Hue Archives - Asian Itinerary https://asianitinerary.com/category/vietnam/hue/ Travel, Holiday, Adventure Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:18:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 The Journey and Memory of Thích Quảng Đức in Vietnam https://asianitinerary.com/thich-quang-duc-journey-memory-vietnam/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=thich-quang-duc-journey-memory-vietnam Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:56:19 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/thich-quang-duc-viaggio-memoria-vietnam/

In Hue, under a clear sky, I stood before an old light blue car, parked in a corner of the Từ Đàm temple. It wasn’t abandoned but preserved like a treasure, protected from sun and rain, as a precious object. The license plate, DBA 599, probably references a South Vietnamese regime vehicle used before 1975. Next to it, a sign explains in Vietnamese and English: “A relic. With this car, Thích Quảng Đức traveled from the Ấn Quang pagoda to the intersection of Phan Đình Phùng and Lê Văn Duyệt streets on June 11, 1963, in Saigon. Upon exiting the car, he sat in the lotus position and set himself on fire, dying to protest against Ngô Đình Diệm’s discriminatory policies.” No further comment. Only those words were enough to awaken in me the curiosity and the need to understand who Thích Quảng Đức really was and what that journey from a Saigon pagoda to the place of a final appointment with life, on that blue car that moved without hesitation toward a fire destined to ignite the conscience of the world. I noticed it because it had nothing to do with the rest: no other vehicle, no sign of modernity. Only that old “Austin,” frozen in time. The car did not belong to Thích Quảng Đức: it had been lent to him by a lay Buddhist for that dramatic move, and after 1963, it was taken to Huế, a city symbol of religious repression, and kept as a relic. An elderly monk, seeing me fixate on the car, approached silently. With a faint voice, in rough English, he told me: “This car was used that day. It did not leave from here, but from Saigon. It was with this that Thích Quảng Đức arrived at the intersection… and sat in the fire.” He said no more. There was no need. At that moment, I understood that I was not just observing an antique vehicle. I was looking at the means that had carried a man from a temple to a crossroads, and from there to eternity. And I decided to retrace that journey. The intersection of history In Ho Chi Minh City, the intersection of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu and Cách Mạng Tháng Tám (formerly Phan Đình Phùng and Lê Văn Duyệt) is busy, noisy, full of motorbikes and cars. On the southeast corner of the intersection between Nguyễn Đình Chiểu and Cách Mạng Tháng Tám, there is today a stone monument dedicated to Thích Quảng Đức. It is not a temple, nor a monumental building, but a simple and well-maintained structure. On the façade, a white bas-relief depicts him in a meditative, serene pose, surrounded by lush leaves. In front, a richly decorated incense burner. The monument is enclosed between two yellow and red gates, with traditional Asian motifs, like those of temples, topped by two white lanterns. In front, fresh flowers, lit incense sticks, fruit offerings. Across the street, along the sidewalk, there is a second monument, apparently made of bronze, more minimal. In the center, a figure depicts the monk engulfed in flames, seated in a lotus position, motionless. At the base, a clear engraved inscription in Vietnamese characters: bồ tát Thích Quảng Đức 1897 – 1963 Bồ tát is a Vietnamese word meaning “bodhisattva,” that is, “one who, having reached Nirvana, enlightenment, chooses to reincarnate again in the world not for himself, but out of compassion, to help others find the way.” Within that title, that name, and those dates lies everything: a life, a gesture, a truth that no regime has managed to extinguish. Behind the monument, there is a bas-relief that recalls the monk’s path toward sacrifice. I walked slowly along the monument. Then I sat on a nearby bench. The silence seemed almost to cover the sounds. A man was lighting incense. A woman left a bunch of white flowers at the feet of the Buddha statue. Traffic flowed, but at that point, time seemed to bend. The Photographer Who Didn’t Want to Take the Shot There was a witness. A man with a camera. Malcolm Browne, a photographer for the Associated Press, who received an anonymous phone call the night before: “Tomorrow, at noon, a monk will set himself on fire in protest.” He arrived at the scene with a colleague, and when the flames engulfed Thích Quảng Đức, Browne took eleven photographs. The first image was published worldwide. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1964, but throughout his life, Browne said: “It’s the photo I wish I never took. But if I hadn’t taken it, no one would have believed it.” The photograph shows not only a body in flames. It shows the now-famous Austin car stopped in the middle of the street with its hood open and a crowd of monks watching in silence and astonishment. It captures the weight of silence. And most importantly, it shows that sometimes, the truth needs a witness. The Heart That Did Not Melt I then went to the Xá Lợi temple, in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where a relic is kept. According to tradition, after cremation, an intact round object was found among the ashes: what many recognized as the monk’s heart. In Vietnamese Buddhism, a heart that withstands fire is a symbol of từ tâm bất diệt — the immortal heart of compassion that does not die. Today, the heart is kept in an inner room of the Xá Lợi temple, accessible to anyone who wishes to see it. “The heart of Thích Quảng Đức… can I see it?” A monk looked at me for a long moment, then gently shook his head. “Not today. It is kept here, but it is not displayed every day. It is a sacred object.” I didn’t insist. It wasn’t the right moment. But I understood. It’s an inner sign, more than an object to be shown. But the fact that it exists, that it is protected, that people speak of it...

The post The Journey and Memory of Thích Quảng Đức in Vietnam appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]>

In Hue, under a clear sky, I stood before an old light blue car, parked in a corner of the Từ Đàm temple. It wasn’t abandoned but preserved like a treasure, protected from sun and rain, as a precious object. The license plate, DBA 599, probably references a South Vietnamese regime vehicle used before 1975. Next to it, a sign explains in Vietnamese and English:

“A relic. With this car, Thích Quảng Đức traveled from the Ấn Quang pagoda to the intersection of Phan Đình Phùng and Lê Văn Duyệt streets on June 11, 1963, in Saigon. Upon exiting the car, he sat in the lotus position and set himself on fire, dying to protest against Ngô Đình Diệm’s discriminatory policies.”

No further comment. Only those words were enough to awaken in me the curiosity and the need to understand who Thích Quảng Đức really was and what that journey from a Saigon pagoda to the place of a final appointment with life, on that blue car that moved without hesitation toward a fire destined to ignite the conscience of the world. I noticed it because it had nothing to do with the rest: no other vehicle, no sign of modernity. Only that old “Austin,” frozen in time.

The car did not belong to Thích Quảng Đức: it had been lent to him by a lay Buddhist for that dramatic move, and after 1963, it was taken to Huế, a city symbol of religious repression, and kept as a relic. An elderly monk, seeing me fixate on the car, approached silently. With a faint voice, in rough English, he told me:

“This car was used that day. It did not leave from here, but from Saigon. It was with this that Thích Quảng Đức arrived at the intersection… and sat in the fire.”

He said no more. There was no need. At that moment, I understood that I was not just observing an antique vehicle. I was looking at the means that had carried a man from a temple to a crossroads, and from there to eternity.
And I decided to retrace that journey.

The intersection of history

In Ho Chi Minh City, the intersection of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu and Cách Mạng Tháng Tám (formerly Phan Đình Phùng and Lê Văn Duyệt) is busy, noisy, full of motorbikes and cars. On the southeast corner of the intersection between Nguyễn Đình Chiểu and Cách Mạng Tháng Tám, there is today a stone monument dedicated to Thích Quảng Đức. It is not a temple, nor a monumental building, but a simple and well-maintained structure. On the façade, a white bas-relief depicts him in a meditative, serene pose, surrounded by lush leaves. In front, a richly decorated incense burner. The monument is enclosed between two yellow and red gates, with traditional Asian motifs, like those of temples, topped by two white lanterns. In front, fresh flowers, lit incense sticks, fruit offerings.

Across the street, along the sidewalk, there is a second monument, apparently made of bronze, more minimal. In the center, a figure depicts the monk engulfed in flames, seated in a lotus position, motionless. At the base, a clear engraved inscription in Vietnamese characters:

bồ tát

Thích Quảng Đức
1897 – 1963

Bồ tát is a Vietnamese word meaning “bodhisattva,” that is, “one who, having reached Nirvana, enlightenment, chooses to reincarnate again in the world not for himself, but out of compassion, to help others find the way.”

Within that title, that name, and those dates lies everything: a life, a gesture, a truth that no regime has managed to extinguish. Behind the monument, there is a bas-relief that recalls the monk’s path toward sacrifice. I walked slowly along the monument. Then I sat on a nearby bench. The silence seemed almost to cover the sounds. A man was lighting incense. A woman left a bunch of white flowers at the feet of the Buddha statue. Traffic flowed, but at that point, time seemed to bend.

The Photographer Who Didn’t Want to Take the Shot

There was a witness. A man with a camera. Malcolm Browne, a photographer for the Associated Press, who received an anonymous phone call the night before:

“Tomorrow, at noon, a monk will set himself on fire in protest.”

He arrived at the scene with a colleague, and when the flames engulfed Thích Quảng Đức, Browne took eleven photographs. The first image was published worldwide. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1964, but throughout his life, Browne said:

“It’s the photo I wish I never took. But if I hadn’t taken it, no one would have believed it.”

The photograph shows not only a body in flames. It shows the now-famous Austin car stopped in the middle of the street with its hood open and a crowd of monks watching in silence and astonishment. It captures the weight of silence. And most importantly, it shows that sometimes, the truth needs a witness.

The Heart That Did Not Melt

I then went to the Xá Lợi temple, in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where a relic is kept. According to tradition, after cremation, an intact round object was found among the ashes: what many recognized as the monk’s heart. In Vietnamese Buddhism, a heart that withstands fire is a symbol of từ tâm bất diệt — the immortal heart of compassion that does not die. Today, the heart is kept in an inner room of the Xá Lợi temple, accessible to anyone who wishes to see it.

“The heart of Thích Quảng Đức… can I see it?”

A monk looked at me for a long moment, then gently shook his head.

“Not today. It is kept here, but it is not displayed every day. It is a sacred object.”

I didn’t insist. It wasn’t the right moment. But I understood. It’s an inner sign, more than an object to be shown. But the fact that it exists, that it is protected, that people speak of it softly… says everything.

What did that gesture truly mean?

Thích Quảng Đức was not a revolutionary. He did not want destruction. He wanted awakening. His act was neither suicide nor an act of hatred. It was a bài hương cúng dường — a fire offering — rarely practiced in Mahāyāna Buddhism, inspired by the Bodhisattva who sacrifices the body for the benefit of others.

He did it not to attract attention, but because attention had been denied. For months, Buddhists had been humiliated: flags banned, temples closed, arbitrary arrests. Ngô Đình Diệm’s government, Catholic, ruled a majority Buddhist nation as if it were a diocese. A letter he wrote before fulfilling his destiny ends with these words:

“Before closing my eyes and moving towards the vision of the Buddha, I respectfully implore the president to have a compassionate mind towards the people and to guarantee religious equality, for the eternal good of the homeland.”

The Journey Continues

Today, Diệm’s regime is history. Vietnam is a different country. But the monument in Saigon, the car in Huế, the urn kept in the Xá Lợi temple are important signs that suggest memory does not extinguish with fire. And as I was leaving Chùa Quán Thế Âm, with traffic resuming its rhythm, I thought of one thing: Sometimes, to make a voice heard, you have to become silence.

Practical Information for Visitors

  • Từ Đàm Temple (Hue):
    Address: 29 Phan Đình Phùng, Hue
    Hours: 5:00–18:00
    Thích Quảng Đức’s car: visible in the courtyard (not always accessible)
    Dress code: cover shoulders and knees
  • Quán Thế Âm Pagoda (Ho Chi Minh City):
    Address: Corner of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu and Cách Mạng Tháng Tám
    Monument: open 24/7
    Dress code: respectful; remove shoes inside
  • Xá Lợi Temple (Ho Chi Minh City):
    Address: 89 Bà Huyện Thanh Quy, District 3
    The heart of Thích Quảng Đức: kept in a sacred room, not regularly on display

Photos by Guglielmo Zanchi (Pluto) 

The post The Journey and Memory of Thích Quảng Đức in Vietnam appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> FUSION ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF GRAND ROYAL RIVERSIDE HUE https://asianitinerary.com/grand-royal-riverside-hue-fusion-hotel/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=grand-royal-riverside-hue-fusion-hotel Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:47:18 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=70725

A Perfect Blend of Heritage and Modern Comfort in Vietnam Travelers exploring Asia’s rich cultural tapestry will find a unique gem in Hue, Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital. Fusion’s latest addition, Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection, officially opens its doors on March 14, offering a luxurious riverside retreat that pays homage to the city’s historic charm while providing contemporary comforts. Prime Location on the Banks of the Huong River Situated on No. 02 Hung Vuong Street, adjacent to the iconic Truong Tien Bridge, the hotel enjoys a strategic position within Hue’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape. Overlooking the tranquil Huong River, the hotel’s architecture and design are inspired by Hue’s cultural heritage, blending elegance and serenity into an immersive guest experience. An Architectural Tribute to Hue’s Cultural Heritage The hotel comprises two towers with a total of 161 guestrooms, each designed around the concept “A Tale of Two Times”—a narrative that seamlessly bridges Vietnam’s imperial past with the vibrant present. Inspired by Indochine elegance, the interiors feature natural wood accents, jade-toned hues, and locally sourced materials, creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere that reflects Hue’s historical significance. Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine and Contemporary Dining Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary experiences at Jade & Ginger Restaurant, offering a daily breakfast buffet and all-day dining options. Savor local specialties like bun bo Hue, pho, and banh mi, alongside European dishes and international cuisines. The Amber Lounge provides a tranquil space for artisanal teas, coffee, and light bites by day, transforming into an elegant bar in the evening with curated wines, signature cocktails, and premium spirits. Wellness and Relaxation in Hue In line with Fusion’s commitment to health and well-being, the Sả Spa & Wellness center features four treatment rooms where therapists utilize locally sourced herbs and essential oils for holistic therapies. The spa also includes a fitness center, steam room, and skincare services, ensuring a rejuvenating experience that reconnects guests with the natural beauty of Hue. Event Spaces and Business Facilities Whether for corporate meetings or private events, the hotel offers flexible venues accommodating up to 370 guests. From co-working areas to elegant event halls, Grand Royal Riverside Hue is equipped to meet the needs of leisure travelers, business guests, and event organizers seeking a memorable setting immersed in Hue’s heritage. An Invitation to Experience Hue’s Cultural Legacy Ms. Ha Tran, General Manager, emphasizes the importance of Hue as a heritage destination: “Our goal is to create a riverside retreat that honors the city’s cultural legacy while embracing Fusion’s wellness-led hospitality. From design inspired by the Huong River to our wellness offerings, we aim to offer guests a calm, restorative stay deeply connected to place.” Special Opening Offer Celebrate the opening with 25% off on stays until May 31, 2026. Room rates start from USD $130 per night, including breakfast for two. Book directly via Fusion Collection to enjoy this exclusive promotion. Join Fusion’s Loyalty Program Enhance your experience with Fusionlife, offering additional benefits on spa treatments, dining, and room upgrades. Learn more at Fusion Hotel Group.

The post FUSION ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF GRAND ROYAL RIVERSIDE HUE appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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A Perfect Blend of Heritage and Modern Comfort in Vietnam

Travelers exploring Asia’s rich cultural tapestry will find a unique gem in Hue, Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital. Fusion’s latest addition, Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection, officially opens its doors on March 14, offering a luxurious riverside retreat that pays homage to the city’s historic charm while providing contemporary comforts.

Prime Location on the Banks of the Huong River

Situated on No. 02 Hung Vuong Street, adjacent to the iconic Truong Tien Bridge, the hotel enjoys a strategic position within Hue’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape. Overlooking the tranquil Huong River, the hotel’s architecture and design are inspired by Hue’s cultural heritage, blending elegance and serenity into an immersive guest experience.

An Architectural Tribute to Hue’s Cultural Heritage

The hotel comprises two towers with a total of 161 guestrooms, each designed around the concept “A Tale of Two Times”—a narrative that seamlessly bridges Vietnam’s imperial past with the vibrant present. Inspired by Indochine elegance, the interiors feature natural wood accents, jade-toned hues, and locally sourced materials, creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere that reflects Hue’s historical significance.

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine and Contemporary Dining

Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary experiences at Jade & Ginger Restaurant, offering a daily breakfast buffet and all-day dining options. Savor local specialties like bun bo Hue, pho, and banh mi, alongside European dishes and international cuisines. The Amber Lounge provides a tranquil space for artisanal teas, coffee, and light bites by day, transforming into an elegant bar in the evening with curated wines, signature cocktails, and premium spirits.

Wellness and Relaxation in Hue

In line with Fusion’s commitment to health and well-being, the Sả Spa & Wellness center features four treatment rooms where therapists utilize locally sourced herbs and essential oils for holistic therapies. The spa also includes a fitness center, steam room, and skincare services, ensuring a rejuvenating experience that reconnects guests with the natural beauty of Hue.

Event Spaces and Business Facilities

Whether for corporate meetings or private events, the hotel offers flexible venues accommodating up to 370 guests. From co-working areas to elegant event halls, Grand Royal Riverside Hue is equipped to meet the needs of leisure travelers, business guests, and event organizers seeking a memorable setting immersed in Hue’s heritage.

An Invitation to Experience Hue’s Cultural Legacy

Ms. Ha Tran, General Manager, emphasizes the importance of Hue as a heritage destination: “Our goal is to create a riverside retreat that honors the city’s cultural legacy while embracing Fusion’s wellness-led hospitality. From design inspired by the Huong River to our wellness offerings, we aim to offer guests a calm, restorative stay deeply connected to place.”

Special Opening Offer

Celebrate the opening with 25% off on stays until May 31, 2026. Room rates start from USD $130 per night, including breakfast for two. Book directly via Fusion Collection to enjoy this exclusive promotion.

Join Fusion’s Loyalty Program

Enhance your experience with Fusionlife, offering additional benefits on spa treatments, dining, and room upgrades. Learn more at Fusion Hotel Group.

The post FUSION ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF GRAND ROYAL RIVERSIDE HUE appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Azerai Resorts in Vietnam Festive Season Offerings https://asianitinerary.com/azerai-resorts-vietnam-festive-season/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=azerai-resorts-vietnam-festive-season Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:50:10 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=69571

Vietnam’s Azerai Resorts invites travelers to embrace the festive spirit with a series of memorable family-friendly activities, luxurious dining experiences, and exclusive wellness offers. Whether you’re staying at the award-winning Azerai Ke Ga Bay or the historic Azerai La Residence in Hue, the holiday season promises a blend of cultural richness, relaxation, and festive cheer. Azerai Ke Ga Bay: A Coastal Sanctuary for Celebrations Nestled on the southern coast of Vietnam, Azerai Ke Ga Bay is a stunning all-suites and villas oceanfront resort, recently awarded a prestigious MICHELIN Key. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, this serene escape is surrounded by lush gardens, overlooking Hon Ba Island’s historic lighthouse and expansive sand dunes. Festive Highlights at Azerai Ke Ga Bay: Christmas Eve: Guests can indulge in a special afternoon tea where kids decorate cupcakes, followed by cocktails and canapés at the Garden Lounge. For dinner, a festive BBQ with live music awaits at the Terrace Restaurant. Christmas Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast featuring Virgin Bloody Marys, then watch Santa arrive with gifts for children. Afternoon activities include Christmas candy-cane relays, beach dodgeball, and a pass-the-gift game. For a more intimate experience, guests can reserve a seaside dinner with a Western set menu—available for just six tables, so early booking is essential. New Year’s Eve: Young guests can enjoy surfing lessons, traditional dragon dance, and a sandcastle-building contest. The evening culminates in a Western set-menu dinner, live entertainment, and a midnight countdown with sparkling wine. New Year’s Day: The celebrations continue with a special breakfast, dragon dance at the pool terrace, a buffet lunch, and family activities like kite-making, bodyboarding lessons, and New Year’s card crafts. Wellness Packages: 90-minute Relaxation Combo (body massage + hair wash) for VND 1,200,000 120-minute Relaxation Combo (body massage + hair wash) for VND 1,400,000 Book your holiday escape through azerai.com/azerai-ke-ga-bay, or contact the resort directly for tailored experiences. Azerai La Residence, Hue: A Heritage Hotel Celebrating the Season In the historic city of Hue, Azerai La Residence transforms into a festive wonderland from December 11 to January 11. The hotel’s holiday program kicks off with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, complemented by sparkling cocktails and live music at Le Parfum restaurant, which offers a seasonal special set menu bursting with flavors. Festive Activities Include: Christmas Eve: Enjoy carols performed by the Friends of Hue Choir, cocktails, Santa’s visit, and a gourmet gala dinner with live musical accompaniment. Christmas Morning: Guests are invited to a complimentary limousine transfer to Phu Cam Cathedral for Mass. The afternoon features a festive tea buffet and creative workshops such as calligraphy and flower arranging—free for in-house guests. New Year’s Eve: Celebrate with DJ beats, a lively dragon dance, and a gala dinner with live piano and violin performances, culminating in a midnight countdown. New Year’s Day: Start the year with a Hue-inspired afternoon tea, flower arranging lessons, and holiday crafts, all designed to create treasured memories. Special Offers: The hotel’s two-night Festive Season Package includes a river-view room, daily breakfast, airport transfer, signature cocktails, and a romantic festive dinner. Gala dinners on Dec. 24 and 31 are also available as add-ons. Supporting Local Artisans: Throughout the season, the hotel features a Charity Corner showcasing exquisite handicrafts from the Hope Center, with proceeds supporting artisans with disabilities. On January 15, the hotel team and guests will deliver the proceeds plus additional gifts. For bookings, visit azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue, or contact the hotel directly. About Azerai Founded by renowned hotelier Adrian Zecha, Azerai offers guests an authentic blend of elegance, cultural richness, and discreet, attentive service. Each resort, from Vietnam’s coastlines to historic Hue, is designed to provide a unique getaway immersed in local beauty and tradition. Tips for a Memorable Stay: Book early for peak holiday dates, especially for the popular Gala dinners. Take advantage of the wellness packages for ultimate relaxation amidst festive cheer. Explore local attractions and cultural sites to enrich your holiday experience.

The post Azerai Resorts in Vietnam Festive Season Offerings appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]>

Vietnam’s Azerai Resorts invites travelers to embrace the festive spirit with a series of memorable family-friendly activities, luxurious dining experiences, and exclusive wellness offers. Whether you’re staying at the award-winning Azerai Ke Ga Bay or the historic Azerai La Residence in Hue, the holiday season promises a blend of cultural richness, relaxation, and festive cheer.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay: A Coastal Sanctuary for Celebrations

Azerai Ke Ga Bay

Nestled on the southern coast of Vietnam, Azerai Ke Ga Bay is a stunning all-suites and villas oceanfront resort, recently awarded a prestigious MICHELIN Key. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, this serene escape is surrounded by lush gardens, overlooking Hon Ba Island’s historic lighthouse and expansive sand dunes.

Festive Highlights at Azerai Ke Ga Bay:

  • Christmas Eve: Guests can indulge in a special afternoon tea where kids decorate cupcakes, followed by cocktails and canapés at the Garden Lounge. For dinner, a festive BBQ with live music awaits at the Terrace Restaurant.
  • Christmas Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast featuring Virgin Bloody Marys, then watch Santa arrive with gifts for children. Afternoon activities include Christmas candy-cane relays, beach dodgeball, and a pass-the-gift game. For a more intimate experience, guests can reserve a seaside dinner with a Western set menu—available for just six tables, so early booking is essential.
  • New Year’s Eve: Young guests can enjoy surfing lessons, traditional dragon dance, and a sandcastle-building contest. The evening culminates in a Western set-menu dinner, live entertainment, and a midnight countdown with sparkling wine.
  • New Year’s Day: The celebrations continue with a special breakfast, dragon dance at the pool terrace, a buffet lunch, and family activities like kite-making, bodyboarding lessons, and New Year’s card crafts.

New Year Festivities at Azerai Ke Ga Bay

Wellness Packages:

  • 90-minute Relaxation Combo (body massage + hair wash) for VND 1,200,000
  • 120-minute Relaxation Combo (body massage + hair wash) for VND 1,400,000

Book your holiday escape through azerai.com/azerai-ke-ga-bay, or contact the resort directly for tailored experiences.

Azerai La Residence, Hue: A Heritage Hotel Celebrating the Season

In the historic city of Hue, Azerai La Residence transforms into a festive wonderland from December 11 to January 11. The hotel’s holiday program kicks off with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, complemented by sparkling cocktails and live music at Le Parfum restaurant, which offers a seasonal special set menu bursting with flavors.

Azerai La Residence, Hue

Festive Activities Include:

  • Christmas Eve: Enjoy carols performed by the Friends of Hue Choir, cocktails, Santa’s visit, and a gourmet gala dinner with live musical accompaniment.
  • Christmas Morning: Guests are invited to a complimentary limousine transfer to Phu Cam Cathedral for Mass. The afternoon features a festive tea buffet and creative workshops such as calligraphy and flower arranging—free for in-house guests.
  • New Year’s Eve: Celebrate with DJ beats, a lively dragon dance, and a gala dinner with live piano and violin performances, culminating in a midnight countdown.
  • New Year’s Day: Start the year with a Hue-inspired afternoon tea, flower arranging lessons, and holiday crafts, all designed to create treasured memories.

Special Offers:
The hotel’s two-night Festive Season Package includes a river-view room, daily breakfast, airport transfer, signature cocktails, and a romantic festive dinner. Gala dinners on Dec. 24 and 31 are also available as add-ons.

Supporting Local Artisans:
Throughout the season, the hotel features a Charity Corner showcasing exquisite handicrafts from the Hope Center, with proceeds supporting artisans with disabilities. On January 15, the hotel team and guests will deliver the proceeds plus additional gifts.

For bookings, visit azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue, or contact the hotel directly.

About Azerai

Founded by renowned hotelier Adrian Zecha, Azerai offers guests an authentic blend of elegance, cultural richness, and discreet, attentive service. Each resort, from Vietnam’s coastlines to historic Hue, is designed to provide a unique getaway immersed in local beauty and tradition.

Tips for a Memorable Stay:

  • Book early for peak holiday dates, especially for the popular Gala dinners.
  • Take advantage of the wellness packages for ultimate relaxation amidst festive cheer.
  • Explore local attractions and cultural sites to enrich your holiday experience.

The post Azerai Resorts in Vietnam Festive Season Offerings appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Azerai Founder Adrian Zecha Vision for the Boutique Hotel Brand https://asianitinerary.com/adrian-zecha-azerai-vietnam-resorts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=adrian-zecha-azerai-vietnam-resorts Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:58:55 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=68355

A Legacy of Hospitality Innovation Adrian Zecha, the legendary hotelier behind some of the world’s most iconic hospitality brands, recently visited Azerai Resorts in Vietnam, reaffirming his passion for creating meaningful travel experiences. At 92, the founder of both Aman Resorts and Azerai shows no sign of slowing down. “I can’t just sit there and do nothing. Life should be used to create and explore,” he said with a smile during his visit. His journey brought him to the elegant Azerai Ke Ga Bay, a 56-key beachfront resort south of Ho Chi Minh City, and to Azerai La Residence, Hue, a historic Art Deco mansion overlooking the Perfume River. These two properties reflect the brand’s philosophy: blending luxury with local culture, tranquility, and a deep sense of place. Azerai Ke Ga Bay – Serenity by the Sea Opened in 2020, Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers a rare mix of modern comfort and natural beauty. The resort stretches along five kilometers of pristine beach framed by lush ginger gardens. Guests can watch local fishermen at work each morning, a reminder of Vietnam’s authentic coastal traditions. Recently awarded “Most Instagrammable Hotel in Asia” by Luxury Travel Advisor and named by The Times as one of Southeast Asia’s best boutique hotels, Azerai Ke Ga Bay is both stylish and soulful. Its secluded setting is perfect for couples and families seeking peaceful luxury. Azerai La Residence, Hue – History Meets Elegance Nine hundred kilometers north, Azerai La Residence, Hue is a living piece of history. Once the residence of the French colonial governor, the 122-room mansion captures timeless elegance with its Art Deco design. Guests can take slow cruises along the Perfume River, exploring Hue’s ancient citadel, temples, and pagodas. Inside the hotel, vintage interiors and a tranquil garden create a contrast with the bustling city life just outside its gates. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the “World’s 100 Greatest Places” and praised by The Times of London, it remains one of Vietnam’s most remarkable boutique stays. The Spirit of Azerai For Zecha and his long-time partner Jonathan Breene, Azerai is not defined by a formula but by a vision: thoughtful luxury rooted in local culture, nature, and authenticity. Each property feels unique, yet both reflect the brand’s understated elegance and connection to place. Zecha credits his team for the continued success of Azerai. “I lead fantastic people who will carry on these legacies,” he said. His words echo his belief that great hospitality is about people, culture, and creating memorable journeys. For more information or to make a booking at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, call +84 (0) 252 3682 222, email reservations.kegabay@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-ke-ga-bay/. For Azerai La Residence, Hue, call +84 (0) 234 3837 475, email reservations.laresidence.hue@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue/.

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A Legacy of Hospitality Innovation

Adrian Zecha, the legendary hotelier behind some of the world’s most iconic hospitality brands, recently visited Azerai Resorts in Vietnam, reaffirming his passion for creating meaningful travel experiences. At 92, the founder of both Aman Resorts and Azerai shows no sign of slowing down. “I can’t just sit there and do nothing. Life should be used to create and explore,” he said with a smile during his visit.

His journey brought him to the elegant Azerai Ke Ga Bay, a 56-key beachfront resort south of Ho Chi Minh City, and to Azerai La Residence, Hue, a historic Art Deco mansion overlooking the Perfume River. These two properties reflect the brand’s philosophy: blending luxury with local culture, tranquility, and a deep sense of place.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay – Serenity by the Sea

Azerai Resorts Vietnam in Ke Ga Bay

Opened in 2020, Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers a rare mix of modern comfort and natural beauty. The resort stretches along five kilometers of pristine beach framed by lush ginger gardens. Guests can watch local fishermen at work each morning, a reminder of Vietnam’s authentic coastal traditions.

Recently awarded “Most Instagrammable Hotel in Asia” by Luxury Travel Advisor and named by The Times as one of Southeast Asia’s best boutique hotels, Azerai Ke Ga Bay is both stylish and soulful. Its secluded setting is perfect for couples and families seeking peaceful luxury.

Azerai La Residence, Hue – History Meets Elegance

Azerai La Residence, Hue

Nine hundred kilometers north, Azerai La Residence, Hue is a living piece of history. Once the residence of the French colonial governor, the 122-room mansion captures timeless elegance with its Art Deco design.

Guests can take slow cruises along the Perfume River, exploring Hue’s ancient citadel, temples, and pagodas. Inside the hotel, vintage interiors and a tranquil garden create a contrast with the bustling city life just outside its gates. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the “World’s 100 Greatest Places” and praised by The Times of London, it remains one of Vietnam’s most remarkable boutique stays.

The Spirit of Azerai

Adrian Zecha at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, Vietnam’s boutique beachfront resort

For Zecha and his long-time partner Jonathan Breene, Azerai is not defined by a formula but by a vision: thoughtful luxury rooted in local culture, nature, and authenticity. Each property feels unique, yet both reflect the brand’s understated elegance and connection to place.

Zecha credits his team for the continued success of Azerai. “I lead fantastic people who will carry on these legacies,” he said. His words echo his belief that great hospitality is about people, culture, and creating memorable journeys.

For more information or to make a booking at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, call +84 (0) 252 3682 222, email reservations.kegabay@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-ke-ga-bay/.

For Azerai La Residence, Hue, call +84 (0) 234 3837 475, email reservations.laresidence.hue@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue/.

The post Azerai Founder Adrian Zecha Vision for the Boutique Hotel Brand appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Azerai La Residence, Hue New Pilgrimage Package https://asianitinerary.com/azerai-la-residence-hue-new-pilgrimage-package/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=azerai-la-residence-hue-new-pilgrimage-package Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:37:15 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=66917

Azerai La Residence, Hue, the luxury heritage hotel in Vietnam’s former Imperial capital, invites guests on a sacred journey to some of the region’s most celebrated religious sites as part of an exclusive new two-night stay package. The “Ancient Capital Pilgrimage Package,” launched in April ahead of the Vesak Buddhist holiday, showcases central Vietnam’s deep spiritual heritage with a half-day tour in which guests immerse themselves in time-honored rituals and receive divine blessings and guidance. The outing begins with a visit to Kim Dai Pagoda, where guests will join morning chanting and engage in a tranquil tea-time conversation with the head monk. They will deepen their awareness by drawing fortune-reading sticks that offer insights into their path ahead. From there, the excursion heads to Khai Dinh Mausoleum, an architectural masterpiece that blends Vietnamese and European influences. Visitors pay tribute to the past by lighting an incense stick at the central altar, offering prayers for harmony, happiness and good fortune. The next stop, Hon Chen Temple, is nestled on the banks of the Perfume River. This sacred site honors both Champa and Vietnamese deities through elaborate royal ceremonies and folk traditions. The Hue Nam Temple Festival – a pilgrimage to Hon Chen Temple – was recognized by the Vietnamese government in March as part of the country’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” The day concludes at Nam Giao Esplanade, a revered site where Nguyen dynasty emperors once performed annual Heaven and Earth ceremonies. Today, these rituals have been revived and are presided over by high-ranking Vietnamese dignitaries, who lead prayers for national peace and well-being. Visitors are invited to join this longstanding tradition by lighting an incense stick and saying prayers of their own. The package includes a two-night stay with daily breakfast, a daily drink voucher (redeemable for a soft drink, local beer or cocktail at the hotel bar), a complimentary room upgrade to the next category (subject to availability) and a 10% discount for Vietnamese citizens. Azerai La Residence, Hue was recognized in December as one of Vietnam’s top 16 hotels for 2025 by The Times, one of the UK’s oldest daily newspapers. With 122 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, the hotel is centered on a colonial mansion that was built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur. The mansion’s distinctive façade, including its long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, are hallmarks of the streamline moderne school of art deco architecture. Azerai La Residence, Hue is part of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha’s latest portfolio, which also includes the beachfront Azerai Ke Ga Bay in southern Vietnam. For more information or to make a booking at Azerai La Residence, Hue, please call +84 (0) 234 3837 475, email reservations.laresidence.hue@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue/. ABOUT AZERAI Azerai is a distinctive story and brand of resorts offering guests elegance, refined design, and discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest. The brand was formed by hotelier Adrian Zecha, and the name is derived from Zecha’s initials and the latter part of a Persian word, caravanserai, which references the storied old inns of the Middle East

The post Azerai La Residence, Hue New Pilgrimage Package appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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Azerai La Residence, Hue, the luxury heritage hotel in Vietnam’s former Imperial capital, invites guests on a sacred journey to some of the region’s most celebrated religious sites as part of an exclusive new two-night stay package. The “Ancient Capital Pilgrimage Package,” launched in April ahead of the Vesak Buddhist holiday, showcases central Vietnam’s deep spiritual heritage with a half-day tour in which guests immerse themselves in time-honored rituals and receive divine blessings and guidance.

An exterior view of Khai Dinh Mausoleum

The outing begins with a visit to Kim Dai Pagoda, where guests will join morning chanting and engage in a tranquil tea-time conversation with the head monk. They will deepen their awareness by drawing fortune-reading sticks that offer insights into their path ahead.

From there, the excursion heads to Khai Dinh Mausoleum, an architectural masterpiece that blends Vietnamese and European influences. Visitors pay tribute to the past by lighting an incense stick at the central altar, offering prayers for harmony, happiness and good fortune.

The next stop, Hon Chen Temple, is nestled on the banks of the Perfume River. This sacred site honors both Champa and Vietnamese deities through elaborate royal ceremonies and folk traditions. The Hue Nam Temple Festival – a pilgrimage to Hon Chen Temple – was recognized by the Vietnamese government in March as part of the country’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage.”

Hòn Chén Temple

The day concludes at Nam Giao Esplanade, a revered site where Nguyen dynasty emperors once performed annual Heaven and Earth ceremonies. Today, these rituals have been revived and are presided over by high-ranking Vietnamese dignitaries, who lead prayers for national peace and well-being. Visitors are invited to join this longstanding tradition by lighting an incense stick and saying prayers of their own.

The package includes a two-night stay with daily breakfast, a daily drink voucher (redeemable for a soft drink, local beer or cocktail at the hotel bar), a complimentary room upgrade to the next category (subject to availability) and a 10% discount for Vietnamese citizens.

Azerai La Residence, Hue was recognized in December as one of Vietnam’s top 16 hotels for 2025 by The Times, one of the UK’s oldest daily newspapers. With 122 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, the hotel is centered on a colonial mansion that was built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur. The mansion’s distinctive façade, including its long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, are hallmarks of the streamline moderne school of art deco architecture.

Khai Dinh Mausoleum

Azerai La Residence, Hue is part of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha’s latest portfolio, which also includes the beachfront Azerai Ke Ga Bay in southern Vietnam.

For more information or to make a booking at Azerai La Residence, Hue, please call +84 (0) 234 3837 475, email reservations.laresidence.hue@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue/.

ABOUT AZERAI

Azerai is a distinctive story and brand of resorts offering guests elegance, refined design, and discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest. The brand was formed by hotelier Adrian Zecha, and the name is derived from Zecha’s initials and the latter part of a Persian word, caravanserai, which references the storied old inns of the Middle East

The post Azerai La Residence, Hue New Pilgrimage Package appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Azerai La Residence, Hue Is One of Vietnam’s Best Hotels https://asianitinerary.com/azerai-la-residence-hue-is-one-of-vietnams-best-hotels/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=azerai-la-residence-hue-is-one-of-vietnams-best-hotels Tue, 24 Jun 2025 20:51:23 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=66806

Azerai La Residence, Hue, the luxury heritage hotel in central Vietnam, has won two top honors from Travel + Leisure magazine, including recognition as one of Vietnam’s best upcountry hotels and for having the best General Manager in all of Vietnam. Azerai La Residence, Hue General Manager Phan Trong Minh was presented with the honor at a ceremony for the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 on June 18 in Bangkok. The property was recognized for a third straight year as one of Vietnam’s best upcountry hotels, including two previous No. 1 finishes. The magazine’s editors praised Minh, highlighting his 30 years of experience in hospitality, saying: “As GM of Azerai La Residence, Hue, he has driven cultural, environmental and wellness programs inspired by local tradition, and his dedication to authentic experiences and impeccable service has firmly positioned the imperial capital’s grande dame as a premier destination for travelers seeking a blend of worldly luxury and local soul.” With 122 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, Azerai La Residence, Hue is centered on a colonial mansion that was built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur. The mansion’s distinctive façade, including its long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, are hallmarks of the streamline moderne school of art deco architecture. Azerai La Residence, Hue was also recently recognized as one of Vietnam’s top 16 hotels for 2025 by The Times, one of the UK’s oldest daily newspapers. The hotel is part of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha’s latest portfolio, which also includes the beachfront Azerai Ke Ga Bay in southern Vietnam. For more information or to make a booking at Azerai La Residence, Hue, please call +84 (0) 234 3837 475, email reservations.laresidence.hue@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue/. ABOUT AZERAI Azerai is a distinctive story and brand of resorts offering guests elegance, refined design, and discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest. The brand was formed by hotelier Adrian Zecha, and the name is derived from Zecha’s initials and the latter part of a Persian word, caravanserai, which references the storied old inns of the Middle East.

The post Azerai La Residence, Hue Is One of Vietnam’s Best Hotels appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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Azerai La Residence, Hue, the luxury heritage hotel in central Vietnam, has won two top honors from Travel + Leisure magazine, including recognition as one of Vietnam’s best upcountry hotels and for having the best General Manager in all of Vietnam.

Azerai La Residence, Hue General Manager Phan Trong Minh was named the best GM in Vietnam

Azerai La Residence, Hue General Manager Phan Trong Minh was presented with the honor at a ceremony for the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 on June 18 in Bangkok. The property was recognized for a third straight year as one of Vietnam’s best upcountry hotels, including two previous No. 1 finishes.

The magazine’s editors praised Minh, highlighting his 30 years of experience in hospitality, saying: “As GM of Azerai La Residence, Hue, he has driven cultural, environmental and wellness programs inspired by local tradition, and his dedication to authentic experiences and impeccable service has firmly positioned the imperial capital’s grande dame as a premier destination for travelers seeking a blend of worldly luxury and local soul.”

With 122 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, Azerai La Residence, Hue is centered on a colonial mansion that was built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur. The mansion’s distinctive façade, including its long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, are hallmarks of the streamline moderne school of art deco architecture.

Azerai La Residence

Azerai La Residence, Hue was also recently recognized as one of Vietnam’s top 16 hotels for 2025 by The Times, one of the UK’s oldest daily newspapers.

The hotel is part of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha’s latest portfolio, which also includes the beachfront Azerai Ke Ga Bay in southern Vietnam.

For more information or to make a booking at Azerai La Residence, Hue, please call +84 (0) 234 3837 475, email reservations.laresidence.hue@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue/.

ABOUT AZERAI

Azerai is a distinctive story and brand of resorts offering guests elegance, refined design, and discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest. The brand was formed by hotelier Adrian Zecha, and the name is derived from Zecha’s initials and the latter part of a Persian word, caravanserai, which references the storied old inns of the Middle East.

The post Azerai La Residence, Hue Is One of Vietnam’s Best Hotels appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Central Vietnam Gains Global Foodie Recognition https://asianitinerary.com/central-vietnam-gains-global-foodie-recognition/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=central-vietnam-gains-global-foodie-recognition Mon, 17 Mar 2025 02:12:48 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=66347

Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) clubs are operating at the height of good taste as Central Vietnam affirms its credentials as one of Asia’s most exciting culinary destinations. Danang has long been an ambassador for Central Vietnamese cuisine thanks to its rich variety of dishes. In addition to iconic Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi, visitors can sample regional specialities like mi Quang (turmeric rice noodles with shrimp and pork), bun cha ca (fishcake noodle soup), banh xeo (Vietnamese savoury crepe) and street-side congee (rice porridge) with braised duck. Seafood restaurants serving fresh, locally sourced catches are also a standout feature. The region’s gastronomic reputation was further burnished in 2024 with the inclusion of Danang as one of Vietnam’s three MICHELIN Guide destinations. With MICHELIN inspectors now assessing the city’s diverse dining scene, Danang joins Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as a recognized gourmet hub. While local flavours are a major draw, Central Vietnam also boasts an impressive array of international dining experiences. Among the most prestigious is La Maison 1888, Danang’s one-Michelin-starred French fine dining restaurant, which continues to attract food lovers from around the world. VGC clubs Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Montgomerie Links, and Laguna Golf Lang Co have embraced this culinary excellence, ensuring that visitors can enjoy both world-class golf and standout gastronomy. “Dining is a key part of the guest experience here at Laguna Lang Co,” said Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Lang Co. “With ten diverse restaurants and lounges across the resort, we offer a wealth of options—from beachfront Mediterranean dining at Azura to authentic Vietnamese cuisine at The Water Court and stunning Thai flavours at Saffron, our signature Banyan Tree restaurant perched on a hilltop with panoramic sea views. The recent upgrades to Azura and Moomba take our F&B offering to the next level. “Our clubhouse 67 Bar, with its stunning panoramic golf views, is always a favourite among resort guests. Located in our unique alfresco clubhouse, it provides the perfect setting to unwind after a round, enjoy a crafted cocktail, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery.” Other Vietnam Golf Coast destinations, such as Hoi An and Hue, are equally renowned for their local gastronomy. Hoi An’s specialties like cao lau and white rose dumplings captivate visitors, while Hue’s imperial cuisine—including bun bo Hue—reflects the city’s rich history as Vietnam’s former capital. The combination of historic flavours and modern innovation ensures that Central Vietnam remains a top destination for food lovers. The culinary experience extends to the golf clubs themselves, where world-class dining complements elite golf facilities. At Montgomerie Links, dining is central to the club’s appeal. Its Birdies restaurant has earned acclaim for its elevated East-meets-West cuisine, blending international techniques with local ingredients to create a menu that satisfies both Vietnamese and global palates. The venue utilizes the very finest produce on seasonal menus that change regularly to ensure fresh dining experiences that are always evolving. “The golf experience isn’t just about the fairways—it’s about the entire atmosphere, and dining plays a huge role in that,” said Le Vo Hoang Van, Club Manager at Montgomerie Links. “At Birdies, we take pride in offering dishes that are as refined as our course, ensuring that every aspect of a visit to Montgomerie Links is memorable.” Ba Na Hills Golf Club boasts a clubhouse restaurant offering a range of flavours, from Vietnamese specialities to Korean favourites and Western dishes, ensuring international visitors feel at home. The club was recognized for its culinary offerings last year when it won the 2024 Vietnam Golf & Leisure Award for Best F&B Course. Additionally, the club is conveniently located near BaNa Brewhouse at Sun World Ba Na Hills, famous for brewing its own SunKraftbeer, an ideal post-round refreshment. “Our goal is to provide golfers with an exceptional experience both on and off the course,” said Simon Mees, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “Having a fantastic meal after a round, whether it’s a local speciality or an ice-cold SunKraftbeer at Bana Brewhouse, is all part of the package.”

The post Central Vietnam Gains Global Foodie Recognition appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) clubs are operating at the height of good taste as Central Vietnam affirms its credentials as one of Asia’s most exciting culinary destinations. Danang has long been an ambassador for Central Vietnamese cuisine thanks to its rich variety of dishes. In addition to iconic Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi, visitors can sample regional specialities like mi Quang (turmeric rice noodles with shrimp and pork), bun cha ca (fishcake noodle soup), banh xeo (Vietnamese savoury crepe) and street-side congee (rice porridge) with braised duck. Seafood restaurants serving fresh, locally sourced catches are also a standout feature.

Central Vietnam is renowned globally for its vast selection of delicious indigenous dishes

The region’s gastronomic reputation was further burnished in 2024 with the inclusion of Danang as one of Vietnam’s three MICHELIN Guide destinations. With MICHELIN inspectors now assessing the city’s diverse dining scene, Danang joins Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as a recognized gourmet hub.

While local flavours are a major draw, Central Vietnam also boasts an impressive array of international dining experiences. Among the most prestigious is La Maison 1888, Danang’s one-Michelin-starred French fine dining restaurant, which continues to attract food lovers from around the world.

VGC clubs Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Montgomerie Links, and Laguna Golf Lang Co have embraced this culinary excellence, ensuring that visitors can enjoy both world-class golf and standout gastronomy.

“Dining is a key part of the guest experience here at Laguna Lang Co,” said Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Lang Co. “With ten diverse restaurants and lounges across the resort, we offer a wealth of options—from beachfront Mediterranean dining at Azura to authentic Vietnamese cuisine at The Water Court and stunning Thai flavours at Saffron, our signature Banyan Tree restaurant perched on a hilltop with panoramic sea views. The recent upgrades to Azura and Moomba take our F&B offering to the next level.

Azura, the beachfront venue at Banyan Tree Lang Co, has undergone significant upgrades to enhance the dining experience

“Our clubhouse 67 Bar, with its stunning panoramic golf views, is always a favourite among resort guests. Located in our unique alfresco clubhouse, it provides the perfect setting to unwind after a round, enjoy a crafted cocktail, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery.”

Other Vietnam Golf Coast destinations, such as Hoi An and Hue, are equally renowned for their local gastronomy. Hoi An’s specialties like cao lau and white rose dumplings captivate visitors, while Hue’s imperial cuisine—including bun bo Hue—reflects the city’s rich history as Vietnam’s former capital. The combination of historic flavours and modern innovation ensures that Central Vietnam remains a top destination for food lovers.

The culinary experience extends to the golf clubs themselves, where world-class dining complements elite golf facilities.

At Montgomerie Links, dining is central to the club’s appeal. Its Birdies restaurant has earned acclaim for its elevated East-meets-West cuisine, blending international techniques with local ingredients to create a menu that satisfies both Vietnamese and global palates. The venue utilizes the very finest produce on seasonal menus that change regularly to ensure fresh dining experiences that are always evolving.

“The golf experience isn’t just about the fairways—it’s about the entire atmosphere, and dining plays a huge role in that,” said Le Vo Hoang Van, Club Manager at Montgomerie Links. “At Birdies, we take pride in offering dishes that are as refined as our course, ensuring that every aspect of a visit to Montgomerie Links is memorable.”

The fantastic La Maison 1888 is Central Vietnam’s first MICHELIN-starred restaurant

Ba Na Hills Golf Club boasts a clubhouse restaurant offering a range of flavours, from Vietnamese specialities to Korean favourites and Western dishes, ensuring international visitors feel at home. The club was recognized for its culinary offerings last year when it won the 2024 Vietnam Golf & Leisure Award for Best F&B Course. Additionally, the club is conveniently located near BaNa Brewhouse at Sun World Ba Na Hills, famous for brewing its own SunKraftbeer, an ideal post-round refreshment.

“Our goal is to provide golfers with an exceptional experience both on and off the course,” said Simon Mees, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “Having a fantastic meal after a round, whether it’s a local speciality or an ice-cold SunKraftbeer at Bana Brewhouse, is all part of the package.”

The post Central Vietnam Gains Global Foodie Recognition appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Azerai Welcomes the Year of the Wooden Snake https://asianitinerary.com/azerai-welcomes-the-year-of-the-wooden-snake/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=azerai-welcomes-the-year-of-the-wooden-snake Tue, 28 Jan 2025 03:29:07 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=66050

Azerai Resorts is set to welcome the Year of the Wooden Snake with a whole host of family friendly Tet activities at the beachfront Azerai Ke Ga Bay in southern Vietnam and the historic Azerai La Residence, Hue overlooking the fabled Perfume River in central Vietnam. Guests are invited to usher in a new year full of good fortune and prosperity in the most important holiday on the Vietnamese calendar, marking the arrival of spring and new beginnings. The two hotels have unveiled special Tet menus, festive programs and much more. Azerai La Residence, Hue Azerai La Residence, Hue captures the unique spirit of Tet with special menus, local excursions, stay packages and of course a vibrant Dragon Dance on Jan. 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Wooden Snake, as lucky red envelopes (li xi) are handed out to guests. The hotel’s exclusive Tet Package features a two-night stay in a Superior River View room, daily breakfast for two adults and one child under 12 years old (sharing existing bedding with parents), a Tet dinner menu and Tet afternoon tea for two people, and a one-way airport pick-up or drop-off service from Phu Bai Airport. The package is priced at VND 9,990,000. Azerai La Residence, Hue also introduces several elevated culinary offerings for the Tet holiday season, including a special Tet Buffet Breakfast, available from Jan. 19 to Feb. 16, as well as the Azerai La Residence, Hue Tet Menu served just four days, from Jan. 28-31, spotlighting the iconic tastes of the season. The hotel also offers a Tet Afternoon High Tea, Tet Unlabeled Tea Tasting and Tet Special Cocktail menu at Le Gouverneur Bar. The hotel’s popular La Residence Foodfest on Jan. 15 kicks off the Tet season with delectable live cooking stations with Hue culinary favorites, plus a hot dish buffet, salad bar, dessert station and more. Exclusive tours during Tet include a Half-Day Spring Tour that begins at Kim Dai Pagoda with morning chanting, Buddhist blessings and peaceful tea time with the head monk. Next stop is Khai Dinh Mausoleum, known for its unique fusion of Vietnamese and European architecture. Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to Hon Chen Temple, a place of worship for both Champa and Vietnamese deities. The tour is priced at VND 2,400,000. The hotel has also introduced a special 3-hour Flower Market Tour in a hotel limousine that’s perfect for admiring natural beauty and snapping some memorable photographs. The La Residence Tet Charity Corner, which operates from Jan. 15 to Feb. 28 in the hotel, offers souvenirs handmade by disabled artisans from the Hope Center Hue, a charitable foundation that provides vocational and work opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged people. Azerai La Residence, Hue, with 122 rooms and suites, is centered on a colonial mansion that was built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur. The mansion’s distinctive façade, including its long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, are hallmarks of the streamline moderne school of art deco architecture. For more information or to make a booking, call +84 (0) 234 3837 475, email reservations.laresidence.hue@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue/.

The post Azerai Welcomes the Year of the Wooden Snake appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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Azerai Resorts is set to welcome the Year of the Wooden Snake with a whole host of family friendly Tet activities at the beachfront Azerai Ke Ga Bay in southern Vietnam and the historic Azerai La Residence, Hue overlooking the fabled Perfume River in central Vietnam.

Guests are invited to usher in a new year full of good fortune and prosperity in the most important holiday on the Vietnamese calendar, marking the arrival of spring and new beginnings. The two hotels have unveiled special Tet menus, festive programs and much more.

Azerai La Residence, Hue

Azerai Ke Ga Bay is ready to celebrate Tet

Azerai La Residence, Hue captures the unique spirit of Tet with special menus, local excursions, stay packages and of course a vibrant Dragon Dance on Jan. 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Wooden Snake, as lucky red envelopes (li xi) are handed out to guests.

The hotel’s exclusive Tet Package features a two-night stay in a Superior River View room, daily breakfast for two adults and one child under 12 years old (sharing existing bedding with parents), a Tet dinner menu and Tet afternoon tea for two people, and a one-way airport pick-up or drop-off service from Phu Bai Airport. The package is priced at VND 9,990,000.

Azerai La Residence, Hue also introduces several elevated culinary offerings for the Tet holiday season, including a special Tet Buffet Breakfast, available from Jan. 19 to Feb. 16, as well as the Azerai La Residence, Hue Tet Menu served just four days, from Jan. 28-31, spotlighting the iconic tastes of the season. The hotel also offers a Tet Afternoon High Tea, Tet Unlabeled Tea Tasting and Tet Special Cocktail menu at Le Gouverneur Bar.

The hotel’s popular La Residence Foodfest on Jan. 15 kicks off the Tet season with delectable live cooking stations with Hue culinary favorites, plus a hot dish buffet, salad bar, dessert station and more.

Poolside celebrations at Azerai Ke Ga Bay

Exclusive tours during Tet include a Half-Day Spring Tour that begins at Kim Dai Pagoda with morning chanting, Buddhist blessings and peaceful tea time with the head monk. Next stop is Khai Dinh Mausoleum, known for its unique fusion of Vietnamese and European architecture. Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to Hon Chen Temple, a place of worship for both Champa and Vietnamese deities. The tour is priced at VND 2,400,000.

The hotel has also introduced a special 3-hour Flower Market Tour in a hotel limousine that’s perfect for admiring natural beauty and snapping some memorable photographs.

The La Residence Tet Charity Corner, which operates from Jan. 15 to Feb. 28 in the hotel, offers souvenirs handmade by disabled artisans from the Hope Center Hue, a charitable foundation that provides vocational and work opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged people.

Azerai La Residence, Hue, with 122 rooms and suites, is centered on a colonial mansion that was built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur. The mansion’s distinctive façade, including its long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, are hallmarks of the streamline moderne school of art deco architecture.

For more information or to make a booking, call +84 (0) 234 3837 475, email reservations.laresidence.hue@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue/.

The post Azerai Welcomes the Year of the Wooden Snake appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Meliá Hotels International Adds Kobi Onsen Hue https://asianitinerary.com/melia-hotels-international-adds-kobi-onsen-hue/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=melia-hotels-international-adds-kobi-onsen-hue Tue, 08 Oct 2024 03:15:10 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=64527

One of the largest hotel groups in Vietnam, Meliá Hotels International, inked an agreement with local player BB Group Hospitality this month, bringing Kobi Onsen Resort Hue into the Spanish company’s fold. Joining Meliá Vinpearl Hue, this unique hot spring resort, will be the hospitality group’s second hotel in the city and its 20th hotel in Vietnam. The group will start managing the property under the name of Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, Affiliated by Meliá, in Q4 this year. It will then undergo a rebranding process over the next 12 months emerging as Meliá Hue Kobi Onsen Resort next year. Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, Affiliated by Meliá is located on the outskirts of Vietnam’s former capital, close enough to explore the Imperial City but far enough away to reap the benefits of the property’s serene and healing setting. Tapping into the natural mineral-rich hot springs of My An, the main draw of this spacious 155-key resort is its broad range of curative waters, along with wellness facilities and treatments that draw inspiration from the region. “The latest addition to our Vietnam portfolio strongly aligns with one of our key values, which is ensuring the overall wellbeing of each of our guests,” said Ignacio Martín, management director for Melia Hotels International in the APAC region. “Through properties like Kobi Onsen Resort Hue we are helping raise awareness of the importance of living a balanced life while also showing our passion for caring for all our guests’ wellbeing on a holistic level.” In addition to a traditional onsen with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths separated by gender, the resort features a range of wellbeing facilities, including a steam bath, soda bath, dry sauna, and Himalayan salt sauna. Wellness treatments integrate oriental medicine and massage practices once used by the royal family in Hue, as well as herbal treatments used by the Red Yao people, who are renowned for their healing herbal baths. The resort features tranquil Japanese-style gardens and the largest koi pond in Hue designed to offer a feeling of serenity. The Japanese carp within the waters symbolize good fortune and good luck. Other wellbeing offerings include an outdoor swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center and a golf simulator. Several dining facilities are located on site including authentic Japanese cuisine, along with a restaurant serving local and European dishes. Rooms, suites, and villas range in size from 36-square-meters to 255-square-meters with spacious the property’s 11 one-of-a-kind villas featuring private onsens. The property is a 30-minute drive from Phu Bai International Airport and less than 15-minutes from the UNESCO-designated Complex of  Monuments. This former feudal capital was the political and cultural heart of the country for close to 150 years and its rich history remains with preserved ancient palaces and shrines along with the Forbidden Purple City. While the less-touristy destination of Hue offers travelers a glimpse into the country’s past, it also is a destination rich in ancient wellness traditions making it an ideal location to slow down and focus on wellbeing. “Through BB Group we are continuing to grow our presence in the country with trusted partners who are also passionate about building the tourism industry in Vietnam in a sustainable manner,” said Gabriel Escarrer, CEO and chairman of Meliá Hotels International. The signing of the company’s 20th hotel in Vietnam marks a significant milestone, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Meliá Rewards loyalty program. To celebrate, members can enjoy best prices, exclusive discounts, and a host of surprises across all properties in Vietnam and over 400 hotels worldwide. www.meliahotelsinternational.com

The post Meliá Hotels International Adds Kobi Onsen Hue appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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One of the largest hotel groups in Vietnam, Meliá Hotels International, inked an agreement with local player BB Group Hospitality this month, bringing Kobi Onsen Resort Hue into the Spanish company’s fold.

Japanese-style Gardens

Joining Meliá Vinpearl Hue, this unique hot spring resort, will be the hospitality group’s second hotel in the city and its 20th hotel in Vietnam. The group will start managing the property under the name of Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, Affiliated by Meliá, in Q4 this year. It will then undergo a rebranding process over the next 12 months emerging as Meliá Hue Kobi Onsen Resort next year.

Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, Affiliated by Meliá is located on the outskirts of Vietnam’s former capital, close enough to explore the Imperial City but far enough away to reap the benefits of the property’s serene and healing setting. Tapping into the natural mineral-rich hot springs of My An, the main draw of this spacious 155-key resort is its broad range of curative waters, along with wellness facilities and treatments that draw inspiration from the region.

“The latest addition to our Vietnam portfolio strongly aligns with one of our key values, which is ensuring the overall wellbeing of each of our guests,” said Ignacio Martín, management director for Melia Hotels International in the APAC region. “Through properties like Kobi Onsen Resort Hue we are helping raise awareness of the importance of living a balanced life while also showing our passion for caring for all our guests’ wellbeing on a holistic level.”

Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, Affiliated by Meliá

In addition to a traditional onsen with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths separated by gender, the resort features a range of wellbeing facilities, including a steam bath, soda bath, dry sauna, and Himalayan salt sauna. Wellness treatments integrate oriental medicine and massage practices once used by the royal family in Hue, as well as herbal treatments used by the Red Yao people, who are renowned for their healing herbal baths.

The resort features tranquil Japanese-style gardens and the largest koi pond in Hue designed to offer a feeling of serenity. The Japanese carp within the waters symbolize good fortune and good luck. Other wellbeing offerings include an outdoor swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center and a golf simulator.

Several dining facilities are located on site including authentic Japanese cuisine, along with a restaurant serving local and European dishes. Rooms, suites, and villas range in size from 36-square-meters to 255-square-meters with spacious the property’s 11 one-of-a-kind villas featuring private onsens.

The property is a 30-minute drive from Phu Bai International Airport and less than 15-minutes from the UNESCO-designated Complex of

Salt Sauna

 Monuments. This former feudal capital was the political and cultural heart of the country for close to 150 years and its rich history remains with preserved ancient palaces and shrines along with the Forbidden Purple City. While the less-touristy destination of Hue offers travelers a glimpse into the country’s past, it also is a destination rich in ancient wellness traditions making it an ideal location to slow down and focus on wellbeing.

“Through BB Group we are continuing to grow our presence in the country with trusted partners who are also passionate about building the tourism industry in Vietnam in a sustainable manner,” said Gabriel Escarrer, CEO and chairman of Meliá Hotels International.

The signing of the company’s 20th hotel in Vietnam marks a significant milestone, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Meliá Rewards loyalty program. To celebrate, members can enjoy best prices, exclusive discounts, and a host of surprises across all properties in Vietnam and over 400 hotels worldwide.

www.meliahotelsinternational.com

The post Meliá Hotels International Adds Kobi Onsen Hue appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Original Steam Trains Refurbished and Reintroduced in Vietnam https://asianitinerary.com/original-steam-trains-refurbished-and-reintroduced-in-vietnam/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=original-steam-trains-refurbished-and-reintroduced-in-vietnam Tue, 21 May 2024 07:49:54 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=62034

Indochina Rail Tourist Service joint stock company and Wafaifo Optimisers have signed a management agreement for Wafaifo Optimisers to manage the Revolution Express steam train, a remarkable new tourist experience in central Vietnam, which is expected to launch late 2024 or early 2025. Two original steam locomotives from the 1960s have been lovingly restored to working condition. The locomotives will pull two fully appointed retro-styled carriages that can seat up to 57 passengers each, as well as a custom-made kitchen carriage and a baggage carriage. The locomotives are the last remaining working steam ones in Vietnam, dating from the pre-independence era, both built locally in Vietnam, based on the French Mikado design. They have been painstakingly restored over a number of years, using original parts and utilising the skills of the last remaining steam engineers working for Vietnam Railways. The Revolution Express will make a return trip between Danang city and the former royal capital of Hue each day. Each journey will traverse the scenically remarkable Hai Van coastal mountain range and stop at Lang Co adjacent to beautiful lagoon and beach scenery. Surrounded by old world splendour and served by talents in period costume, passengers will be able to enjoy light food and drinks as they view one of the most picturesque coastlines and mountain passes in Southeast Asia. Indochina Rail and Wafaifo Optimisers signed the partnership agreement on 20 May in Danang in central Vietnam. The two parties were represented by Indochina Rail’s Chairman, Mr Michael Gebbie and  Wafaifo Optimisers’ Managing Director, Mr Pieter van der Hoeven, and Commercial Director, Mr Mikkel Krantz. “We are proud to bring these old dames of rail back to life and to showcase important periods in Vietnamese history from imperial through colonial rule and finally the struggle to independence,” said Mr Gebbie. “We seek to give visitors an interactive sense of Vietnam‘s history and future. Whether you enjoy learning about history or trains, or just want to ride an authentic heritage steam train over the famously scenic Hai Van Pass, the Revolution Express will offer a magical experience for young and old alike,” he said. Mr van der Hoeven added: “The Wafaifo Optimisers team is excited to be a part of a remarkable heritage tourism story that will allow train enthusiasts and mainstream tourists to feel like they are travelling back in time, in comfort, in a scenically spectacular corner of Vietnam.” Highlights of the tourist experience will include themed dining at the three railway stations on the route: Kim Lien (Danang), Lang Co and Hue. Each station will have its own menus and entertainment schedules to meet the arrival of the Revolution Express. Importantly, the train stations with their restaurants and retail offerings are being designed to also attract other road and VNR (Vietnam National Rail) passengers travelling between Danang, Lang Co and Hue on the scenic coastal route. In Hue, the original train maintenance building is being beautifully refurbished as the Station Restaurant. The venue is being themed in an imperial manner befitting the history of Hue, the last bastion of the dynastic era in Vietnam. In Lang Co, the restaurant will be themed to mark the independence that Vietnam enjoys today. Apart from a full restaurant offering, food carts will be on the station platform offering homemade ice cream, freshly squeezed fruit juices, Vietnamese coffee, and newly pressed sugar cane. Regular VNR-run trains all stop at Lang Co station for passenger refreshments. Potentially the third restaurant at the station on the outskirts of Danang will be developed. If so, it will be themed in a colonial manner to reflect a different era in Vietnam’s national journey. The plan is that when the Revolution Express arrives at the stations on the route a brass band in army regalia will greet disembarking guests. The Revolution Express is the only private rail operator in Vietnam. Wafaifo Optimisers will be responsible for marketing, booking and catering for the Revolution Express and its stations. The company will also open its own urban resort in the heritage city of Hoi An in the third quarter of this year. Further announcements on the commencement of the Revolution Express and how to book will be made in the next few months.

The post Original Steam Trains Refurbished and Reintroduced in Vietnam appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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Indochina Rail Tourist Service joint stock company and Wafaifo Optimisers have signed a management agreement for Wafaifo Optimisers to manage the Revolution Express steam train, a remarkable new tourist experience in central Vietnam, which is expected to launch late 2024 or early 2025.
Two original steam locomotives from the 1960s have been lovingly restored to working condition. The locomotives will pull two fully appointed retro-styled carriages that can seat up to 57 passengers each, as well as a custom-made kitchen carriage and a baggage carriage.

Full steam ahead following the signing ceremony on 20 May

The locomotives are the last remaining working steam ones in Vietnam, dating from the pre-independence era, both built locally in Vietnam, based on the French Mikado design. They have been painstakingly restored over a number of years, using original parts and utilising the skills of the last remaining steam engineers working for Vietnam Railways.
The Revolution Express will make a return trip between Danang city and the former royal capital of Hue each day. Each journey will traverse the scenically remarkable Hai Van coastal mountain range and stop at Lang Co adjacent to beautiful lagoon and beach scenery.
Surrounded by old world splendour and served by talents in period costume, passengers will be able to enjoy light food and drinks as they view one of the most picturesque coastlines and mountain passes in Southeast Asia.

Indochina Rail and Wafaifo Optimisers signed the partnership agreement on 20 May in Danang in central Vietnam. The two parties were represented by Indochina Rail’s Chairman, Mr Michael Gebbie and  Wafaifo Optimisers’ Managing Director, Mr Pieter van der Hoeven, and Commercial Director, Mr Mikkel Krantz.

The final touches are being added to the Revolution Express locomotive in its engineering workshop in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

“We are proud to bring these old dames of rail back to life and to showcase important periods in Vietnamese history from imperial through colonial rule and finally the struggle to independence,” said Mr Gebbie.

“We seek to give visitors an interactive sense of Vietnam‘s history and future. Whether you enjoy learning about history or trains, or just want to ride an authentic heritage steam train over the famously scenic Hai Van Pass, the Revolution Express will offer a magical experience for young and old alike,” he said.
Mr van der Hoeven added: “The Wafaifo Optimisers team is excited to be a part of a remarkable heritage tourism story that will allow train enthusiasts and mainstream tourists to feel like they are travelling back in time, in comfort, in a scenically spectacular corner of Vietnam.”

The Revolution Express will traverse the train line along coastal mountains [pictured] adjacent to the Hai Van Pass in central Vietnam, twice a day

Highlights of the tourist experience will include themed dining at the three railway stations on the route: Kim Lien (Danang), Lang Co and Hue. Each station will have its own menus and entertainment schedules to meet the arrival of the Revolution Express.
Importantly, the train stations with their restaurants and retail offerings are being designed to also attract other road and VNR (Vietnam National Rail) passengers travelling between Danang, Lang Co and Hue on the scenic coastal route.

In Hue, the original train maintenance building is being beautifully refurbished as the Station Restaurant. The venue is being themed in an imperial manner befitting the history of Hue, the last bastion of the dynastic era in Vietnam.
In Lang Co, the restaurant will be themed to mark the independence that Vietnam enjoys today. Apart from a full restaurant offering, food carts will be on the station platform offering homemade ice cream, freshly squeezed fruit juices, Vietnamese coffee, and newly pressed sugar cane. Regular VNR-run trains all stop at Lang Co station for passenger refreshments.

Renderings of interior of the Revolution Express, by Indochina Rail Tourist Service joint stock company and Wafaifo Optimisers

Potentially the third restaurant at the station on the outskirts of Danang will be developed. If so, it will be themed in a colonial manner to reflect a different era in Vietnam’s national journey.
The plan is that when the Revolution Express arrives at the stations on the route a brass band in army regalia will greet disembarking guests.
The Revolution Express is the only private rail operator in Vietnam.
Wafaifo Optimisers will be responsible for marketing, booking and catering for the Revolution Express and its stations. The company will also open its own urban resort in the heritage city of Hoi An in the third quarter of this year.
Further announcements on the commencement of the Revolution Express and how to book will be made in the next few months.

The post Original Steam Trains Refurbished and Reintroduced in Vietnam appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Fusion Launches Children’s Activities https://asianitinerary.com/fusion-launches-childrens-activities/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fusion-launches-childrens-activities Wed, 26 Apr 2023 20:17:18 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=53336

Wellness-inspired hotel brand Fusion has introduced a suite of family-friendly kids’ activities and exclusive stay packages just in time for summer school holidays. The activities have been specially designed to help children put down their digital devices and engage with nature and their own unique sense of creativity, with experiences ranging from feeding deer and kayaking in the surf to making traditional Vietnamese crafts, riding a zipline, and tending fresh fruit and vegetable gardens. Fusion Suites Vung Tau Families will find plenty of ways to stay active together at Fusion Suites Vung Tau, with mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding in the ocean, and cooking classes to learn the art of delicious Vietnamese cuisine. The hotel’s exclusive “Summer Fun Family Package” includes a cooking class at Fusion Courtyard, transportation from/to Saigon, an inclusive set menu (for lunch or dinner), a spa treatment (45-minute treatment + 25-minute infrared sauna), high tea at Fresh Restaurant, nightly cinema, complimentary Kids Club access, and more. The package is priced at VND 8,650,000 net for two weekday nights and VND 9,020,000 net for one weekday and one weekend night. Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion Young guests at Alba Wellness Valley in Hue can learn the traditional crafts of central Vietnam, creating paper fans, paper masks, pottery and more at the Alba craft village, and bring home memorable souvenirs. The resort is also home to its own farm and deer garden, where kids can pick out eggs delivered by cage-free hens, water colorful flowers, and feed and interact with the local deer. Older kids (1.1 meter and taller) can experience an adrenaline rush at the resort’s highwire adventure course, featuring 32 challenges with a total of 587 meters of cables situated 6 meters above the ground. A 560-meter-long zipline descends from the mountain from a starting point some 45 meters above ground level. Maia Resort Quy Nhon The beach is the star of the show at Maia Resort Quy Nhon. Complimentary kayaking, paddle-boarding and sandcastle-building are among the popular oceanfront children’s activities, while weekly art workshops encourage young visitors to engage with local culture by such activities as making a traditional-style kite. The unique culinary focus at the latest Maia property also extends to young guests, who can discover regional Vietnamese flavors in a cooking class tailored especially for them. Bedtime is also memorable for kids at the resort, with a special tent set up in their villa filled with cozy cushions and blankets. Fusion Resort Cam Ranh Young guests can pick sweet mangoes, harvest vegetables and learn about sustainable growing practices and the importance of biodiversity and protecting the environment at the popular Fusion Farm at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh. They can even pick freshly laid free-range eggs for their morning breakfast. To get their hearts pumping, kids can join the 5-star beach resort’s tennis and badminton lessons (with free ice cream afterward), while special yoga classes help children learn to explore mindfulness, relaxation and calmness. And to wind down at the end of the day, the Kids Cinema screens kid-friendly movies daily.

The post Fusion Launches Children’s Activities appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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Wellness-inspired hotel brand Fusion has introduced a suite of family-friendly kids’ activities and exclusive stay packages just in time for summer school holidays.

The activities have been specially designed to help children put down their digital devices and engage with nature and their own unique sense of creativity, with experiences ranging from feeding deer and kayaking in the surf to making traditional Vietnamese crafts, riding a zipline, and tending fresh fruit and vegetable gardens.

Fusion Suites Vung Tau

Family fun at Fusion Suites Vung Tau

Families will find plenty of ways to stay active together at Fusion Suites Vung Tau, with mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding in the ocean, and cooking classes to learn the art of delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

The hotel’s exclusive “Summer Fun Family Package” includes a cooking class at Fusion Courtyard, transportation from/to Saigon, an inclusive set menu (for lunch or dinner), a spa treatment (45-minute treatment + 25-minute infrared sauna), high tea at Fresh Restaurant, nightly cinema, complimentary Kids Club access, and more.

The package is priced at VND 8,650,000 net for two weekday nights and VND 9,020,000 net for one weekday and one weekend night.

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion

Highwire adventure course at Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion

Young guests at Alba Wellness Valley in Hue can learn the traditional crafts of central Vietnam, creating paper fans, paper masks, pottery and more at the Alba craft village, and bring home memorable souvenirs. The resort is also home to its own farm and deer garden, where kids can pick out eggs delivered by cage-free hens, water colorful flowers, and feed and interact with the local deer.

Older kids (1.1 meter and taller) can experience an adrenaline rush at the resort’s highwire adventure course, featuring 32 challenges with a total of 587 meters of cables situated 6 meters above the ground. A 560-meter-long zipline descends from the mountain from a starting point some 45 meters above ground level.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon

Children’s cooking class at Maia Resort Quy Nhon

The beach is the star of the show at Maia Resort Quy Nhon. Complimentary kayaking, paddle-boarding and sandcastle-building are among the popular oceanfront children’s activities, while weekly art workshops encourage young visitors to engage with local culture by such activities as making a traditional-style kite.

The unique culinary focus at the latest Maia property also extends to young guests, who can discover regional Vietnamese flavors in a cooking class tailored especially for them. Bedtime is also memorable for kids at the resort, with a special tent set up in their villa filled with cozy cushions and blankets.

Fusion Resort Cam Ranh

Fusion Farm at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh

Young guests can pick sweet mangoes, harvest vegetables and learn about sustainable growing practices and the importance of biodiversity and protecting the environment at the popular Fusion Farm at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh. They can even pick freshly laid free-range eggs for their morning breakfast.

To get their hearts pumping, kids can join the 5-star beach resort’s tennis and badminton lessons (with free ice cream afterward), while special yoga classes help children learn to explore mindfulness, relaxation and calmness. And to wind down at the end of the day, the Kids Cinema screens kid-friendly movies daily.

The post Fusion Launches Children’s Activities appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Fusion Launches New Wellness Retreats https://asianitinerary.com/fusion-launches-new-wellness-retreats/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fusion-launches-new-wellness-retreats Sat, 20 Aug 2022 16:38:50 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=38512

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion has long attracted wellness-seekers. With healing hot springs coursing through the forested property, the land itself is a wonder all its own. Now Fusion is enhancing the wonder with an array of new retreat options, from Reiki to Acroyoga. Alba Retreats In partnership with Vietnam Detox, Alba is offering several five-day Hot Springs Detox Retreats from now to the end of 2022. The immersive experience balances movement, from nature walks to yoga; and rest and relaxation, such as massage, Tibetan Sound Bowl sessions, onsen and forest bathing; with detox methods to cleanse and revitalize body and mind. From August 3rd – 6th the resort will offer its first Reiki and Acupuncture retreat with the founder of Siam Reiki. Alba and Siam Reiki’s founder are joining forces to start a Reiki school in Vietnam, offering certification in the energy healing modality that first originated in Japan. Both practices will help participants remove physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy blockages in order to feel more balanced, relaxed and centered. An Acroyoga retreat, a modern variation of the ancient Indian practice that brings together traditional yoga poses with acrobatics and Thai massage, is also on the agenda; as well as comprehensive half day detox programs that are available to both in-house and outside guests. The morning sessions include detox juices, yoga, a water purification ceremony and hot spring meditation. A Fusion commitment “Fusion has always prioritized the wellness of our guests, with some of the biggest hotel spas throughout Vietnam,” said Kevin Beauvais, CEO of Fusion. “As we’ve grown as a company we continue to expand what we offer to guests, as people look for more ways to unwind and reset, especially as we come out of the pandemic.” While most Fusion properties offer yoga, each property takes it a step further by making the most of their picturesque destinations when offering sessions. At Maia Resort Quy Nhon, guests can join a complimentary yoga and meditation class at sunrise or sunset on the powder-white sands of Starfish beach or in the lush tropical gardens of the resort’s expansive Vẽla Spa. Aqua Aerobics is also on offer in the spa’s pool. Fusion Resort Cam Ranh has launched new Saturday yoga sessions, with four different-themed classes including a yoga and qigong session to start the day and a rest and restore yoga session that blends yoga and mindfulness practices to end it. Fusion Resort Phu Quoc, also fills its days with wellness with yoga and meditation classes for adults and sports activities for kids including tennis, biking, jogging, and volleyball. The oceanfront and riverside resort also offers kayaking. Properties like Fusion Suites Vung Tau, located in a popular weekend getaway destination, are encouraging guests to explore this summer with bike discovery tours, to take in the city, and stand up paddleboarding sessions, to take in the vast ocean (whilst getting some exercise).

The post Fusion Launches New Wellness Retreats appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion has long attracted wellness-seekers. With healing hot springs coursing through the forested property, the land itself is a wonder all its own. Now Fusion is enhancing the wonder with an array of new retreat options, from Reiki to Acroyoga.

Alba Retreats

In partnership with Vietnam Detox, Alba is offering several five-day Hot Springs Detox Retreats from now to the end of 2022. The immersive experience balances movement, from nature walks to yoga; and rest and relaxation, such as massage, Tibetan Sound Bowl sessions, onsen and forest bathing; with detox methods to cleanse and revitalize body and mind.

From August 3rd – 6th the resort will offer its first Reiki and Acupuncture retreat with the founder of Siam Reiki. Alba and Siam Reiki’s founder are joining forces to start a Reiki school in Vietnam, offering certification in the energy healing modality that first originated in Japan. Both practices will help participants remove physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy blockages in order to feel more balanced, relaxed and centered.

An Acroyoga retreat, a modern variation of the ancient Indian practice that brings together traditional yoga poses with acrobatics and Thai massage, is also on the agenda; as well as comprehensive half day detox programs that are available to both in-house and outside guests. The morning sessions include detox juices, yoga, a water purification ceremony and hot spring meditation.

A Fusion commitment

“Fusion has always prioritized the wellness of our guests, with some of the biggest hotel spas throughout Vietnam,” said Kevin Beauvais, CEO of Fusion. “As we’ve grown as a company we continue to expand what we offer to guests, as people look for more ways to unwind and reset, especially as we come out of the pandemic.”

While most Fusion properties offer yoga, each property takes it a step further by making the most of their picturesque destinations when offering sessions. At Maia Resort Quy Nhon, guests can join a complimentary yoga and meditation class at sunrise or sunset on the powder-white sands of Starfish beach or in the lush tropical gardens of the resort’s expansive Vẽla Spa. Aqua Aerobics is also on offer in the spa’s pool.

Fusion Resort Cam Ranh has launched new Saturday yoga sessions, with four different-themed classes including a yoga and qigong session to start the day and a rest and restore yoga session that blends yoga and mindfulness practices to end it. Fusion Resort Phu Quoc, also fills its days with wellness with yoga and meditation classes for adults and sports activities for kids including tennis, biking, jogging, and volleyball. The oceanfront and riverside resort also offers kayaking. Properties like Fusion Suites Vung Tau, located in a popular weekend getaway destination, are encouraging guests to explore this summer with bike discovery tours, to take in the city, and stand up paddleboarding sessions, to take in the vast ocean (whilst getting some exercise).

The post Fusion Launches New Wellness Retreats appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Azerai Unveils New Experience Menu https://asianitinerary.com/azerai-unveils-new-experiences-menu/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=azerai-unveils-new-experiences-menu Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:44:37 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=37803

Experiential travel is taking off again, after people spent the past two years largely confined to their homes. Vietnam’s international borders have fully reopened and travelers are back, seeking out distinctive and transformative experiences. With this in mind, Azerai recently launched a special menu of more than 40 new and thoughtfully redefined experiences at each of the brand’s three resorts in Vietnam, including Azerai La Residence, Hue in the former imperial capital; Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta; and Azerai Ke Ga Bay, which is located 180km east of Ho Chi Minh City on a white sand beach. “Nobody knows our backyard better than we do,” said Henry Gray, Executive Director at Azerai Resorts. ”Each of the experiences on this menu is a reflection of what captures the ‘essence of place’ better than any other means imaginable.” From cycling tours in the lush Mekong Delta to windsurfing on Vietnam’s southeastern coast and historical excursions in the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty—and much more—Azerai’s new experiences menu features a range of day trips, on-site activities and journeys into the local communities surrounding the resorts. The experiences range from the cultural to the adventurous to the spiritual. Particularly well represented on the new experiences menu are culinary activities that showcase the breadth of Vietnam’s world-famous cuisine and tap into the country’s local and regional food traditions. At Azerai La Residence, Hue, longtime popular dining menus such as the “Imperial Dinner” and “Colonial Dinner” are now complemented by a host of new offerings, including the “Aroma of Vietnam Cooking Class,” in which guests learn how to prepare Vietnamese culinary favorites, and “Exploring Hue Cuisine,” a dining experience that spotlights famous central Vietnam dishes. The resort’s new elegant 55-foot (17-meter) cruise boat also offers a “Private Dinner Cruise” on the Perfume River serving fine Vietnamese and Western cuisine as the boat moves past picturesque natural scenery and historic local landmarks. At Azerai Can Tho, “Romance Under the Banyan Tree” features a lantern-lit, five-course meal for two. The “Breakfast Cruise to Cai Rang Floating Market” includes a choice of Vietnamese or Western breakfast, followed by a visit to the bustling Mekong Delta floating market, and concludes with an on-shore excursion to a traditional noodle-making factory. Other culinary options at Azerai Can Tho include “Hidden Dinner by a Villa Pool,” “Secret Romantic Dinner by the River,” and “Picnic by the River.” And at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, a different kind of culinary experience awaits: The “Monastery and Iconic Fruit of Binh Thuan” includes stops at an exotic dragon fruit farm, the culturally rich Ta Cu Mountain, and local salt fields. The culinary team at Azerai Ke Ga Bay is renowned for crafting an array of local delicacies with a focus on plentiful offerings from the sea. Azerai Ke Ga Bay has also launched a special golf package with PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet, whose two new championship-level golf courses were designed by legendary Australian golfer Greg Norman. “Tee Off Time” includes a two-night stay in a Deluxe Suite with a garden view at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, daily breakfast for two, and 18 holes of golf for two adults (including green fee, caddy fee, shared buggy and roundtrip transfers to and from the golf course). Other experiences at Azerai Ke Ga Bay include a guided tour of the nearby historic, 1899-built colonial French lighthouse, a fishing trip in the sea, and an excursion to local sand dunes. Vietnam has announced the end of all pandemic-related travel restrictions. Travelers are no longer required to submit proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival. The latest conditions for entry into Vietnam should be confirmed with the nearest Vietnamese consulate and/or through a booking agent to ensure compatibility. More information on applying for an e-visa can be found at ​​https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/. Citizens of 13 countries qualify for visa exemptions and can visit for up to 15 days regardless of passport type and entry purpose. For the full experiences menu at Azerai, please visit www.azerai.com/experiences.  

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Visit local sand dunes at Azerai Ke Ga Bay

Experiential travel is taking off again, after people spent the past two years largely confined to their homes. Vietnam’s international borders have fully reopened and travelers are back, seeking out distinctive and transformative experiences.

With this in mind, Azerai recently launched a special menu of more than 40 new and thoughtfully redefined experiences at each of the brand’s three resorts in Vietnam, including Azerai La Residence, Hue in the former imperial capital; Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta; and Azerai Ke Ga Bay, which is located 180km east of Ho Chi Minh City on a white sand beach.

Take a sunset cruise in the Mekong Delta at Azerai Can Tho

“Nobody knows our backyard better than we do,” said Henry Gray, Executive Director at Azerai Resorts. ”Each of the experiences on this menu is a reflection of what captures the ‘essence of place’ better than any other means imaginable.”

From cycling tours in the lush Mekong Delta to windsurfing on Vietnam’s southeastern coast and historical excursions in the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty—and much more—Azerai’s new experiences menu features a range of day trips, on-site activities and journeys into the local communities surrounding the resorts.

The experiences range from the cultural to the adventurous to the spiritual. Particularly well represented on the new experiences menu are culinary activities that showcase the breadth of Vietnam’s world-famous cuisine and tap into the country’s local and regional food traditions.

Explore central Vietnam’s rich history at Azerai La Residence, Hue

At Azerai La Residence, Hue, longtime popular dining menus such as the “Imperial Dinner” and “Colonial Dinner” are now complemented by a host of new offerings, including the “Aroma of Vietnam Cooking Class,” in which guests learn how to prepare Vietnamese culinary favorites, and “Exploring Hue Cuisine,” a dining experience that spotlights famous central Vietnam dishes.

The resort’s new elegant 55-foot (17-meter) cruise boat also offers a “Private Dinner Cruise” on the Perfume River serving fine Vietnamese and Western cuisine as the boat moves past picturesque natural scenery and historic local landmarks.

At Azerai Can Tho, “Romance Under the Banyan Tree” features a lantern-lit, five-course meal for two. The “Breakfast Cruise to Cai Rang Floating Market” includes a choice of Vietnamese or Western breakfast, followed by a visit to the bustling Mekong Delta floating market, and concludes with an on-shore excursion to a traditional noodle-making factory.

Other culinary options at Azerai Can Tho include “Hidden Dinner by a Villa Pool,” “Secret Romantic Dinner by the River,” and “Picnic by the River.”

Experience the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market at Azerai Can Tho

And at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, a different kind of culinary experience awaits: The “Monastery and Iconic Fruit of Binh Thuan” includes stops at an exotic dragon fruit farm, the culturally rich Ta Cu Mountain, and local salt fields. The culinary team at Azerai Ke Ga Bay is renowned for crafting an array of local delicacies with a focus on plentiful offerings from the sea.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay has also launched a special golf package with PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet, whose two new championship-level golf courses were designed by legendary Australian golfer Greg Norman. “Tee Off Time” includes a two-night stay in a Deluxe Suite with a garden view at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, daily breakfast for two, and 18 holes of golf for two adults (including green fee, caddy fee, shared buggy and roundtrip transfers to and from the golf course).

Play a round of golf at the Greg Norman-designed PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet at Azerai Ke Ga Bay

Other experiences at Azerai Ke Ga Bay include a guided tour of the nearby historic, 1899-built colonial French lighthouse, a fishing trip in the sea, and an excursion to local sand dunes.

Vietnam has announced the end of all pandemic-related travel restrictions. Travelers are no longer required to submit proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival. The latest conditions for entry into Vietnam should be confirmed with the nearest Vietnamese consulate and/or through a booking agent to ensure compatibility.

More information on applying for an e-visa can be found at ​​https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/. Citizens of 13 countries qualify for visa exemptions and can visit for up to 15 days regardless of passport type and entry purpose. For the full experiences menu at Azerai, please visit www.azerai.com/experiences.

 

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]]> New Year’s Eve celebrations at hotels across Asia https://asianitinerary.com/new-years-eve-celebrations-at-hotels-across-asia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-years-eve-celebrations-at-hotels-across-asia Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:33:33 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=35693

Banyan Tree Samui On New Year’s Eve, all guests and staff will gather for the hotel’s time-honoured “Light Up the Night” event, a gala dinner followed by a Countdown Party by the beach (16,500 THB nett per guest), which will feature performances, live music, a fire show, a lucky draw and fireworks at midnight – an evening not to be missed. Those fortunate enough to be staying at this award-winning resort for both Xmas and New Year will undoubtedly want to book the Festive Package, a culinary journey of delicious dishes with both Western and Thai menus. The Festive Package (19,900 THB each) includes Christmas Dinner, the New Year’s Gala, and an additional Destination Dining experience of the guest’s choice. Banyan Tree Krabi Welcome 2022 in style at Banyan Tree Krabi with an evening of live entertainment, cocktails, a sumptuous buffet dinner, and fireworks. Step back into the 1980s with a Retro New Years Eve Gala Dinner, which will feature a glamorous buffet dinner (THB 15,000 per person). And at midnight, toast in the New Year with dancing under the palm trees and a spectacular fireworks display on the hotel’s exclusive beach, capping off an unforgettable night. Meliá Koh Samui On the final evening of 2021, Meliá Koh Samui will host a gala dinner buffet under the stars before ringing in 2022 with live music, a DJ spinning tunes and a riot of colour as fireworks light up the skies. The buffet, to be held on Choeng Mon Beach, on the resort’s sun deck and around its two-level infinity pool from 7.30pm – 10.30pm, will be complemented by live entertainment and fire dancing.  The buffet’s selection of Mediterranean and local Thai cuisine will include a ‘Spanish Corner’ offering paella and tapas and ‘Charcoal Grill Station’ with tiger prawns, fish of the day in banana leaf, grilled rock lobster and grilled local squid.  In addition to the Raw Bar’s fresh seafood and an ‘Artisan Pasta Station‘, other highlights include a whole roast pig, Beher Jamón Ibérico “Pata Negra”, Australian lamb shoulder and baked salmon. After the gala dinner, priced from THB 2,990++ (USD 91++) per person and THB 1,495++ (USD 46++) per child, guests will descend on the beach for the countdown party. To contact Meliá Koh Samui or to make a reservation, please call +66 77 938 899 or email breeza.kohsamui@melia.com Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh’s premier venue is hosting a parade of events this New Year, with something to suit everyone’s personal taste. The hotel’s new restaurant, Le Phnom 1929, will be throwing a festive brasserie-style buffet featuring seafood towers, cheeses, charcuterie, foie gras and cold cuts on Dec 31 from 7pm till midnight. The resident DJ will offer a glass of Champagne for countdown in the Elephant Bar Garden (US$98++ per person including free-flow wines; plus $30 for unlimited GH Mumm Champagne Cordon Rouge). Meanwhile, next door at Restaurant Le Royal, a New Year’s Eve Champagne Gala Dinner will include a sensational five-course dinner with caviar, scallops, and premium cuts of beef (US$138++ per person, plus $58++ for Champagne pairing). And finally, a Cuban Party will be in full swing at the iconic Elephant Bar from 9pm till 2am, featuring BBQ and live stations in the garden. The Havana Nice Band will make sure Countdown is memorable (US$80++ including signature wines, beers and Cuban cocktail). You can also reserve a New Year’s Day Recovery Breakfast or Set Dinner for Jan 1. For inquiries and reservations T +855 23 981 888 | Email dining.leroyal@raffles.com Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi On New Year’s Eve, the Metropole Hanoi is offering two buffet seatings at Le Club (the first seating is at 6pm, the second at 8:45pm), along with a gala dinner at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu and a set dinner at angelina. Metropole Hanoi offers two memorable venues for the midnight countdown: angelina and Bamboo Bar near the courtyard swimming pool will both welcome revellers from 11pm onward (table reservations required). On the first day of 2022, Metropole will host a New Year brunch at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu, a special New Year Tour du Monde buffet dinner at Le Club, and New Year set dinners at both angelina and the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu. The hotel will also offer an extravagant Sunday brunch at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu on Jan. 2. For all meals, vegetarian and children’s menus are available upon request. While Le Beaulieu (high-end French restaurant) is under renovation, the Le Beaulieu menus will be served in the Spices Garden venue overlooking the gardens with unique Festive Wonderland décor. For more information, contact the hotel’s Festive reservation desk at +84 24 3826 6919 ext. 8215 or h1555-fb6@sofitel.com. Azerai Resorts The holiday celebrations at Azerai Resorts’ three properties in Vietnam—Azerai La Residence, Hue in the former imperial capital, Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, and Azerai Ke Ga Bay on the beautiful southeastern coastline—roll on through New Year’s, with memorable dinners on Dec. 31 created specially for the occasion by the resorts’ award-winning chefs. As midnight draws near, guests can enjoy party music along with a glass of sparkling wine to raise in toast as the world ushers in 2022. A special dinner at Azerai La Residence, Hue will be held in Le Parfum restaurant (VND 490,000 per person) and a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise with cocktails and canapes will be hosted aboard the hotel’s stylish boat on the Perfume River (VND 500,000 per person). Azerai Ke Ga Bay’s New Year’s Eve Dinner will include a Western set menu, live music and more (VND 2.5 million per person). Azerai Can Tho will kick off celebrations at the Lounge Bar before moving to a memorable dinner at The Café (VND 2.5 million per person). The New Year is sure to get off to an auspicious start with traditional dragon dances, special brunches and more. For complete details on festive season plans at Azerai Resorts, please visit https://azerai.com/offers.    

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Banyan Tree Samui

On New Year’s Eve, all guests and staff will gather for the hotel’s time-honoured “Light Up the Night” event, a gala dinner followed by a Countdown Party by the beach (16,500 THB nett per guest), which will feature performances, live music, a fire show, a lucky draw and fireworks at midnight – an evening not to be missed. Those fortunate enough to be staying at this award-winning resort for both Xmas and New Year will undoubtedly want to book the Festive Package, a culinary journey of delicious dishes with both Western and Thai menus. The Festive Package (19,900 THB each) includes Christmas Dinner, the New Year’s Gala, and an additional Destination Dining experience of the guest’s choice.

Banyan Tree Krabi

Welcome 2022 in style at Banyan Tree Krabi with an evening of live entertainment, cocktails, a sumptuous buffet dinner, and fireworks. Step back into the 1980s with a Retro New Years Eve Gala Dinner, which will feature a glamorous buffet dinner (THB 15,000 per person). And at midnight, toast in the New Year with dancing under the palm trees and a spectacular fireworks display on the hotel’s exclusive beach, capping off an unforgettable night.

Meliá Koh Samui

On the final evening of 2021, Meliá Koh Samui will host a gala dinner buffet under the stars before ringing in 2022 with live music, a DJ spinning tunes and a riot of colour as fireworks light up the skies. The buffet, to be held on Choeng Mon Beach, on the resort’s sun deck and around its two-level infinity pool from 7.30pm – 10.30pm, will be complemented by live entertainment and fire dancing.  The buffet’s selection of Mediterranean and local Thai cuisine will include a ‘Spanish Corner’ offering paella and tapas and ‘Charcoal Grill Station’ with tiger prawns, fish of the day in banana leaf, grilled rock lobster and grilled local squid.  In addition to the Raw Bar’s fresh seafood and an ‘Artisan Pasta Station‘, other highlights include a whole roast pig, Beher Jamón Ibérico “Pata Negra”, Australian lamb shoulder and baked salmon. After the gala dinner, priced from THB 2,990++ (USD 91++) per person and THB 1,495++ (USD 46++) per child, guests will descend on the beach for the countdown party. To contact Meliá Koh Samui or to make a reservation, please call +66 77 938 899 or email breeza.kohsamui@melia.com

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Phnom Penh’s premier venue is hosting a parade of events this New Year, with something to suit everyone’s personal taste. The hotel’s new restaurant, Le Phnom 1929, will be throwing a festive brasserie-style buffet featuring seafood towers, cheeses, charcuterie, foie gras and cold cuts on Dec 31 from 7pm till midnight. The resident DJ will offer a glass of Champagne for countdown in the Elephant Bar Garden (US$98++ per person including free-flow wines; plus $30 for unlimited GH Mumm Champagne Cordon Rouge). Meanwhile, next door at Restaurant Le Royal, a New Year’s Eve Champagne Gala Dinner will include a sensational five-course dinner with caviar, scallops, and premium cuts of beef (US$138++ per person, plus $58++ for Champagne pairing). And finally, a Cuban Party will be in full swing at the iconic Elephant Bar from 9pm till 2am, featuring BBQ and live stations in the garden. The Havana Nice Band will make sure Countdown is memorable (US$80++ including signature wines, beers and Cuban cocktail). You can also reserve a New Year’s Day Recovery Breakfast or Set Dinner for Jan 1. For inquiries and reservations T +855 23 981 888 | Email dining.leroyal@raffles.com

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

On New Year’s Eve, the Metropole Hanoi is offering two buffet seatings at Le Club (the first seating is at 6pm, the second at 8:45pm), along with a gala dinner at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu and a set dinner at angelina. Metropole Hanoi offers two memorable venues for the midnight countdown: angelina and Bamboo Bar near the courtyard swimming pool will both welcome revellers from 11pm onward (table reservations required). On the first day of 2022, Metropole will host a New Year brunch at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu, a special New Year Tour du Monde buffet dinner at Le Club, and New Year set dinners at both angelina and the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu. The hotel will also offer an extravagant Sunday brunch at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu on Jan. 2. For all meals, vegetarian and children’s menus are available upon request. While Le Beaulieu (high-end French restaurant) is under renovation, the Le Beaulieu menus will be served in the Spices Garden venue overlooking the gardens with unique Festive Wonderland décor. For more information, contact the hotel’s Festive reservation desk at +84 24 3826 6919 ext. 8215 or h1555-fb6@sofitel.com.

Azerai Resorts

The holiday celebrations at Azerai Resorts’ three properties in Vietnam—Azerai La Residence, Hue in the former imperial capital, Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, and Azerai Ke Ga Bay on the beautiful southeastern coastline—roll on through New Year’s, with memorable dinners on Dec. 31 created specially for the occasion by the resorts’ award-winning chefs. As midnight draws near, guests can enjoy party music along with a glass of sparkling wine to raise in toast as the world ushers in 2022. A special dinner at Azerai La Residence, Hue will be held in Le Parfum restaurant (VND 490,000 per person) and a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise with cocktails and canapes will be hosted aboard the hotel’s stylish boat on the Perfume River (VND 500,000 per person). Azerai Ke Ga Bay’s New Year’s Eve Dinner will include a Western set menu, live music and more (VND 2.5 million per person). Azerai Can Tho will kick off celebrations at the Lounge Bar before moving to a memorable dinner at The Café (VND 2.5 million per person). The New Year is sure to get off to an auspicious start with traditional dragon dances, special brunches and more. For complete details on festive season plans at Azerai Resorts, please visit https://azerai.com/offers.

 

 

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]]> Christmas celebrations across Asia https://asianitinerary.com/christmas-celebrations-across-asia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=christmas-celebrations-across-asia Sun, 05 Dec 2021 19:09:39 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=35283

  Banyan Tree Samui   Nestled into a lush hillside with views overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui kicks off the Christmas season with the reopening of its signature Saffron Restaurant on Dec.15, followed by a fortnight of festive treats, including a Chef’s Table evening each Monday (Dec 20 & Dec 27: 4-course set dinner 2,890 THB nett per head including wine). An elegant Christmas Dinner (2,900 THB nett per person) is served from Dec 24 – 26, and on New Year’s Eve, all guests and staff will gather for the hotel’s time-honoured “Light Up the Night” event, a gala dinner followed by a Countdown Party by the beach (16,500 THB nett per guest), which will feature performances, live music, a fire show, a lucky draw and fireworks at midnight – an evening not to be missed. Those fortunate enough to be staying at this award-winning resort for both Xmas and New Year will undoubtedly want to book the Festive Package, a culinary journey of delicious dishes with both Western and Thai menus. The Festive Package (19,900 THB each) includes Christmas Dinner, the New Year’s Gala, and an additional Destination Dining experience of the guest’s choice.   Hyatt Regency Koh Samui There are multiple reasons to rejoice this festive period at Hyatt Regency Koh Samui as the acclaimed new property unveils a packed schedule of seasonal events. The property incorporates around 80 native Yang Na trees (Dipterocarpus alatus) that were once used by sailors and fishermen as navigational landmarks. One of these will be the site for a tree lighting ceremony where a live saxophonist will provide the soundtrack for cocktails and canapes. Enjoying great food and drink is one of the cornerstones of the festive season. And gastronomes will find plenty to savour on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  A Christmas Eve dinner at SESUN, the resort’s buzzing beachfront grill, features a sumptuous BBQ buffet as well as a live band and a fire show. The action shifts to the resort’s main restaurant, Yangna Cuisine, on Christmas Day, which will host a multi-cuisine banquet encompassing traditional festive favourites, Japanese cuisine, fresh seafood and risotto in a cheese wheel. For New Year’s Eve, Yangna Cuisine hosts a barbecue gala dinner with a live band and magician shows. The culmination of the festive program, meanwhile, takes place back at SESUN where DJs, live performers and a fireworks display will see out 2021 and usher in 2022 at a lavish countdown party. To make a reservation or for more information contact +66 77 448 777, email fb.usmrk@hyatt.com or visit hyattregencykohsamui.com   Meliá Koh Samui With the season to be jolly approaching, beachfront resort Meliá Koh Samui will host an array of festivities including a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, exquisite dining experiences, a visit from Santa Claus, fireworks and more. After kicking off the festive program with the tree lighting ceremony amid a choir performance on Dec. 17, the resort overlooking Choeng Mon beach will stage a four-course Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day buffet brunch. On Dec. 24 award-winning executive chef Azizskandar Awang will serve a Western-themed four-course dinner with optional paired wines at the Power Lounge priced at THB 1,600++ per person and THB 3,000++ per person with paired wines. The resort’s delectable buffet brunch on Dec. 25, priced from THB 2,400++ per person and is THB 1,200++ per child aged 5 to 12, will brim with all sorts of indulgent options at a series of stations to a backdrop of live entertainment. The ‘Raw Bar’ will offer poached rock lobsters, imported French ‘Fine de Claire’ oysters, Koh Samui blue swimmer crabs and poached tiger prawns and the ‘Carving Station’ will feature honey-glazed Christmas ham, whole roast turkey, Australian grass-fed beef rib eye steak, Italian pork porchetta and Australian leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary. https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/koh-samui/melia-koh-samui/index.htm Azerai Resorts Celebrate Christmas in style at any of Azerai Resorts’ three distinctive properties in Vietnam: Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, Azerai Ke Ga Bay on the white-sand beaches of the southeastern coast, or Azerai La Residence, Hue in the former imperial capital. Festivities include special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals—with a visit from Santa Claus—as well as exclusive activities for the family, such as live music, cultural performances, holiday afternoon tea experiences, local blessing ceremonies and much more. Christmas Eve dinner kicks off with a cocktail reception and canapes served at the sunken lounge poolside at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, in the garden at Azerai La Residence, Hue, and at The Lounge Bar at Azerai Can Tho. The Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at Azerai La Residence, Hue is priced at VND 1.5 million; at Azerai Can Tho (VND 1.7 million); and at Azerai Ke Ga Bay (VND 1.2 million). Christmas Day options include a special BBQ buffet at Azerai Ke Ga Bay (VND 1.7 million), a market-style dinner at Azerai Can Tho (VND 900,000, with dishes including baked scallops with peanut and chili, grilled marinated fish wrapped in banana leaves, and more), and a Christmas buffet brunch at Azerai La Residence, Hue (VND 250,000). For complete details on festive season plans at all three Azerai Resorts, please visit https://azerai.com/offers. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi This Christmas season, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi celebrates “Once Upon a Time” as it transforms into a winter wonderland decorated with classic-style nutcrackers, bringing the holiday to life with renowned French sophistication and joie de vivre. Throughout the season, the Metropole will host exclusive dining events at its award-winning restaurants Le Club (home to the hotel’s famed Afternoon Tea and evening jazz) and angelina (cocktail bar, whisky lounge and rustic New World cuisine), many of which include optional wine and Champagne pairings. While Le Beaulieu (high-end French restaurant) is under renovation, the Le Beaulieu menus will be served in the Spices Garden venue overlooking the gardens with unique Festive Wonderland décor. The festivities kick off Christmas Eve with two signature buffet dinner seatings at Le Club, along with set menus of French gourmet cuisine at the Festive Wonderland by...

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Banyan Tree Samui

Banyan Tree Samui

 

Nestled into a lush hillside with views overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui kicks off the Christmas season with the reopening of its signature Saffron Restaurant on Dec.15, followed by a fortnight of festive treats, including a Chef’s Table evening each Monday (Dec 20 & Dec 27: 4-course set dinner 2,890 THB nett per head including wine). An elegant Christmas Dinner (2,900 THB nett per person) is served from Dec 24 – 26, and on New Year’s Eve, all guests and staff will gather for the hotel’s time-honoured “Light Up the Night” event, a gala dinner followed by a Countdown Party by the beach (16,500 THB nett per guest), which will feature performances, live music, a fire show, a lucky draw and fireworks at midnight – an evening not to be missed. Those fortunate enough to be staying at this award-winning resort for both Xmas and New Year will undoubtedly want to book the Festive Package, a culinary journey of delicious dishes with both Western and Thai menus. The Festive Package (19,900 THB each) includes Christmas Dinner, the New Year’s Gala, and an additional Destination Dining experience of the guest’s choice.

 

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui

There are multiple reasons to rejoice this festive period at Hyatt Regency Koh Samui as the acclaimed new property unveils a packed schedule of seasonal events. The property incorporates around 80 native Yang Na trees (Dipterocarpus alatus) that were once used by sailors and fishermen as navigational landmarks. One of these will be the site for a tree lighting ceremony where a live saxophonist will provide the soundtrack for cocktails and canapes. Enjoying great food and drink is one of the cornerstones of the festive season. And gastronomes will find plenty to savour on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  A Christmas Eve dinner at SESUN, the resort’s buzzing beachfront grill, features a sumptuous BBQ buffet as well as a live band and a fire show. The action shifts to the resort’s main restaurant, Yangna Cuisine, on Christmas Day, which will host a multi-cuisine banquet encompassing traditional festive favourites, Japanese cuisine, fresh seafood and risotto in a cheese wheel. For New Year’s Eve, Yangna Cuisine hosts a barbecue gala dinner with a live band and magician shows. The culmination of the festive program, meanwhile, takes place back at SESUN where DJs, live performers and a fireworks display will see out 2021 and usher in 2022 at a lavish countdown party.

To make a reservation or for more information contact +66 77 448 777, email fb.usmrk@hyatt.com or visit hyattregencykohsamui.com

 

Meliá Koh Samui

Meliá Koh Samui

With the season to be jolly approaching, beachfront resort Meliá Koh Samui will host an array of festivities including a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, exquisite dining experiences, a visit from Santa Claus, fireworks and more. After kicking off the festive program with the tree lighting ceremony amid a choir performance on Dec. 17, the resort overlooking Choeng Mon beach will stage a four-course Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day buffet brunch. On Dec. 24 award-winning executive chef Azizskandar Awang will serve a Western-themed four-course dinner with optional paired wines at the Power Lounge priced at THB 1,600++ per person and THB 3,000++ per person with paired wines. The resort’s delectable buffet brunch on Dec. 25, priced from THB 2,400++ per person and is THB 1,200++ per child aged 5 to 12, will brim with all sorts of indulgent options at a series of stations to a backdrop of live entertainment. The ‘Raw Bar’ will offer poached rock lobsters, imported French ‘Fine de Claire’ oysters, Koh Samui blue swimmer crabs and poached tiger prawns and the ‘Carving Station’ will feature honey-glazed Christmas ham, whole roast turkey, Australian grass-fed beef rib eye steak, Italian pork porchetta and Australian leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary.

https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/koh-samui/melia-koh-samui/index.htm

Poolside at Azerai Ke Ga Bay

Azerai Resorts

Celebrate Christmas in style at any of Azerai Resorts’ three distinctive properties in Vietnam: Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, Azerai Ke Ga Bay on the white-sand beaches of the southeastern coast, or Azerai La Residence, Hue in the former imperial capital. Festivities include special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals—with a visit from Santa Claus—as well as exclusive activities for the family, such as live music, cultural performances, holiday afternoon tea experiences, local blessing ceremonies and much more. Christmas Eve dinner kicks off with a cocktail reception and canapes served at the sunken lounge poolside at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, in the garden at Azerai La Residence, Hue, and at The Lounge Bar at Azerai Can Tho. The Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at Azerai La Residence, Hue is priced at VND 1.5 million; at Azerai Can Tho (VND 1.7 million); and at Azerai Ke Ga Bay (VND 1.2 million). Christmas Day options include a special BBQ buffet at Azerai Ke Ga Bay (VND 1.7 million), a market-style dinner at Azerai Can Tho (VND 900,000, with dishes including baked scallops with peanut and chili, grilled marinated fish wrapped in banana leaves, and more), and a Christmas buffet brunch at Azerai La Residence, Hue (VND 250,000). For complete details on festive season plans at all three Azerai Resorts, please visit https://azerai.com/offers.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

This Christmas season, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi celebrates “Once Upon a Time” as it transforms into a winter wonderland decorated with classic-style nutcrackers, bringing the holiday to life with renowned French sophistication and joie de vivre. Throughout the season, the Metropole will host exclusive dining events at its award-winning restaurants Le Club (home to the hotel’s famed Afternoon Tea and evening jazz) and angelina (cocktail bar, whisky lounge and rustic New World cuisine), many of which include optional wine and Champagne pairings. While Le Beaulieu (high-end French restaurant) is under renovation, the Le Beaulieu menus will be served in the Spices Garden venue overlooking the gardens with unique Festive Wonderland décor. The festivities kick off Christmas Eve with two signature buffet dinner seatings at Le Club, along with set menus of French gourmet cuisine at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu and European and New World cuisine at angelina. Christmas Day features an extravagant buffet lunch at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu, multi-course set dinners at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu and at angelina, and a buffet dinner at Le Club. Marking the holiday spirit in its 121st year, Vietnam’s most storied hotel has a towering Christmas tree strewn with red and white ornaments at Le Balcon in the Metropole Garden. For more information, contact the hotel’s Festive reservation desk at +84 24 3826 6919 ext. 8215 or h1555-fb6@sofitel.com.

Raffles Le Royal, Phnom Penh

Raffles Le Royal, Phnom Penh

Come celebrate a carvery for Christmas in Cambodia. Phnom Penh’s most iconic and historic venue, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, will be hosting two magnificent feasts, starting on Christmas Eve with a special five-course set dinner, which includes smoke-house fish, prime imported meats, and the hotel’s signature cheese trolley, all prepared tableside by immaculate knife-wielding butlers. (US$78 per person, plus $38 with wine pairing). Then, on Dec. 25, as you enter the grand lobby of this recently restored 1920s’ hotel, you’ll be met with a Christmas fir tree, accompanied by gingerbread houses, ballerina performances and much more. Restaurant Le Royal will host a Christmas Day Brunch from 12pm to 3pm — a lavish spread of artisan cheese, charcuteries, foie gras, terrines, and a French oyster and seafood bar. The brunch will also include a live carvery counter with mouthwatering wagyu beef, turkey and ham, and lamb roast. (US$125 per person, plus $30 for unlimited GH Mumm Champagne Cordon Rouge). You’ll also discover a colorful Christmas Market taking place on the grounds of the hotel, making this a special festive season to remember.

For inquiries and reservations call +855 23 981 888  or email dining.leroyal@raffles.com

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]]> Best Places to Visit in Vietnam https://asianitinerary.com/best-places-to-visit-in-vietnam/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-places-to-visit-in-vietnam Sat, 07 Aug 2021 09:19:46 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=34763

Also known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, this country in southeastern Asia has five municipalities and 59 provinces with a population of more than 96 million residents. According to archaeological evidence, the area was first inhabited by humans in the Palaeolithic age, or the Stone Age, over 3 million years ago. Vietnam is a great place to visit some of the local attractions. The Imperial City of Hue, Ba Be National Park and My Son are popular attractions. Some of the best attractions in Vietnam are in Hanoi, which is the capital. So, why not drop off your luggage at a nearby Hanoi luggage storage site and go explore? Imperial City of Hue The walled city of Hue is an enclosure in the citadel of Hue, which was once the capital of Vietnam. In 1789, Nguyen Anh proclaimed himself Emperor Gia Long and had a walled city built for him beginning in 1804. Another set of walls and moat was built outside the original for palaces, pavilions, and gardens. The moat is still filled with water from the Perfume River, and you can still see the Purple Forbidden City. There are many other attractions in Hue to visit while you are in Vietnam including the Buddhist temples, the Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts, and the Tomb of Khai Dinh, who was the 12th Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Ba Be National Park With more than 56,000 acres of green space, Ba Be National Park was founded to protect the lake as well as the limestone and forests. The lake is a large natural freshwater lake with an average maximum depth of about 75 feet. The name means Three Lakes because there are three sections of the lake. The Pe Leng, Pe Lu and Pe Lam are all connected but the ancient locals considered them three separate lakes. Inside the park, you can see a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the wildlife includes the rhesus macaque, the Asian black bear, and the Asian golden cat. Be sure to bring your camera to this beautiful spot. Na Trang For some beach fun, head to Na Trang where you can find almost four miles of waterfront space. Many of the locals as well as the tourists spend much of their time scuba diving, snorkelling, and surfing. Other exciting water sports at Na Trang include sailing, rafting, and of course, swimming. But you should also see other natural beauties like the Ba Ho Waterfalls, Thap Ba Hot Springs, and the Chong Rock. Don’t miss the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam and Alexandre Yersin Museum while you are there. And visit the Long Son Pagoda where you can see an 80-foot-tall white Buddha. Hanoi Also known as the Paris of the East, Hanoi is the most visited city in Vietnam, the capital of Vietnam, and the site of the most popular tourist attractions. Visit the Temple of Literature from 1070 AD, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where President Ho Chi Minh has rested since his death in 1969. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is another fantastic sight to see. And if you want to learn more about the culture, the city boasts nine museums featuring everything from art to Vietnamese history. Hanoi Old Quarter is another famous spot, which has 36 streets of crafts and historical architecture. My Son In the middle of the mountains of jungle, My Son is a temple city from the Cham era dating back to the fourth century. These abandoned and partly ruined temples built by the Kings of Champa are still a fantastic sight to see. The temples are to worship the God of Bhadreshwara, or Shiva. About 20 temples are still standing and you can get some fantastic selfies to share on your social media pages. In fact, all the buildings left at My Son are religious buildings like the Kosagra firehouse, Gopura gate tower, Kalan sanctuaries, and the Mandapa hallways. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. Hoi An The ancient town of Hoi An is full of beautiful architecture from the 1400s to the 1800s. Located near the mouth of Thu Bon River, the city was a small trading port that was very active back in the 1400s and still has many of the original buildings and monuments, both commercial and domestic. One of the most visited and photographed places in Hoi An is the covered Japanese bridge from the 1500s. This little city is also a fantastic spot to get some souvenirs with all the local vendors peddling their wares. They also have four museums like the Folklore Museum and the Museum of Trade Ceramics. Mui Ne With more than 100 resorts and shops, Mui Ne is a tourist town that attracts thousands of people every year. Like Nha Trang, this city has a lot of beachfront space popular with the locals and travellers alike. The small streets are lined with coconut palms and the whole place looks like a postcard. The sand dunes are popular in Mui Ne as well. The White Sand Dunes are famous for the dune buggies and ostriches. Yes, they have ostriches you can ride there. Kitesurfing is also another popular sport. And you can take a hot air balloon flight to see the sights from hundreds of feet in the air. While you are in Vietnam, make sure you try some of the local eats. One of the most common street foods is Pho, which is rice noodles and broth. Or try the Cao Lau pork noodle dish in Hoi An. Goi Cuon spring rolls are also very popular. But don’t miss the banh mi sandwich that is famous worldwide.

The post Best Places to Visit in Vietnam appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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Also known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, this country in southeastern Asia has five municipalities and 59 provinces with a population of more than 96 million residents. According to archaeological evidence, the area was first inhabited by humans in the Palaeolithic age, or the Stone Age, over 3 million years ago.

Vietnam is a great place to visit some of the local attractions. The Imperial City of Hue, Ba Be National Park and My Son are popular attractions. Some of the best attractions in Vietnam are in Hanoi, which is the capital. So, why not drop off your luggage at a nearby Hanoi luggage storage site and go explore?

The impressive Ha Long Bay

Imperial City of Hue

The walled city of Hue is an enclosure in the citadel of Hue, which was once the capital of Vietnam. In 1789, Nguyen Anh proclaimed himself Emperor Gia Long and had a walled city built for him beginning in 1804. Another set of walls and moat was built outside the original for palaces, pavilions, and gardens.

The moat is still filled with water from the Perfume River, and you can still see the Purple Forbidden City. There are many other attractions in Hue to visit while you are in Vietnam including the Buddhist temples, the Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts, and the Tomb of Khai Dinh, who was the 12th Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Ba Be National Park

With more than 56,000 acres of green space, Ba Be National Park was founded to protect the lake as well as the limestone and forests. The lake is a large natural freshwater lake with an average maximum depth of about 75 feet. The name means Three Lakes because there are three sections of the lake.

The Pe Leng, Pe Lu and Pe Lam are all connected but the ancient locals considered them three separate lakes. Inside the park, you can see a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the wildlife includes the rhesus macaque, the Asian black bear, and the Asian golden cat. Be sure to bring your camera to this beautiful spot.

Na Trang

For some beach fun, head to Na Trang where you can find almost four miles of waterfront space. Many of the locals as well as the tourists spend much of their time scuba diving, snorkelling, and surfing. Other exciting water sports at Na Trang include sailing, rafting, and of course, swimming.

But you should also see other natural beauties like the Ba Ho Waterfalls, Thap Ba Hot Springs, and the Chong Rock. Don’t miss the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam and Alexandre Yersin Museum while you are there. And visit the Long Son Pagoda where you can see an 80-foot-tall white Buddha.

Hanoi

Hanoi’s Train Street has become a tourist attraction

Also known as the Paris of the East, Hanoi is the most visited city in Vietnam, the capital of Vietnam, and the site of the most popular tourist attractions. Visit the Temple of Literature from 1070 AD, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where President Ho Chi Minh has rested since his death in 1969.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is another fantastic sight to see. And if you want to learn more about the culture, the city boasts nine museums featuring everything from art to Vietnamese history. Hanoi Old Quarter is another famous spot, which has 36 streets of crafts and historical architecture.

My Son

In the middle of the mountains of jungle, My Son is a temple city from the Cham era dating back to the fourth century. These abandoned and partly ruined temples built by the Kings of Champa are still a fantastic sight to see. The temples are to worship the God of Bhadreshwara, or Shiva. About 20 temples are still standing and you can get some fantastic selfies to share on your social media pages. In fact, all the buildings left at My Son are religious buildings like the Kosagra firehouse, Gopura gate tower, Kalan sanctuaries, and the Mandapa hallways. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world.

Hoi An

The ancient town of Hoi An is full of beautiful architecture from the 1400s to the 1800s. Located near the mouth of Thu Bon River, the city was a small trading port that was very active back in the 1400s and still has many of the original buildings and monuments, both commercial and domestic.

One of the most visited and photographed places in Hoi An is the covered Japanese bridge from the 1500s. This little city is also a fantastic spot to get some souvenirs with all the local vendors peddling their wares. They also have four museums like the Folklore Museum and the Museum of Trade Ceramics.

Mui Ne

With more than 100 resorts and shops, Mui Ne is a tourist town that attracts thousands of people every year. Like Nha Trang, this city has a lot of beachfront space popular with the locals and travellers alike. The small streets are lined with coconut palms and the whole place looks like a postcard.

The sand dunes are popular in Mui Ne as well. The White Sand Dunes are famous for the dune buggies and ostriches. Yes, they have ostriches you can ride there. Kitesurfing is also another popular sport. And you can take a hot air balloon flight to see the sights from hundreds of feet in the air.

While you are in Vietnam, make sure you try some of the local eats. One of the most common street foods is Pho, which is rice noodles and broth. Or try the Cao Lau pork noodle dish in Hoi An. Goi Cuon spring rolls are also very popular. But don’t miss the banh mi sandwich that is famous worldwide.

The post Best Places to Visit in Vietnam appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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