable growth for 27 consecutive years.
Emirates operates a modern fleet of more than 240 aircraft, including 15 used for cargo flights.
Emirates flies to 150 destinations in 80 countries and territories across 6 continents.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Mr. Thierry Le Ponner: “Hotelliers never rest”

(#wanderlusttips #Novotelsuiteshanoi #AccorHotels ) “At Novotel, “feel welcome”, at Novotel Suites “feel at home”, said Mr. Thierry Le Ponner, General Manager of Novotel Suites Hotel Hanoi in an interview by Wanderlust Tips Magazine.

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AccorHotels is one of the leading hotel groups in the world. It brings together many renowned brands including Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Grand Mercure, Novotel and Novotel Suites. You have over 3,500 hotels with160 thousand employees in 92 countries. When did you join AccorHotels Group?

With the expansion of Accor all over the world, we just passed 180,000 employees this year and still continue to grow.

I myself joined Accor over 20 years ago in France and moved to Accor in Asia 15 years ago for a 2 years mission in Cambodia. Fifteen years later, I am extremely happy to be working in Asia still and especially in Vietnam for the second time.

You have lived and worked in Vietnam for a long time. How do you assess the trends in the tourism and hospitality industries in Vietnam in this age of integration?

I had the chance to open Novotel and Pullman in Saigon respectively in 2012 and 2013 and after nearly 2 years in Korea I decided to come back to Vietnam for those exciting new projects in Hanoi.

The hotel industry in Vietnam has been blooming over the past 5 years especially in some key cities and beach destinations – mostly in luxury market.

Vietnam still has great potential for further development in the tourism and hospitality industry. New destinations are rising up, the domestic market is increasing a lot and we may see the midscale and economic brands come up strong very soon, Vietnam benefits of a stable environment and can attract many investors, the exemption of visas is simplifying access to Vietnam for travellers, not to mention the cost benefit.

However tourism and hospitality are strongly dependent on the global economy and Vietnam needs to communicate its tourism attraction stronger. It has also a very strong need for quality hospitality and a tourism school that would benefit many people by enabling them to join the hotel industry with proper knowledge. With the growth of hotels and the need of qualified employees and managers this is a key priority.

Can you please tell us why AccorHotels brought Novotel Suites, a luxury resort brand, to Vietnam more specifically to Duy Tan Street in Hanoi?

Novotel Suites has been very successful in Europe over the past 10 years and Accor decided to bring the brand to Asia

It is another way of living the hotel experience: All the facilities and quality of service of Novotel brand but with the comfort of a fully equipped studio or apartment from 32 to 104 m2, some even with terraces. A living area, a working area, a fully equipped kitchenette (microwave, fridge, coffee machine, crockery, washing machines, etc.)

At Novotel, “feel welcome”, at Novotel Suites “feel at home”.

This is a perfect alternative for extended or long stays but is also very appreciated by short trip travellers who need to enjoy a hotel at their own pace with services designed for them, whether alone or with their family.

While the major hotel development in Hanoi is very central, Accor decided to respond to a strong demand of upper midscale hotels and residences in Cau Giay.

Location, location, location!!!

Duy Tan street is in the heart of one of the fastest developing areas in Hanoi, both in the residential and the business market. Novotel suites Hanoi is only a few minutes away, even walking distance for some of them, from those key business activity centres with direct access to the new expressway leading to the key industrial parks and very easy and quick access to the airport. It is indeed the ideal location for corporate travellers on a short stay, extended stay or permanent residents.

Furthermore, it is only 15 minutes away from the main city centre and is an ideal choice for leisure travellers too.

Having a Novotel Suites in Cau Giay is definitively added value for the district in its own development.

You mentioned twice “luxury” in your question and I thank you for your appreciation of Novotel’s quality. Indeed Novotel is an upscale category brand with utmost concern on guest satisfaction and quality of facilities and services. However luxury tends to make people think it is expensive, it is stiff and not relaxing, while Novotel is before all a friendly, affordable and very high quality hotel with attentive and friendly service.

AccorHotels focuses on travelling families. When Novotel Suites Hanoi opens, what services will AccorHotels offer to satisfy these customers?

Novotel is indeed well recognised for its generous “Family & Novotel” concept:

Accommodation and breakfast are free of charge for children under 16 years, sharing the parents’ room and utilising existing bedding. If parents prefer to use a second room and have a separate connecting bedroom for their children, the second room is 50% off.

Additionally at Novotel suites Hanoi, we offer 2-bedroom apartments including 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and one living room with a kitchenette. A great way to stay in a hotel but remain close together.

Our Food Exchange international buffet Restaurant also offers great benefits to families: Children below 6 years are free of charge and children from 6 to 12 get a 50% discount.

Novotel suites Hanoi also provides indoor and outdoor children playgrounds as well as a heated kids swimming pool, cartoon channels and adapted facilities for children

How about the services for business travellers?

Novotel suites targets mostly business travellers due to its location and has therefore adapted all its services to them.

Customers are now more cosmopolitan and mobile. The line between work and private life is becoming increasingly blurred and the desire to stay connected is a key characteristic of new business and leisure travellers. Each customer wants to live in a hotel at his own pace.

Novotel Suites Hanoi is the perfect representation of this new contemporary and executive lifestyle: unique designs, hyper connectivity, 24/7 facilities be it fitness centre, web corner, catering services, laundry or even transportation.

As mentioned before all our studios and apartments (1 to 3 bedrooms) offer a fully equipped kitchenette for more freedom, a living area with a real sofa and working area, of course free Wi-Fi but also IPTV. Finally but not leas of all: large closets. Too many hotels have such little closets that they are inconvenient for extended stays.

A web corner is also available 24/7.

On the rooftop, a dedicated library lounge for our customers with a private roof top garden is available to relax after work or meet friends and colleagues. Time is luxury for business people and we developed the Online Check In and Fast Check out on mobile phone for business travellers especially for that.

Finally, we also offer versatile meeting facilities for 10 to 200 people with high tech equipment including interactive white boards and all the Novotel expertise.

A resort’s reputation is always tied to the quality of its cuisine. What kind of culinary style will Novotel Suites Hanoi focus on?

International, authentic, creative, fresh and tasty would be the key words.

The Food Exchange Buffet Restaurant is a social hub offering a modern interpretation of western and Pan Asia cuisine in a contemporary casual atmosphere. A show kitchen allows direct interaction with the chefs.

The Gourmet Bar is the new eat/bar experience of Novotel. It is an informal friendly eating and drinking place for social gatherings with friends, family and colleagues. Trendy drinks, addictive tapas, pasta fever, epic burgers or inspiring dishes of the day to enjoyed there or taken away.

The rooftop bar and its splendid terrace is THE place to unwind after a good working day. A collection of classic to surprising cocktails or a good glass of wine with some cheese or cold cut plate in a hip environment. Isn’t that the best way to refresh?

Of course a swimming pool bar, a 24/7 a la carte room service and pre-booked room dinner service is also available.

Whatever time or the mood, customers can always have their own needs met. Isn’t that the most important?

Was the role of General Manager for a brand new luxury hotel a new goal for you and one you just achieved?

As the general manager of a newly opened hotel, you need first to ensure that the product is right and conforms to Novotel International standards of security, comfort and quality. Working closely with designers, construction and suppliers is key. But the most important is to build up the perfect team, train and ensure quality of service and guest satisfaction. A GM without a team cannot make it and I am lucky here to have by my side a very Accor – experienced and passionate team.

My best achievement and pride is to see that all hotels we have opened being successful and highly appreciated by our customers. Customers’ feedback is our immediate and first reward.

My other very personal satisfaction is to see our team members growing and developing, taking on new responsibilities within the group, some of them have already become General Managers as well.

Beauty needs to shine. In order for Novotel Suites Hanoi to shine, it will need outstanding and bold PR strategies. Do you agree?

Indeed PR is very important. Advertising whether online or offline for me need to follow a simple rule: to promote who and what we are truly without overdoing it.

Humility and truth is key in long-term relations with our customers. So our goal, our marketing and our communication must remain simple: To be a perfect Novotel, not more, not less!

Can you share your plan for Novotel Suites Hanoi in the next five years?

When you build a hotel, you invest for the next 20 years but you need to constantly adapt and reinvent yourself to always meet customer needs.

In 5 years, guests’ needs and priorities will surely evolve a lot compared to now: more technology, more interactivity, new F&B offers, new designs. What will not change is the human need of customers to feel welcome and to feel at home. The tools will change but not the generosity of our hospitality.

We are also preparing the opening of Novotel Thai Hai (2 Thai Hai street, Dong Da) Hotel and Residence, which will be a perfect combination of 242 rooms and 102 studios and apartments.

Hoteliers never rest (laughs).

Thank you very much for this interview!

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

The hidden symbolism of the couple Linga and Yoni

(#wanderlusttips #linga #yoni) Traditional beliefs date back to the much simpler times of centuries years. People knew that the wellbeing of all species relies on the perfect balance of yin and yang. These are symbolized by the female sexual organs (Yoni) and the male counterparts (Linga) and worshipped as a part of an ancient belief that became part of established religions. Hinduism, which bears a strong traditional nature, Linga and Yoni take on human forms and are worshipped.

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The origin of Linga and Yoni

The valley of the Indus River in India is home to the Sumerian and Dravidian people who worship the clitoris and the mother goddesses based on the knowledge that the source of all creation is the merging of the female and male genitals symbolised by Linga and Yoni. In Hinduism Linga and Yoni are both embodied by the principle god Shiva. Legend has it that, Shiva appeared for the first time as a phallus shaped fire pile symbolising creation, replication and development. Linga and Yoni merge to create a god with both yang (Linga) and yin (Yoni) features. In this form the couple is often worshiped in Hindu towers.

As Hinduism is practiced across Asia the symbolic couple does not only appear in places of worship in India, but across the continent including Vietnam. The Vietnamese traditional version of Linga and Yoni is No-Nuong, celebrated in the “linh tinh tinh phoc” festival in the “du di” shrine in Tu Xa Village, Lam Thao District, Phu Tho Province. On the night of the 11^th and the dawn of 12^th of January of every lunar year, cu thu tu (the old leading man) offer painted wooden vaginas and penises to a number of young men and women. In the dark the men touch the wooden vaginas with their wodden penis replicas held by the women three times, creating the “linh tinh tinh phoc” sound. If the pieces merge three times the villagers can expect a great crop that year. In Japan, religions worshiping male and female genitalia are also wide spread. One such example are the ancient procession festivals in Komachi, Aichi Province and in Kawasaki. Large phalluses are carved from wood and carried by numerous people through the streets.

Worshiping reproductive organs does not belong to any one agricultural area, but rather appear in various forms across the cultures of the region.

Linga – Yoni in Champa culture

The most number of Lingas in the South East Asia can be found in the Champa culture of central Vietnam. The Linga forms created by Champa artists are relatively similar to an actual penis, while other Yoni are somewhat stylized versions. Cylindrical sculptures are the most typical and can be found in Hoa Lai, Ponagar, Chanh Lo Towers. Some Linga have four edges, with the top bunching up like a lotus flower like the one in Po Rome Tower. Then there are Linga that consist of two parts: the upper part is shaped like a cylinder while the lower part is a square block like in the western tower of Ponagar Temple. Other Linga have three parts: the upper part is the shape of a cylinder, the middle is shaped like an octagon and the lower part is a square block. This is the most common Linga in Cham culture and can be found in My Son, Tra Kieu and Binh Dinh.

The most beautiful Linga symbols are the ones engraved on the face of Shiva as in Po Klong Garai Tower, Po Sanu Tower and most recently put on display in My Son at the end of 2012 (this artefact has been named a national treasure). Its name is Mukha-Linga. Sometimes, instead of engraving the shape onto depictions of Shiva, Cham people create a Linga crown known as Kosa or they created a statue to form the head of a deity and attached it to the top of Linga (one such example is the golden statue of Shiva’s head in Dai Loc District, Quang Nam Province, which is now displayed in Quang Nam Museum). Adding a crown or engraving Shiva’s face with phallic symbols shows respect to the great God.

The Yoni form in Cham culture is also diverse: rectangular, squared, round shapes or decoration shaped like women’s breasts symbolise femininity.

Linga and Yoni in Cat Tien Sanctuary and the Oc Eo culture

The largest Linga statue in South East Asia was discovered in Cat Tien in Lam Dong Province. Archaeologists believe that the relic does not belong to Champa culture but is from the South of Tay Nguyen, where Hinduism used to be practiced.

Archaeologists have found a cluster of temples, towers and shrines in this sanctuary. Remarkably, they also discovered a large number of Linga and Yoni in the area. Five such statues were unearthed bearing both symbols. In addition, 18 single Linga and 8 single Yoni pieces were found. A large number of the sculptures were made out of sandstone, but gold, silver, quartz and ceramic ones were also found.

The largest of them all were located in the centre of the main tower. The Linga here is 2.1m high and vertical. It is divided into three parts: the upper part a cylinder, with a polished round top embossed with a line running to the tip; the middle part is shaped like an octagon and the lower part is square, with a width of 68cm on each edge.

The pedestal on which the Linga sits is a large scale square shaped Yoni, with a width of 2.26m and a thickness of 24cm on each edge. One of the edges of the Yoni has a tentacle measuring 70cm. The upper face of the Yoni is carved and surrounded by an elevated border. When rituals were held to wash the Linga, water would be poured into the Linga’s head, which would flow all the way down to the Yoni surface and run out through the tentacle. The people of the time believed that drinking this holy water would bring good luck and a lot of offspring. The ritual of washing the Linga and drinking the holy water from the Yoni tentacle is still being practiced today during the Kate festival celebrated by the people in Central Vietnam.

Archeologists also found traces of the Linga and Yoni symbols in the Oc Eo culture of the Mekong Delta. At an excavation site numerous Linga and Yoni couples dating back to the 2^nd century BC to the 12^thcentury AC were discovered. A majority of 86 of the couples were made of terracotta, stone and quartz.

The Linga and Yoni symbol in the North

Hindu temples and towers have had a strong influence on the culture in South Vietnam. In the North, the influence of Buddhism is stronger. There are no Champa temples and towers in North Vietnam. However, following conflicts between Champa and the Dai Viet there was cultural exchange between the two. Most significantly so in the late 10^th century during the march south of King Le Dai Hanh in 982. Experts believe that royal tombs in Hoa Lu feature some stylized Linga symbols.

In 1020 during the Ly dynasty King Ly Thai Tong led his troops to fight Chiem Thanh and cultural exchange became more frequent and Linga symbols starting appearing in the north more frequently.

In Thanh Hoa Province researchers have discovered wooden Linga symbols in Lach Truong and Linga shaped stones in Mau Pagoda (Cam Thuy) and in Nam Pagoda (Dong Son).

But the biggest and most beautiful Linga is the stone column in Dam Pagoda (Bac Ninh Province). There are some square holes in the top of the column that experts believe was used to support another architectural element. It is likely though that the initial function of the column was to symbolise a Linga before its functioned changed to a support structure.

The column is made of sandstone, a popular material of the time used to make Linga by Cham people. The stone column was built in 1105 when the Ly dynasty employed numerous Cham prisoners to build pagodas and towers. This could be the reason whey there are only a few Linga symbols in Dam Pagoda’s courtyard. The stone column in Dam Pagoda has the shape of a Linga with a cylindrical upper part and a square lower part. The middle part is very short but big enough to see that it has eight bevelled corners indicating eight edges. The upper part of the cylinder has engraved lines, surrounded by a marker line symbolising fertility in Champa Linga.

The body of the stone column in Dam Pagoda is engraved with the shape of two dragons of the Ly dynasty, which in the Dai Viet culture were the symbol of the King. It is unclear if Cham craftsmen engraved the King symbol into the stone Linga in Dam Pagoda as a way of showing devotion to Shiva God or whether Cham Kings themselves were engraved in the Linga. This makes the stone column in Dam Pagoda an unsual Linga. It is possible that it is a Mukha-Linga. The Linga in Dam Pagoda remains controversial, but it is a precious piece of art and evidence of the influence of the Cham culture in Vietnam’s national heritage.

Photo credit: Nguyen Van Cu

Asoc. Prof. PhD Trinh Sinh | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Top tips for beach-goers

To be immersed in the warm prestine water of ocean or lie-stretched out in the sun-drenched soft sands, you should take notice of some tips which have been suggested by Wanderlust Tips Magazine in our April Issue.

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Pack at least two swimsuits for your beach vacation. Light shorts, skirts and T-shirts keep you cool and refreshed. Wear sandals instead of shoes to allow your feet to breathe. Bring towels and swimming goggles. If you are travelling with young children, buy them floats or a floating chair.
You must bring sunscreen to protect your skin with an SPF of 30 or higher. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sunlight.
Before going into the water ask the locals or the lifeguard about areas without jellyfish or sharp stones where it’s safe to swim. Do not swim too far from the shore or in deep waters. The easiest way to avoid these areas is to pay attention to the warning flags the people around you. Be aware of quicksand and undercurrents.
Get warm before going in the sea to avoid cramps and to have a more enjoyable time in the water.
Swim close to other people to be close to help if necessary.
Eye drops, cotton swabs, shower gel and shampoo are necessary items to pack. If you are with children bring food and water for them.
Do not swim for too long on sunny days and at noon. Take off your watch and jewellery (especially necklaces) as they might get lost in the waves.
If you have a large group, divide into smaller groups to more easily account for everyone. When participating in activities such as speed boating, surfing, skydiving, kayaking or scuba diving always comply with the safety requirements provided by guides. Do not travel outside of safety zones and avoid obstacles in the ocean.
Do not allow small children to swim in the ocean for too long if the water is cold. Instead let them swim in a pool or play in the sand.
Food poisoning often happens at coastal restaurants. The large amount of customers makes it difficult to ensure quality. Avoid grilled or undercooked food. Bring peppermint oil or medication for stomachaches and other common illness.

Hoang Linh | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Boracay – Asia’s beautiful pearl island

(#wanderlusttips #Boracay #Philippines) Located 315 kilometres from the capital city of Manila, Boracay is a small island and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines thanks to its charming natural beauty and its high-class tourism infrastructure.
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Boracay is loved by many as everyone can find a spot or an activity that suits their interests. If you love nature explore the white sand beach or scuba dive to visit coral reefs. But if you are after a thrill, play a beach sport and hit the exciting nightlife.

Boracay has many beautiful beaches and they all share a common trait: white sand and clear blue water. White Beach is the most popular. With its 4 kilometres length and 100 metred width it is an ideal location to sunbathe, relax in the shade, snorkel or kayak in a glass bottom boat. Puka beach is located on the north cape of the island. Here thousands of seashells and pieces of corals can be collected and taken home souvenirs. If time allows explore some other beautiful beaches like Diniwid, Balinghai, Ilig-Iligan and Manoc Manoc.

Despite the island’s small size, Boracay offers many adventure beach sports. Explore all aspects of nature while fly boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, riding inflatable boats, walking under water or riding a helicopter. These activities are quite costly with fly boarding at about 2 million Vietnamese Dong for 20 minutes. Tourists should consider an option suitable for their budget and health.

A cheaper option is touring nearby islands, which costs about 500,000VND per person. If you are a large group (six or more people) you can rent an entire boat to be more comfortable and save money. The boat will take you to visit many beaches and islands like Crystal and you will have an opportunity to snorkel and see coral reefs and marine animals. Rent a sailboat to watch the sunset on the ocean. At night, Boracay is full of life with its many beach parties, fire dancers, and numerous party activities for young people.

Restaurants in Boracay are mainly located along the beach and around the D’Mall. Good restaurants with affordable prices like the grill at I Love Backyard, juices at Jonah’s, Mang Inasal, Mesa or Smoke Resto. Visit D’Talipapa fish market to buy fresh seafood and ask a restaurant to prepare the seafood for you. Another option is a seafood buffet with prices starting from 200,000VND/person. Accommodation in Boracay is expensive. A beachfront hotel can cost 20 – 50USD/night, and luxury options can cost up to 70 – 100USD/night.

To reach Boracay from Vietnam fly to the capital city of Manila or to Cebu. From there you can fly with a domestic airline to Caticlan or Kalibo the nearest airports to Boracay. The second option is to fly directly to one of these two airports with flights offered by Philippines Airlines, Air Asia or Cebu Pacific. From Caticlan airport you can reach the seaport in 5 minutes from there it is a 15-minute boat ride to Boracay. From Kalibo it will take an hour to reach Caticlan seaport. There are two kinds of boats: hydrofoils and wooden boats. You will need to go through security and scan your baggage before getting on the boat, so you should pack accordingly.

Hoang Linh | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Koh Rong Samloem – Sun-filled summer at forgotten paradise island

(#wanderlusttips #kohrongsamloem #Cambodia) Visitors affectionately call Koh Rong Samloem in Cambodia the heavenly island. This beautiful island is located in Sihanoukville about 18 kilometres away from mainland and 4 kilometres south from Koh Rong the second biggest island in Cambodia. This secret heaven is flawless in its beauty: white sand, crystal clear water, and beautiful primary forest.
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Tourists can stay in Sihanoukville and visit Koh Rong Samloem during the day. Stay the night to experience some more interesting aspects of the island. Koh Rong Samloem is ideal for a lazy, relaxing vacation. Stay on the beach with a good book, immerse yourself in the warm water, watch the sunset, have a campfire on the beach or simply stargaze.

This beautiful island is also plenty of opportunities for a thrilling experience. Go snorkelling or scuba diving to visit colourful coral reefs and rich marine fauna. Kayak to mangrove forests, fishing villages or stroll around the coast, with rental price of 25USD for four hours. Or book a walking or biking tour across the forest to admire the island’s vegetation and unique wild animals.

There are no restaurants on the island, but the resorts offer eating options. The prices are cheap, from 5 – 7USD for Cambodian dishes and 4 – 8 USD for European dishes. On the island, there are about 15 – 16 resorts, with prices ranging from 5 – 25USD/person/night. Popular choices include The Beach Island, Saracen Bay and The Freedom. The most interesting option are the bungalows on the beach suitable for couples or small groups of friends looking for a cool and quiet night on the island. If you visit on a full moon day during a peak month you can revel in a Full Moon party, organised near The Beach Island resort.

The prime time to visit Koh Rong Samloem is from November to April when the weather is nice and sunny. From Vietnam, you can take a bus or flight to Phnom Penh and then take a bus to Kihanoukville from where you can take a boat to the island. There are two kinds of boats to Koh Rong Samloem: Canoe (a 40 minute ride) for 15USD/way or Party Boat (a 2.5 hours ride) for 20USD/both ways.

Hoang Linh | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Phayao – the tranquil nothern region of Thailand

(#wanderlusttips #phayao #Thailand) Phayao may change your mindset about Thailand – a destination known for its spectacular islands and prestine beaches – with its tree-lined streets, antique wooden houses and an attractive lakeside setting.

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The town’s inauspicious highlight is Kwan Phayao, the largest swamp in northern Thailand, and the fourth largest one nationwide. Framed by low mountains, the swamp is in fact much more scenic than its designation suggests, and it is the setting for some of the most beautiful sunsets in the country.

Kwan Phayao which covers around 20 square kilometres provides livelihood for local people of the region and it is also home to more than 50 fish species.

It’s also a great backdrop for dinner; Chue Chan, one of several restaurants that look out over Kwan Phayao, tends to get the most acclaim from locals. Huean Phak Jum Jai is a good place to bed down here.

Located in the heart of the swamp is Wat Tiloke Aram – a submerged 500 year old temple. The temple stood for nearly five centuries until an irrigation project in 1939 inundated the temple, along with more than 10 other ancient sites, which create the swamp as it is today.

Phayao lies on Thailand’s main north–south highway, and its bus and minivan station is quite busy. Because of this, if you’re bound for Bangkok, it’s possible to hop on one of the 40 or so buses that pass through the station from points further north. If you’re getting itchy feet, follow routes 1093 and 1155 from Phayao to Chiang Khong in Chiang Rai, a day trip that passes through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country.

Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Zika virus speads to two more Caribbean islands

(#wanderlusttips #zika #caribbrean) The countries of Antigua and Barbuda as well as the UK Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean have been added to the list of countries and territories with local transmission of the Zika virus, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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The Zika virus is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes. In the last week, it’s been identified in the US in the Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, but so far that’s the only area in the continental US with locally-transmitted Zika. Once infected, only about 20% of people ever show symptoms, which most commonly include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.

There is no vaccine or treatment available for the virus.

One reason Zika is troubling is that it is a cause of birth defects, including microcephaly — a condition where the baby’s head is abnormally small — in babies whose mothers have had Zika. The virus has also been linked to a neurological condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome.