Phu Quoc might be hailed as the next Phuket, but those looking to get far off the grid head to this undiscovered archipelago just 110 miles off Vietnam’s southeastern coast. A 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City brings you to Con Son, the largest (and only inhabited) member of the 16-island chain. There, sheer granite cliffs border deserted beaches and crystal-blue water—imagine a tropical Amalfi Coast without the crowds. Up until now, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a decent place to stay, but the arrival of the Six Senses Con Dao villas from $685 has brought a welcome dose of luxury to the island. Standing along a stretch of golden sand are 50 airy villas (some with private pools) that look out onto the South China Sea. Food is a highlight there. In classic Six Senses style, the hotel’s Vietnamese restaurant is set up to resemble a market. There are separate stalls “hawking” noodles and rolls, while made-to-order dishes are cooked outside in charcoal-fueled woks. You may be tempted to never leave the resort, but the 20-square-mile island is well worth exploring. Hire a private guide from the hotel, who will bring you via motorbike to the area’s most remote spots, including a 19th-century hilltop lighthouse and the spectacular Dam Tre Bay lagoon. Take a boat trip to Bay Canh Island to view endangered hawksbill turtles during nesting season (May through September), arranged by the hotel.

The first expedition in 2009, cavers explored two and a half miles of the cave until they ran into a segment inside that can fit a half-mile block of 40-story-building. A year later, they returned with more cavers and a crew of porters. A mile into the cave, it is large blue hole enough for a 747 airplane to fly through. The cave’ topographic is unique, because the inside can be found not only the usual karst formations and tunnels, but entire areas of trees, plants and animals.

The biggest chamber of Son Doong is over five kilometers in length, 200 meters high and 150 meters wide. It’s amazing that there are still places like this still out there waiting to be explored. The discovery has again unfolded that nature is the biggest mystery that lies in the path.

Hanoi Museum in Vietnam was designed by the Hamburg studio GMP Architecten.It is located in an artificial park area in the middle of water basins, monuments and an old historical village in Hanoi.

The structure if the building appears like afloating volume above the imposed landscape.

Interior and exterior exhibition areas gently envelope the visitors.

Nha Trang is Vietnam’s most famous seaside town. The whole area is dotted by cosy restaurants, great bars, beautiful diving and crystal clear water. There are boat trips out to the islands for divers and non-divers alike, snorkelling and fishing trips and if its a little chilly you can go and bathe in the hot springs. In Nha Trang there are also traces of human settlement dated back to the Cham Empire. 

However, the beach is main draw there. During your hike, sunbath or whatever on the beach, you will likely spot many women vendors walking selling fruit and hot, steamed seafood. Make sure that you visit in the right season, though. The beach can be disappointing when the weather is grey and the waves choppy.

Nowadays there is an explosion of watersports with catamarans, jet skis and paragliding available for hire on the beach, as well as kayaks, windsurfers and bodyboards. Boat cruises for instance rate US$6, with snorkeling, fishing, and many other activities among the possibilities. Tours may provide lunch with drinks on board. It’s a great place to hire a bike and cruise up and down the boulevard that lines the seafront on a bright breezy day – its very popular with the students in the evenings too!

Close off-shore from Nha Trang sit a series of islands that offer decent diving and snorkeling, easily accessible by day trip. The city has about two dozen dive shops, making for fierce competition and great value. For certification training, Nha Trang offers perhaps the best value in the world, with PADI open water courses available with full equipment rental for as little as US$250. A two-dive boat trip with equipment rental and modest lunch can be had for as little as US$45, also a phenomenal value.

Getting there: By train – Nha Trang is a stop on the main railway-line connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC or Saigon). The railway station is close to the cathedral in the northern part of town. By air – Cam Ranh Airport is located 30km from the city and serves only domestic destinations. Taxi fare from the airport to downtown locations is a fixed rate of 290,000 VND.

Art is everywhere in this city of Hanoi — from the Hanoi Museum of Fine Arts, with three floors and more than 2,000 objects on display, including artifacts from the Stone and Bronze Ages, an array of Buddhist images (one from 1057) and early lacquer paintings, to the many Hanoi restaurants that incorporate contemporary Vietnamese art into their decor. When looking out at the museum, ramps seem to be floating over the landscape. Visitors to the museum reach could the upper levels via a spiral ramp.

To be more specific the museum is like an upside-down pyramid to look like a lotus at night. Within the square building, a central circular atrium links the entrance level with the three exhibition levels. The upwardly projecting stories cause in each of the layers below a shading, which is part of the energy efficiency concept. Since the interior spaces are protected from direct sunlight, also a conservative impact is created for the exhibits.

There is a tree garden decorating the front terrace. The museum itself is free to enter, which is a definite plus. There are four stories, each one larger than the next. There is a lot of pottery (vases, bowls, urns), as well as some interesting printing blocks, jewelery, two hallowed out canoes, photographs, a butterfly collection, and a whole host of rocks. The photographs of old Hanoi are interesting, but unless you’ve exhausted every other avenue of art and entertainment in Hanoi. Throughout 40 years, Vietnam Fine Arts Museum deserves the centre for fine arts and culture study, contributes to the preservation and promotion cause of the nation’s cultural heritage.

Tay Ninh is the holy tract of Caodaism, likely Vietnam‘s most peculiar indigenous religion. Its conceiver, Ngo Minh Chieu was a Nation subject servant and was also a mystical who was well-versed in west and southeastern religions. The Temple is shapely between 1933 and 1955, it combines architectural elements of a service, a pagoda in an exuberant rocco style.
 

 It is near the mart hamlet of Lengthened Than, and only 5 kilometers from Tay Nihn, the metropolis of the field of the corresponding lingo. The thinking is a congruous seeing of Asian and  European name, with domes and embellishments informatory the atmosphere of the institution. In the knotty, visitors can also respect additional buildings, specified as the Chanh Mon Gate, the quadruplet towers and many. 
  
 

Perhaps one reason it became so touristed was that it became interested in the Vietnamese nationalist laxation that sought to move the Land.
The ceremonies are held quartet nowadays a day; the most nonclassical for visitors is the noon  observance. When visiting Cao Dai Temple, satisfy tog modestly and respectfully and remove  your shoes before travel.

Situated in the center of Hanoi, Vietnam,Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is a magnificent place for many esteemed occasions and popular events.The hotel provides 364 rooms and apartments, brilliant French cuisine at Le Beaulieu, Vietnamese specialities at Spices Garden, and also traditional Italian Restaurant and Lounge. Seven function rooms, a swimming pool, fitness centre and a brand new Le Spa du Metropole are also available in the hotel.

Charming Vietnamese hospitality and European comfort.Invent all the facilities that the hotel has to offer and find exactly what you looking for.

The newly established Le Spa du Metropole’s treatments artfully blend Eastern holistic rituals with Western contemporary method. The three level spa features lavishly interior design and theme treatment suites making the experience unforgetable.

The Nam Hai is situated on a tremendous sandy beach in Dien Duong Village,Vietnam,just an hour and 15 minutes from Hanoi. Many historical places and UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found nearby:The Cham Islands,which is home to several fishing villages, PADI-certified diving spots, sailboats,the Ancient Town Hoi An – it was the ancient port known for its markets, historic places, art galleries, and museums.

There are great luxurious facilities available.Variety of pools – reflecting pool, upper pool, lap pool, and of course the main pool could give you remarkable relaxing experience.You can also taste the authentic Asian and traditional Vietnamese cucine in the traditionally designed dining room.

Private and luxurious with amazing design, the villas have  astonishing vistas of the sea.

Having a drink in the canopied outdoor bar overlooking the terraced pools and sea or enjoy the spa face and body pleasures: grateful massages with botanical ingredients.

Pilgrimage Village is situated in Minh Mang Road in Hue, Vietnam. The hotel is only 20 minutes drive from the airport and 10 minutes from the city centre.Hue is the old capital of the Nguyen Dynasty and nowadays there are historyc monuments and architectural artefacts which are great destinations for the visitors of the city.You could see The 19th century Citadel from the magnificent forbidden city,the Royal Tombs of the Emperors—tombs of Minh Mang and many others historical places.

The Vedana Spa Center provides a variety of body leisure procedures: massages, aromatherapy and superb hair treatments, steam and herbal baths, sauna, cool or warm Jacuzzi, and other calm pleasures.In the Handicraft houses you could see the local artisans at work is more interesting – guests can also join in. Featuring Vietnamese embroidery, ceramics, and wood carvings. Children are also very welcomed for classes so they can play and enjoy making  their traditional conical hats.

At Princess d’Annam Resort & Spa, you will be surrounded by  beauty and attention of the native charm and graciousness of its people. Situated on the secluded and ancient Ke Ga Bay, 150km away from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam the Princess d’Annam Resort & Spa is a fabulous luxurious resort where natural beauty, modern atmosphere and colonial ambience are tied together.

Designed by the architect Tan Hock Beng, the resort provides 57 exquisite villas, serene water swimming pools, trendy restaurants, and a splendid 1,800–square-meter spa area, Princess d’Annam Resort & Spa is an unique haven of leisure and comfort. An international management team along with well-trained Vietnamese staff provides individualized care.

The Binh Thuan province where the Princess is situated is full with natural grace,South China Sea vistas, stunning mountains, red canyons, sand dunes, as well as a rich ecosystem, the region offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as four-wheel exploration on dirt roads and spectacular mountain rides in vintage jeeps. For avid golfers, the par-72 18-hole nearby Ocean Dune golf course in Phan Thiet designed by Nick Faldo is one of Vietnam’s best.

This gorgeous resort is placed between Hue and Hoi an in Vietnam – two cities famous as world heritage sites. Vedana Lagoon and Spa is perfectly situated to provide its visitors with breathtaking views across an amazing southeast Asia lagoon.

The resort is situated on a calm and picturesque landscape area and offers 27 luxurious villas, bungalows and houseboats. Vedana Lagoon is fashionable and cozy – each villa and bungalow is in vogue interior concept welcoming with fresh and astonishing views. Private sundeck and balcony lead you onto infinite lagoon or a privy splendid garden.

An excuisite private zone in the pool honeymoon villa is the pearl of the resort – a quiet bedroom, privy plunge pool, palatial bathroom and picturesque outdoor shower.

]]> http://www.wayfaring.info/2011/01/30/vedana-lagoon-resort-spa/feed/ 0 http://www.wayfaring.info/2010/12/10/vietinbank-business-center/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vietinbank-business-center http://www.wayfaring.info/2010/12/10/vietinbank-business-center/#comments Fri, 10 Dec 2010 08:57:53 +0000 Asya http://www.wayfaring.info/?p=24943

Located in central Hanoi, VietinBank Business Center comprises of two towers that are connected by a seven story podium building. Designed by Foster + Partners this is first project that is located in Vietnam. It consists of Bank’s offices, apartments, hotel and contains leisure facilities such as luxury shops, cafes, restaurants and roof top gardens. The taller tower (68 storey tall) will host headquarters for one of  largest banking groups in Vietnam. The second tower(48 storey) will house a five-star hotel, spa and serviced apartments. With area of 300,000 sq m, the building was designed to be as green as possible and will mitigate the effects of the area’s high levels of humidity using a low-energy, desiccant wheel.

Originally known as Faifo, in the 16th and the 17th centuries, Hoi An was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia. Lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port. Over the last few years, Hoi An has become a very popular tourist destination in Vietnam.

 The town is now an excellent model of a living museum of architecture and urban lifestyle. Its architecture is of traditional Vietnamese design, with Chinese and Japanese influences. This old town is a unique ensemble of architectural monuments of various forms: living house, communal house, pagoda, shrine, temple, bridge, wharf, market…has been preserved rather intact. All the houses were made of rare wood, decorated with lacquered boards and panels engraved with Chinese characters. On the 4th, December 1999 the Old Town of Hoi An was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
 

Hoi An is full of shops selling artwork, from lifelike memorial family portraits, to stylized images of Hoi An houses and streets. Next door to the art shops are places selling souvenir statues, ceramic plates, and “antique” bowls. You can have anything from dresses and trousers to shirts and hats made for a cheap price. It’s pleasurable enough just to pedal around on a bicycle and stop by restaurants on Trai Phu Street for a cup of tea and Chinese-style pastries.

Thatcher’s sell locally-baked goods and coffee while making their own seasonal pastries on site, however they go a step further with an interior replete with sustainably-designed furnishings. The whole atmosphere is a sleek comfort that provides a sense of history for the goods consumed there. Through carefully-considered interior design elements, Thatcher’s offers the conscious consumer a new sense of the goods they choose to purchase and support.

Thatcher’s offers local ingredients, supports local business relationships, and is locally owned. Their commitment to supporting the local community sets Thatcher’s Coffee in gathering space for groups: book clubs, professionals, parents, children’s play area, venue to local artists, community events notice board, local schools and student artwork.

Location: Vancouver, Canada.

The Nam Hai Resort is a showcase of pure luxury, with one hundred stunning designer villas, set in perfect symmetry around manicured lawns and infinity pools that glide seamlessly into the unspoiled white sands of Ha My beach and the aqua-blue waters of the South China Sea, creating an air of peace and tranquility. Inside the opulent villas there is abundance of space and light: Split-level platforms contain king-size beds adorned with a mountain of soft cushions; bathrooms boast lengthy, eggshell-lacquered baths opening out onto private gardens of optional alfresco showering, daybeds and giant sofas are located on the porch for afternoon napping. The forty-pool villas have private temperature-controlled swimming pools and the added indulgence of a personal butler. Photo by: Sanctu

The five-star quality extends in two restaurants, which feature an appetizing fusion of traditional Vietnamese fare, international cuisine, and fresh seafood. Rejuvenation can be sought at the eight peaceful spa villas surrounding a lotus pond, where a variety of exquisite treatments will almost certainly bring about an enormous sense of well-being – if not, there is always the comfort of the bar to iron out any last remaining vestiges of stress. Should you begin to suffer from relaxation fatigue, the ancient port city of Hoi An is a mere fifteen-minute car ride away. An intoxicating mix of tailor’s shop, markets, riverside cafes, art galleries, and historic buildings. The city is a must-see if you wish to reach inside the real Vietnam. Photo by: ??? Yan

Location: Quang Nam, Vietnam. Photo by: sunday driver