Turkish Airlines inaugurated the first direct flight from Istabul to Hanoi

On June 27, 2016, the Europe’s best airline for five consecutive years ranked by Skytrax, Turkish Airlines has launched its first direct flight from its historic city of Istabul to Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City offering more convenient options to travellers and representing the next milestone of the airline’s expansion in the Asia-Pacific market.

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The weekly frequency on the route is scheduled to increase from 5 flights now on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday to 7 flights from October 31, 2016. It takes about 15 hours from Hanoi and 12 hours from Ho Chi Minh City.

Flights are operated using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft primarily used on international routes that seats 288 passengers and offers full modern in-flight entertainment and connectivity. Roundtrip fares from Vietnam to Istanbul start from US$865 including governmental taxes, airport fees and charges.

With this inauguration, Vietnamese travellers are offered an unparalleled travel option to explore the historic heritage of Istanbul – the largest and the only metropolis in the world that straddles Europe and Asia, as well as to reach major destinations in Europe on the airline’s frequent routes. The flag carrier is strategically expanding into Russia, Central Asia, Far East Asia, the Middle East, Africa and North and South America.

Turkish Airlines is a member of Star Alliance and currently operates the world’s most extensive route network of 241 international and 49 domestic destinations around the world including Vietnam.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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Tips for the quietest seats on the plane

As many passengers sent the inquiries to ask about the quietest on airplanes where they are not bothered by noise from the plane’s rumbling engines and disturbed air, New York-based low-cost airline JetBlue has set out to answer this.

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JetBlue pilot Christian P. said passengers should choose a seat towards the front of the plane. “There’s less noise when you’re sitting forward of the wings,” the JetBlue pilot explained. “On most planes, the engines are located under the wings. Sitting in the front of the wing is like being behind a speaker. All of the sounds of the engine and disturbed air are projected away from you. For a more peaceful ride find a seat in the front of the cabin.”

Another expert, Dai Whittingham, chair of the UK Flight Safety Committee, told that those who are bothered by the noise may want to opt for an aisle seat.

“As a basic principle, the seats forward of the engines tend to be quieter,” he said. “Aft of the wings there is also likely to be some additional aerodynamic noise from the wings themselves.”

“Window seats are noisier than aisle seats because you are closer to the skin of the aircraft – sound intensity decreases inversely proportional to the square of the distance from source”, added he.

His argument actually has been strengthened by an analysis which was carried out by H. Kurtulus Ozcan and Semih Nemlioglu, from Istanbul University, in 2006 to measure noise levels within the cabin of commercial planes.

Their study analyzed domestic flights on Airbus A321 aircraft and found that passengers in middle and aisle seats are exposed to noise that is four decibels quieter than what travelers in window seats are exposed to.

Sitting at the front of a plane, however, is a luxury on some aircraft and can be very costly on larger planes with premium cabins. For example, passengers flying on a British Airways Airbus A380 – the world’s largest passenger jet – would need to be in first or business class to be in front of the wings. And the price to get the seats is much higher than other seats.

For passengers flying with a budget airline, they will need to be in the first 14 rows on Ryanair’s fleet of Boeing 737s, or in the first six to eight rows on easyJet’s Airbus A319 or A320 aircraft.

How much quieter these seats really are may be up for debate, and some aircraft are quieter than others.

Manufacturers have made strides in reducing engine noise and making cabins quieter to improve passenger comfort.

For example, passengers who are used to flying within Europe on budget flights will notice a huge difference when they fly on an Airbus A380 – the world’s largest passenger jet and the aircraft that is considered the quietest in the skies today.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is substantially quieter than its competitors.

Whittingham said turboprop aircraft tend to be the noisiest due to the speed of the propeller tips.

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Keepy-uppy on the 1,200m Trolltunga in Norway

(#wanderlusttips #Trolltungu) 30-year-old photographer Johannes Höhn from Cologne, Germany travelled with three friends on the five hour hike from Skjeggedal to reach the tourist hotspot of Trolltunga (or Troll’s tongue) in Odda show his support for German football team in Euro 2016.

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Stunning photos on the edge of the notorious Norwegian hiking spot may take your breathe away as it looks so dangerous.

“I had the idea of the shot and brought the football up there, but none of my friends have good football skills so I had to juggle on the rock,” said Höhn. “I was there for ten minutes and my friends were kind enough to push the buttons on my camera and make sure they got the right moment.”

He also revealed that he nearly lost the ball over edge about three times and when he looks at the pics, it still makes him nervous.

“As I was the one juggling, I was pumped with adrenaline during the performance and felt a bit dizzy afterwards” said he.

Trolltunga is one of the most spectacular scenic cliffs in Norway. Trolltunga is situated about 1,200 meters above sea level, hovering 700 metres above lake Ringedalsvatnet. The view is breathtaking.

The hike starts in Skjeggedal and goes through the high mountains, takes 10-12 hours (23 km in total to Trolltunga and return) and the ascent is about 900 meters. It is a long and hard hike. The hike is usually possible to do from mid-June, depending on when the snow melts in the mountains. Normally one can hike to Trolltunga until mid-September.

He added: ‘We set up one camera from the top was about 15 meters away from the rock and another further down, which required a steep climb and was pretty dangerous – but the outcome was worth it.

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Sherwood Residence earns TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

(#wanderlusttips #Sherwoodresidence #Tripadvisor) Sherwood Residence has just announced that it has received a Certificate of Excellence, being recognized as one of the top performing accommodation on the World’s Largest Travel Site TripAdvisor.

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Sherwood Residence is a luxury serviced apartment on the edge of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City offering full-serviced 5-star accommodations with spacious and luxurious 2 and 3-bedroom apartment and penthouse units. Located on scenic Pasteur Street, Sherwood Residence provides convenient access to international schools, consulates, hospitals, and the Central Business District.

“I’d particularly like to send my gratitude to all our guests that provided their feedback which has helped us to maintain and even improve our quality of services and products. I’d also like to thank the hard-working team at Sherwood Residence who have strived every day to maintain our commitment to being the preferred destination for warm, inviting family accommodations at the heart of Saigon whether for short-term or long-term stays,” stated Janet Fitzner, General Manager of Sherwood Residence.

Now in its sixth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Certificate of Excellence recipients include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.

“With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honors hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travelers,” said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. “This recognition helps travelers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travelers feel more confident in their booking decisions.”

Sherwood Residence

Địa chỉ: 127 Pasteur – District 3, HCMC
Tel: (+848) 3823 2288
Website: www.sherwoodresidence.com

Bay Hotel HCMC launched its promotion package

(#wanderlusttips #bayhotel) In celebration of the hotel opening, newly opened Bay Hotel Ho Chi Minh, the first and largest executive boutique hotel from Singapore in the city, introduces special room package to its guests.

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Catering to the needs of business and leisure travelers, the hotel is delighted to offer guests a special inclusive of daily buffet breakfast for two persons, unlimited free wifi access, unlimited free local phone calls, daily replenished minibar, 3 pieces of laundry daily per room, Complimentary 1 way transfer to Airport if booking is made directly with the hotel and with a minimum 3 nights stay.

Wheather you come for business or leisure, Bay Hotel is primed to lend a distinguished appeal and render an unparalleled service to ensure pleasant staying for guests who can enjoy the unsurpassed levels of service and flexibility.

Staff are well-trained to provide professional service and tailor unique experiences as well as their local knowledge to make HCMC home of happy stay.

Starting from 1.500.000 VND++ per room per night, this package is applicable till October 31, 2016. (Prices are subject to 5% service charge and 10%VAT).

Bay Hotel

Address: 7 Ngo Van Nam, Ben Nghe, HCMC.
Tel: (848) 3829 6666

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Interesting cuilinary journey to France and Italia in the middle of Saigon

(#wanderlusttips #Thereveriesaigon) The cuilinary French and Italian quintessence will showcase at The Reverie Saigon this July with a well-prepared classy selection of delicacies.

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Café Cardinal, Level 6, Times Square Building

This July, The Reverie Saigon’s Café Cardinal is offering culinary experience with a six-course lobster tasting menu featuring traditional French recipes including Lobster bun with truffle-herb mayonnaise, Lobster and tomato-mozzarella salad, lobster ravioli in consommé, lobster and cauliflower curry gratin, lobster fricassee, and a selection of desserts and French cheeses. This delightful menu is just VND1,588,000++ per person.

On weekends, the restaurant serves a refined Sunday Brunch with authentic French and regional delicacies served alongside one glass of sparkling wine and your choice of coffee or tea.

Café Cardinal delivers stunning views of Saigon and a tempting take on Sebastien Schneider and his chefs at work in an artfully designed show kitchen.

R&J Italian Lounge and Restaurant, B1 – Times Square Building

Through July, R&J Italian Lounge and Restaurant at The Reverie Saigon is introducing an authentic selection of Italian recipes originating from Roma. The specialty a la carte menu presents favorites like Carbonara or Amatriciana pastas, main courses including slow-cooked beef tripe or lamb shoulder cacciatore, and for dessert experience a delightful ricotta cheese tart with lemon and whiskey. Dishes starting from VND138,000++ per portion. On Sundays, guests who buy one set dinner get the second set half off.

The Reverie Saigon

22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard & 57-69F Dong Khoi St., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (+848) 3823 6688

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Joyful July at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

(#wanderlusttips #intercontinentalhanoiwestlake) Friends, couples, families, football fans and fashion lovers will all find their place of relaxing and unwinding at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake this July with abundant activities and food.

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Delectable Sunday Brunch at Cafe du lac restaurant will feature epicurean feast blending the freshest local ingredients with the finest seasonal flavors, with dishes range from classic Vietnamese to contemporary international. An interactive experience with nine live cooking stations and six types of cuisine complemented with understated service, live music and spectacular views over West Lake will delight your weekend.

Price is at VND1,100,000 net/adult excludes beverage and VND1,700,000net/adult includes free flow of wines, beers and soft drinks.

At the same venue, family and friend gathering will be more cheerful with elaborate buffet showcasing an extensive range of local and international dishes made from the season’s freshest ingredients.

Price is at VND999,000 net/adult excludes beverage.

If you are an Italian food lover, you should not miss out the Culinary Journey to Italy at Milan restaurant featuring a selection of 25-year Italian cuisine experiened chef Theo Randall’s signature dishes created especially just for guests at InterContinental Hotels.

Saigon restaurant presents a new fish tank of the freshest catch from the sea. You will get to choose your favorite fish and watch as our chef meticulously prepares your dish in our open kitchen.

Vinoteca Night, an exclusive night designed for wine lovers, will be held at Sunset bar on July 7 intruducing a selection of 6 fine wines and intrigues you with some of the guest speaker stories at VND 350,000 net/adult.

As previous months, this July at Diplomat Lounge, guests come at tea time from 3PM will enjoy deliciously gourmet selection of fashionable treats inspired by your favorite designs, while sipping on the finest range of tea at Pret-a-portea event. On July 9, you will be treated to a glamorous parade that showcases the latest collections by Linh Doan & Tu Ta. The price is at VND390,000 net/adult.

You will never be lagged behind the effervescent pace of the football world this summer at buzzling Milan-Saigon lounge which show selected games live on big screen and provide a great selection of beers and bar snacks to unwind after work and cheers for your favorite team.

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Address: 1 Nghi Tam, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Tel:: (+844) 6270 8888

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For a delightful summer at Le Méridien Saigon

(#wanderlusttips #lemeridiensaigon) A seri of attractive promotion program at Le Méridien Saigon will cool the summer heat and indulge diners in spacious classy feasts.

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World of Beer buffet at Latest Recipe restaurant will be a compelling experience at a value that can hardly be beaten. This July, unlimited flow of beer accompanying a sumptuous buffet every Friday and Saturday evening grant guests new perspective of culinary experience. A wide range of international beer will rotate every week to pair with well-prepared dishes from signature roasted Australian rib eye beef to tempting mini burger selection. The program is valid from July till the end of August and the price is VND1,200,000++/person including beers, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

At the same venue, Latest Recipe, guests can be immersed in the seafood feast of Sunday brunch served from 12:00 to 15:30 with a wide variety of seafood, such as Canadian lobsters, live mud crabs, king prawns and a “Fine de Clair” oysters, together with chef’s creation dishes, international offers, carving stations, assortment of cheese, dessert counter, a gourmet Le’tini bar, Premium Taittinger Champagne and so much more. The culinary journey takes VND1,500,000++ per person including free flow of soft drinks, house-wine, beer, Le’tini cocktail and the famous Taittinger Champagne, or VNd1,300,000++ per person without alcoholic drinks.

At Latitude 10 Bar and Lounge, Le Méridien Saigon, your Thursday evenings will be injected with a little “joie de vivre” (joy of living) by the chic and elegant Wine and Cheese Event which featuring free-flow wines selected from renowned wine-maker regions of France, Australia, Chile, and Spain accompanied by a selection of artisan cheese, including Camembert, Tomme, Goat cheese, Sainte Maure and other popular choices. Last but not least, the buffet is enhanced by an assortment of imported cold cuts, house-made duck’s liver pate and pistachio terrine, and bread options, such as focaccia and rye bread – all promising to entice your senses and delight your evening. This is servered at VND450,000++ per person, at 6-9PM every Thursday evening from July till the end of August.

Le Méridien Saigon

Address: 3C Ton Duc Thang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Phone: (+848) 6263 6688
E-mail: lemeridien.saigon@lemeridien.com
Website: http://www.lemeridiensaigon.com/

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Novotel Nha Trang held Charity Bazaar to support HIV/AIDS affected children

(#wanderlusttips #Novotelnhatrang) Novotel Nha Trang Hotel has successfully organized 2-day charity bazaar to raise funds for children who have been affected by HIV/AIDS in Vietnam.

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From June 9, 2016, the hotel launched a program to collect unwanted items from guests and hotel staff. The items including clothes, accessories, children toys and many other things were sold in the Charity Bazaar’s booths on June 13-14, 2016.

Beside the booths, there were a donation box, food court and massage service were also set up for the event.

The Charity Bazaar helps raising VND10,395,000 in total in which VND7,040,000 came from selling items and the rest from donations.

The money raised from this event will be sent to Smile Group, a non-profit organization which aims to bring smiles to HIV/AIDS affected children in Vietnam.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Airbnb raised 1 billion USD to finance its expanding plan

(#wanderlusttips #Airbnb) Airbnb just raised $1 billion in debt financing from a group of major U.S. banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co., Citigroup Inc., and Bank of America Corp., to expand and develop new services.

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Airbnb is currently valued at $25.5 billion after a $1.5 billion funding round a year ago. The company is currently working to become a more full-service travel company, creating add-on travel services in hopes to grow beyond home-sharing.

Vacation rental website Airbnb Inc. wants to own more of people’s travel experiences. The company has been testing a service for tourists to book add-on services, said Airbnb Chief Executive Officer Brian Chesky.

Tests have included meals prepared by personal chefs, restaurant reservations, art gallery tours, and bicycle rentals, according to people familiar with the trial. Customers will be able to book the services when they reserve a room or home rental on Airbnb, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans are private. The company expects to introduce the feature this year, said one of the people.

Airbnb refers to the project internally as “magical trips,” a person familiar with the matter said. The name evokes Walt Disney, one of Chesky’s idols. Chesky is overseeing the initiative, along with Joe Zadeh, the vice president of product, and it’s one of the company’s top priorities for the year, the person said.

So far, Airbnb doesn’t offer any other add-on travel services, but does provide Guidebooks, which are guides to select cities created by Airbnb hosts.