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The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. Advertisement 6 Arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm Credit: Shutterstock 6 For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must - like this in Ho Chi Minh City Credit: Getty 6 Train Street in Hanoi offers a thrilling close-up as trains speed past tiny cafés just inches from your seat Credit: Shutterstock In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. Advertisement READ MORE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. Advertisement Most read in News Travel One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. Advertisement This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. Advertisement I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Advertisement Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Advertisement Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. Advertisement After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Advertisement Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 The harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers Credit: Supplied 6 James enjoys a boat trip to Ha Long Bay Credit: Supplied 6 Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods Credit: Getty Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. Advertisement If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. Why not kick back with a beer instead? It'll only cost you £1, after all. GO: VIETNAM GETTING THERE: Vietnam Airlines flies from Heathrow to Hanoi, daily, and to Ho Chi Minh City three times a week, with fares from £376 each way (£755 return). See TOUR WITH: G Adventures Classic Vietnam ten- day tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, via Ha Long Bay, Hue and Hoi An costs from £705pp when booking directly at or via
Bangkok Post
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Amazon tycoon Bezos, Sanchez to say 'I do' in Venice
VENICE - Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are expected to tie the knot Friday at a sumptuous, secluded ceremony attended by celebrity friends on an island in Venice's lagoon. The tech magnate, 61, and his fiancee, 55, kicked off a three-day wedding celebration Thursday with guests including Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey and Orlando Bloom. Venice, home to the oldest film festival in the world, is used to VIPs whizzing around in speed boats, and happily hosted the star-studded nuptials of Hollywood actor George Clooney in 2014. But Bezos -- one of the world's richest men and founder of a company regularly scrutinised for how it treats its workers -- is different. And the festivities have sparked protests from environmentalists and locals who accuse authorities of pandering to the super rich while the city drowns under tourists. Bezos and former news anchor and entertainment reporter Sanchez are staying at the Aman hotel, a luxury 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal with a view of the Rialto bridge. They will exchange vows at a black-tie ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, according to Italian media reports. The wedding itself is expected to take place in a vast open-air amphitheatre on the island, which sits across from St Mark's Square. The newlyweds will then be serenaded by Matteo Bocelli, the son of famed opera singer Andrea Bocelli, the reports said. Sanchez is alleged to have prepared 27 outfits to wear during the festivities. Italian designer Domenico Dolce -- half of the duo Dolce & Gabbana -- was seen leaving the Aman hotel on Thursday, possibly following a fitting. - 'Enchanted' - Wedding guests snapped by paparazzi as they hopped into boats included Jordan's Queen Rania, US football player Tom Brady, American fashion designer Spencer Antle, singer Usher, and Ivanka Trump -- the daughter of US President Donald Trump. The guests reportedly lunched together on Thursday in the gardens of Villa Baslini, on the islet of San Giovanni Evangelista. The celebrations are set to end on Saturday with a party likely at the Arsenale, a vast shipyard complex dating back to when the city was a naval powerhouse. Bezos and Sanchez are donating three million euros ($3.5 million) to the city, according to Veneto's regional president Luca Zaia, and are employing historic Venetian artisans. Venice's oldest pastry maker Rosa Salva is baking 19th-century "fishermen's biscuits" for party bags which will also contain something by Laguna B, renowned for its handblown Murano glass. Trump and her family visited a glass-blowing workshop on the small island of Murano on Wednesday, according to the owner. "They were amazed and enchanted by the magic of glass," Massimiliano Schiavon told the Corriere della Sera, adding that the family had had a go at blowing their own. Some locals say the A-list guests and their entourages bring good business but critics have accused billionaire Bezos of using the Unesco site as his personal playground. And environmental activists have also pointed to the carbon footprint of the mega yachts and dozens of private jets bringing the rich and famous to the canal city. At least 95 private planes requested permission to land at Venice's Marco Polo airport for the wedding, the Corriere della Sera said.
CNBC
14 hours ago
- Business
- CNBC
What we know so far about Jeff Bezos' $50 million star-studded luxury Venice wedding
The rich and famous have descended on Venice, Italy this weekend to celebrate the wedding of billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former broadcast journalist Lauren Sanchez in a show of all things money. The star-stunned event boasts a guestlist of some 200 celebrities and business elite, including President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Usher and a spattering of the Kardashians — to name a but few. And while the exact details of the three-day affair have been kept confidential amid city-wide protests, it is expected to rack up a bill of around $50 million. The couple will reportedly exchange their vows Friday at a black-tie ceremony on the private island of San Giorgio, away from public access, according to the Guardian. The main wedding reception, meanwhile, is set to be held Saturday in the Arsenale, a historic complex surrounded by fortified walls on the eastern side of the city. The venue was changed at the last minute from a 16th-century building in the center of the city due to security concerns. It follows a pre-wedding reception Thursday, which was held in the cloisters of Madonna dell'Orto, a medieval church in the central area of Cannaregio. Other side events are reportedly set to include a foam party and a Great Gatsby-themed soiree. The president of the Veneto regional government which comprises Venice, Luca Zaia, told reporters Tuesday that the wedding and its various accompaniments were set to cost 40 million to 48 million euros ($47-$56 million). Bezos, one of the world's richest people with an estimated net worth of $230 billion, according to Forbes, is also reportedly set to make a number of charity donations, including 2 million euros for Corila, an academic consortium that studies Venice's lagoon ecosystem. The expense doesn't stop there, however: many guests arrived early — via private jet, super yacht and helicopter — to enjoy the best designer shopping and high-end hotels the city of water has to offer. Five of Venice's most luxurious hotels, including the Cipriani and the Aman, have been booked out to host the guests, according to Reuters. The lavish display of money and excess has provoked backlash from local residents and environmental demonstrators who protest the use of the Unesco world heritage site as a playground for the super-rich. Venice has already been under pressure from over tourism, with the famed Italian city last year becoming the first in the world to introduce a tourist entry fee in a bid to alleviate the pressure of mass tourism and make it more livable for residents. Italy has, nevertheless, been experiencing a surge in wealthy arrivals — both to visit and live — as its more hospitable flat-tax regime and booming luxury real estate sector have proved a draw whereas other countries have sought to crack down on the uber-rich.
India Today
19 hours ago
- India Today
75-year-old man caught after 23 years for killing wife, dumping body in gunny bag
Police in Karnataka's Koppal district have arrested a 75-year-old man for the murder of his wife, 23 years after the crime was was arrested on Thursday by Gangavati police for killing his third wife, Renukamma, in 2002. He had been absconding since the incident to the police, Hanumanthappa killed Renukamma in 2002 in Koppal district. After the murder, he transported her body in a gunny bag on a bus to Kampli in Ballari district, approximately 50-70 km east of Koppal. Kampli is located near the Unesco heritage site of The case was registered at Gangavati Town Police Station. Gangavati is situated in southeast Koppal and is the district's largest city by area and population. The city is commonly known as the 'Rice Bowl of Karnataka'.Hanumanthappa was arrested from his native village of Haladhal in Manvi taluk, Raichur district, where he had recently returned. Haladhal, also spelled Aldhal, is located in the Manvi taluk of Raichur village is positioned approximately 40-50 km southwest of Raichur city, 100-120 km east of Koppal, and 70-90 km northeast of Kampli, on a bus to which he had dumped his wife's 75-year-old accused remained at large for 23 years before his recent arrest. The case involves multiple jurisdictions across Karnataka, with the murder occurring in Koppal district, the body being disposed of in Ballari district, and the arrest taking place in Raichur district.- EndsTrending Reel
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
UN agency pushes AI ethics standards at Bangkok event as US-China tech rivalry deepens
A United Nations agency is rallying policymakers, non-government organisations and academics to support its ethics guidelines on artificial intelligence (AI) at a time when the technology is rapidly changing the world. Unesco, the 194-member UN heritage agency that produced the world's first – and so far only – global AI ethics standards four years ago, hosted a forum in Bangkok this week to drive the adoption of its recommendations. However, there is a long way to go before the recommendations could be turned into a universal, actionable framework amid an intensifying AI race between the US and China , according to analysts. At the opening on Wednesday of the third Unesco Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, Unesco director general Audrey Azoulay called for collaboration among governments, businesses and civil society to come up with an international solution. 'That is what Unesco is working to provide – preparing the world for AI and preparing AI for the world, ensuring it serves the common good,' she said. The message comes as hopes are dimming for a global consensus on AI ethics. A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced a bill in both chambers of Congress to ban the federal use of China-linked AI tools such as DeepSeek, in the latest sign of hostility in the tech rivalry between the world's two largest economies. A DeepSeek display seen during the Global Developer Conference on February 22, 2025 in Shanghai. Photo: VCG via Getty Images Meanwhile, the world's largest AI companies, from US-based OpenAI and Google to China's DeepSeek, were absent from the forum, which attracted more than 1,000 participants and 35 government ministers, mainly from Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America. When asked how other countries would respond to the divisions in the AI world, Wisit Wisitsora-At, Permanent Secretary at the Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, said Thailand would not take sides in the US-China competition, adding that it would try to develop its own AI ecosystem.
