Montgomerie Links, a cornerstone of the region’s golf scene, has seen a 20% increase in rounds from Australian visitors over the past two years, rising from 1,700 to 2,200 annually. Ba Na Hills Golf Club has experienced even more dramatic growth, with Australian play surging by 35-40%. Notably, many of these golfers visit during the Australian winter—typically a quieter period for foreign visitors in Vietnam—providing a welcome boost to the destination year-round.

Central Vietnam is wowing Australian guests 

Central Vietnam‘s efforts to establish itself as a golf destination of choice for Aussies have been bolstered by a series of high-profile initiatives aimed at the Australian market. Over the past year, the destination has welcomed several leading Australian golf writers, including representatives from Golf Digest Australia, to experience the region’s offerings firsthand.

Driving this momentum, Laguna Golf Lang Co—a signature course designed by Sir Nick Faldo and a founding member of the VGC—made a bold statement by hosting roadshows in Melbourne and Sydney earlier this year. Representing the resort and Central Vietnam on an international stage, the team worked tirelessly to bring together Australian media and tour operators and highlight the exceptional golf experiences at Laguna Lang Co and Central Vietnam.

Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co, underscored the importance of these events in solidifying ties with Australian stakeholders.

Laguna Golf Lang Co has played a leading role in driving Aussie business

“These roadshows demonstrate our commitment to positioning Central Vietnam as a leading golf destination for Australians,” he said. “By fostering connections with key players in the market, we aim to build lasting partnerships and promote sustained tourism growth.”

The roadshows showcased the region’s standout courses, including those designed by Luke Donald (Ba Na Hills Golf Club) and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links), alongside iconic names like Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr. Representatives from the Danang Tourism Promotion Centre joined the events, providing insights into the broader appeal of the region, including its luxurious accommodations and vibrant cultural experiences.

Montgomerie Links has witnessed a significant uptick in Australian visitors this year

Le Vo Hoang Van, club manager at Montgomerie Links, attributed the growth to targeted marketing campaigns and the undeniable allure of Central Vietnam. “Australian golfers are drawn to the region’s world-class courses, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality,” she said. “The recent uptick in rounds is a testament to the effectiveness of our outreach efforts.”

Ba Na Hills Golf Club’s general manager, Simon Mees, echoed these sentiments. “The Australian market has been a game-changer for us,” he added. “It’s gratifying to see how well our course resonates with these visitors. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum.”

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The luxury heritage hotel on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites in Cambodia, will display Channy’s paintings in its elegant public areas and award-winning restaurants following an official launch event with the artist on Saturday, Jan. 18, and they will remain on view until the end of April. Channy’s exhibition, titled ‘Wild Spirits, Sacred Symbols’, is part of the 93-year-old Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s ongoing art and cultural series.

Channy is known for his striking acrylic paintings, particularly those depicting birds. His artworks serve as a social commentary on man’s impact on the environment and have been praised for their unique aesthetic properties. Channy, a former hunter, says he cultivated a deep respect for wildlife as he came to better understand the threats animals face in the modern world. This shift in perspective, he says, influences his artistic expression.

Channy has been spotlighted by an international tour and travel operator in its ‘Local Legends’ programme, allowing visitors to travel to the remote village of Wat Avtea, south of Siem Reap, to tour Channy’s home studio and see a gallery showcasing his works.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s exclusive ‘Culinary Journeys,’ introduced last year, offer guests new ways to experience Siem Reap’s rich culture and history, while its on-site ‘Resort Programme’ showcases heritage and traditions at the hotel.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor originally opened in 1932 as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers exploring the kingdom of Angkor Wat, which is today one of the world’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Travel + Leisure magazine named Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor one of the world’s ‘500 Best Hotels’ for a third-consecutive year in April last year.

For more information on Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, or to make a booking, please call +855 23 982 598 or visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap/.

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Fire Show, Live Band, Instrumentalists, and Bartenders Flair Show

The Anam Group’s two beachfront resorts in Cam Ranh and Mui Ne will celebrate the most significant time in the Vietnamese calendar, Tet, with a broad spectrum of remarkable dining, entertainment, recreational, and spa experiences. In the lead-up to Tet on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne will each stage a ceremony on Jan. 22, 2025 to plant “Cay Neu”, a towering Lunar New Year bamboo pole to ward off evil spirits, followed by dragon dancing. The Anam Cam Ranh’s restaurants Lang Viet and Indochine will host a ‘Vietnamese Traditional Buffet” on Jan 31. accompanied by live traditional instrumentalists and a bartenders flair show and a Seafood BBQ buffet on Feb 1 to a backdrop of live music by the Filipino band and a spectacular fire show.

Vietnamese Afternoon Tea for Two With a Pianist

Family resort Alma will ring in the biggest event on the Vietnamese calendar, the Lunar New Year, with a six-day program filled with traditional games and competitions, live entertainment, floating champagne breakfasts and more. From Lunar New Year’s Eve, Tuesday Jan. 28, until Sunday Feb. 2, 2025, Alma’s Tet program will feature chung cake, egg cake and ginger jam making classes, as well as kite flying, dragon dances, making lucky envelopes, Tet movies at Alma Cinema, and afternoon tea for two. An exquisite Vietnamese Afternoon Tea for two brimming with savoury and sweet treats, including Banh Chung and traditional candies, served at both Alma Food Court and Alma Lounge from 2-5pm. Live entertainment including Alma’s resident pianist Ben playing a grand piano from 2.30-3.15pm and 3.30-4.15pm at Alma Lounge.

Better Together Family Package

The Hari Hong Kong is marking the Lunar New Year with its “Better Together Family Package” replete with children-friendly in room amenities and a host of special touches. Featuring a Corner Room with a king bed with an adjoining Twin Room with twin beds, and daily breakfast for two adults and two children under the age of 12, package also features a “DIY Cookies Set” for children in the room, “The Hari Puzzle Set” with The Hari branded tram, Star Ferry or The Hari mascot to keep the kids entertained, as well as early check-in and late check-out subject to availability.

Fusion of Thai and Chinese Cuisine

 Meliá Chiang Mai’s signature restaurant Mai Restaurant & Bar on the 21st floor will welcome the Lunar New Year with a family-style dining experience accompanied by a selection of Chinese teas and vistas of Chiang Mai. Served from Jan. 27-31, 2025, from 6-10pm and priced at THB 6000 net per table for minimum of four persons, “A Thai-Chinese Celebration” dinner includes a colorful salad with shredded vegetables, pickled ginger, pomelo and fresh salmon, double-boiled whole chicken with dried mushrooms and wolfberries, roasted whole chicken, and steamed whole seabass with warm lemon dressing. Other highlights include tender slow-cooked pork belly in soy sauce, Chinese wine, and spices, a choice of Lotus leaf-wrapped fried rice with Chinese sausage or steamed San Pa Tong Rice, assorted seasonal greens with oyster sauce, and sesame dumplings in ginger broth.

Festive Buffet Brunch and a Vibrant Lion Dance

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic 96-year-old luxury hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, will help guests ring in the Lunar New Year with a sumptuous buffet brunch featuring an array of Chinese dishes, festive specialties and international favourites. The celebration will be capped by a vibrant lion dance performance to welcome prosperity and good fortune in the Year of the Snake. The buffet brunch is priced at $38++ inclusive of unlimited beers and will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Le Phnom 1929, the hotel’s French-style brasserie.

Popular Annual Tet Market Returns

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is ready to welcome the Year of the Snake with exclusive Tet celebrations, including the hotel’s popular annual Tet market, along with a special culinary program. Spice Garden, Metropole Hanoi’s authentic Vietnamese restaurant, will usher in an auspicious Lunar New Year with a 5-course set menu featuring traditional delicacies such as spring rolls, chung cake, steamed prawns in coconut, bamboo shoot vermicelli soup and more. The menu will be served from Jan. 20 to Feb. 7 and priced at VND 1,600,000++ per person. Spice Garden has also unveiled festive cocktails highlighting local flavors.

A Song of Dragons and Fire on Koh Samui

Guests at the luxury resort of Banyan Tree Samui might gasp on their morning coffee as the almighty sight and sound of a Lion Dance procession takes over the breakfast buffet from 9am – 9:30. Later, the evening’s entertainment includes live music, a Chinese dance performance and a fire show, starting at 7pm at beachfront restaurant Sands. Diners will also be treated to a Chinese New Year BBQ Buffet (2,988 THB nett per person) at Sands where they can watch the performances under the moonlight. For more information and reservations, go to samui@banyantree.com or tel: +66 077 915 333.

Go Out with a Bang in Da Nang

The central Vietnamese beachfront resort of Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang celebrates Lunar New Year with a series of activities and performances between January 27th and February 1st. Guests can participate in a traditional Chung Cake cooking class, lion & dragon performances, and explore the cultural significance of calligraphy. The resort will also host a Fusion Night Market, offering unique shopping options and unique dining experiences. For a special culinary treat, guests can indulge in the Tết Set Menu or enjoy a refined Tet Afternoon Tea. Alternatively, the Maia Spa offers soothing treatments and relaxing massages. For more information or reservations, go to: https://fusionresorts.com/danang/

The Snake Meets the Naga in Krabi

Renowned for its Naga staircase and serpentine sculptures, Banyan Tree Krabi rings in the Year of the Snake with an exquisite buffet dinner at The Naga Kitchen restaurant on 28 January when diners can immerse themselves in a culinary showcase featuring an array of authentic Chinese specialties, such as Chinese-Style Steamed Seabass, Chinese Wok-Fried Beef with Baby Bok Choy in Oyster Sauce, and Crispy Fried Soft-Shell Crab with Garlic Chili Salt. The buffet also features Seafood on Ice (oysters, mussels, shrimps and clams), a salad bar, and a Hainanese BBQ station. There’s sure to be music and laughter at this beachfront resort which boasts spectacular sea views. The evening event starts at 6:30 pm and goes through to 10pm with tickets at 2,900 THB per head, inclusive of welcome drink, and half price for children. For reservations and more information, contact +66 075 811 888 or email krabi@banyantree.com

Invite Good Luck and Growth with Wellness Activities in Da Nang

As we slide into the year of the snake, TIA Wellness Resort is inviting guests to consider the traits associated with this animal of the Chinese Zodiac through a number of wellbeing activities. The snake year is defined by seeking balance and harmony, while also embracing opportunities for growth and evolution. On Thursday January 28th the TIA team will host a “Reflection of the Year of the Dragon” creative workshop where guests can reflect on the past year, express gratitude and move forward afresh. That night they have an “Evening Wishing Lantern Ceremony” to welcome the new year in a mindful way. It’s an early start on January 29th with a “Sunrise Beach Gratitude Meditation.” Later in the day guests will be treated to a traditional dragon dance performance to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. Visitors are also invited to a local pagoda. On the 30th of January the activities continue with a calligraphy wish session and the opportunity to try Tet (lunar new year) sweets and learn more about the local customs. There’s also a special Tet afternoon tea with classic & modern treats.

Vibrant Traditions Meet Luxury Experiences in Lang Co

Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake in style at Laguna Lang Co, where vibrant traditions meet luxurious experiences. This Lunar New Year, guests can be immersed in a rich tapestry of cultural festivities and family-friendly activities. Highlights include a colourful lion dance performance and the lighting of lanterns to symbolise prosperity and good fortune. Savour a feast of exquisite Tet delicacies at both Banyan Tree and Angsana, featuring traditional dishes crafted by master chefs. Guests can also participate in hands-on workshops, including calligraphy and lantern-making, while kids enjoy themed games and crafts at the Angsana Kids Club. For wellness enthusiasts, rejuvenate with Tet-inspired spa treatments that blend ancient healing techniques with modern comforts.

Beach Action, Stay Packages and More

Dragon dances, family-fun activities and more help guests celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake at Azerai Resorts in Vietnam. Azerai Ke Ga Bay, an oceanside property set among verdant gardens located a comfortable 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, offers a host of beachfront action during Tet, along with kids’ cooking classes, lion dance lessons, calligraphy, a special BBQ dinner and more. In central Vietnam, Azerai La Residence, Hue’s Tet package includes a two-night stay in a Superior River View room, daily breakfast for two adults and one child under 12 years old, an exclusive Tet dinner for two people, a special Tet afternoon tea for two, and one-way airport pick-up or drop-off service.

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