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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
This was paradise. If this destination isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be BACK IN TIME 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 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 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.
Straits Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Ultra rich turn Vietnam into new hot spot for luxury yachts
SINGAPORE – After making a fortune in coal mining and thermal power with his Dong Hai, Pham Van Toan wanted to try something different and shifted his investments towards luxury ventures three years ago. That includes investing in a hotel with nearly 600 rooms, acquiring a golf course and buying a superyacht, which has been his dream for two decades. The yacht, built by Italian shipyard Azimut and officially handed over to Mr Pham in a ceremony earlier in 2025, is the first-ever new 30-metre-plus superyacht sold in Vietnam, according to a spokesperson for the manufacturer. Mr Pham, 59, has a big ambition for his new yacht and the country's tourism. He, in partnership with Azimut's local dealer Tam Son Yachting, plans to develop a luxury marina in the heart of Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay and make the yacht available for private charters. 'Vietnam's yachting industry is still in its early stages, but the potential is immense,' Mr Pham said in an email. While it's still early, he's betting on the rising demand for yachts to be underpinned by the country's wealth boom. Vietnam's dollar millionaire population has grown at the fastest rate in the world, almost doubling between 2013 and 2023, according to a report from immigration consultants Henley & Partners. Yacht makers are now honing in on the relatively untapped market after China's push for common prosperity, and high taxes have posed challenges. While the number of Chinese rich is growing, the new generation of young, wealthy people tend to travel more and don't necessarily buy or use yachts in the country, according to Marco Valle, chief executive officer of Azimut Benetti Group. Vietnam has seen a rapid escalation in demand in recent years, according to Vu Tran, commercial and business development director at Ho Chi Minh City-based Tam Son Yachting. 'In 2018, we had a 60-foot yacht coming to Vietnam and it was considered a big one,' he said. 'Now the market started to have requested for yachts over 85 feet. We're at the state where we're ready to go in bigger scale.' Simpson Marine, which represents Italian yacht builder Sanlorenzo in Asia, expanded into Vietnam in 2024, working with local conglomerate S&S Group that distributes luxury brands such as Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini. The luxury market has matured to the extent that there are customers looking for 'more ultra-wealthy' experiences such as yacht ownership and private jets, according to Ewa Stachurska, chief marketing and sustainability officer at Simpson Marine. O2H2O, a yacht and jet sales brokerage firm, also opened an office in Ho Chi Minh City in 2024 seeing potential from high-net-worth people and the burgeoning middle class. The company currently has seven people in the country and plans to hire two more, said the firm's founder Alexandre Heng. Vietnam's rise as a manufacturing and commodity powerhouse has fueled its economic boom. Gross domestic product grew 7 per cent last year, one of the fastest growth rates in the region. Still, its economic expansion in the first quarter was slower than economists had forecast amid the threat of US tariffs. Asia-Pacific accounted for 18.2 per cent of global yacht sales of US$9.4 billion (S$12.1 billion) in 2023, and is the fastest growing regional market, according to research firm Grand View Research. China, Hong Kong and Singapore are the primary markets in the region. Still, Vietnam is gaining ground. Tam Son has so far sold nearly 40 yachts, ranging from 30 feet to 115 feet, since its start in 2017. 'The most luxury things in Vietnam you could buy before were items like cars or watches,' said Tam Son Yachting's Mr Tran. 'Now, it has changed rapidly. People are spending up to US$15 million on a yacht.' BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Straits Times
Experts says Komodo island against eco-based tourism
Experts have warned that allowing visitors to have close encounters with Komodo dragons would reduce reproductive fitness of the ancient lizards. ST PHOTO: WAHYUDI SOERIAATMADJA LABUAN BAJO – A small seaside town known as the gateway to the land of the dragons – specifically the Komodo kind – has roared to life over the past decade, after it was first positioned as one of Indonesia's '10 New Balis' in a 2016 tourism push by the government. Located at the western tip of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Labuan Bajo is most famous for being the stepping stone to the famed Komodo National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site that is the largest habitat of its namesake reptile, the Komodo dragon. But amid the buzz of a busy airport runway and waters studded with hotel boats and modern vessels, experts warn that it must avoid falling into overtourism, overdevelopment and environmental negligence – issues that affect tourist hot spot Bali. The '10 New Balis' strategy targets specific locations such as Labuan Bajo to receive funding for infrastructure development. The aims are to alleviate overtourism in Bali and spread tourist revenue and boost regional economies within South-east Asia's most populous country . Other locations include Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Mandalika in Lombok and Likupang in North Sulawesi. The focus on these new areas has led to significant changes, such as the construction of an international motorcycle racing track in Mandalika that has hosted the FIM Superbike World Championship since 2021 and MotoGP Grand Prix motorcycle races since 2022. But Labuan Bajo, which is a three-hour flight from Singapore and 2½ hours from Jakarta, stands out as it booked the largest incremental gains in terms of foreign tourist visits. Its main attraction, the Komodo National Park, welcomed 334,206 visitors in 2024, two-thirds of whom were foreign tourists. In 2016, it saw about 100,000 visitors. Almost all tourists going to Labuan Bajo visit the Komodo National Park. In the past decade, Labuan Bajo has seen the rise of new roads and amenities such as shopping centres, brand-name hotels and food courts, all built by the national government. Its main marina and airport have also been refurbished and revamped in the past four years, with the latter's runway being extended by 100m. Hotel operator Marriott International has built a luxury resort there and will soon be joined by another by the InterContinental Hotels Group. In 2024, Labuan Bajo's Komodo Airport was declared an international airport, allowing the operation of direct flights to and from foreign cities. Previously, most overseas visitors would have to fly through Jakarta to get to Labuan Bajo, which is part of the West Manggarai Regency. The national focus on developing the small fishing village has propelled Labuan Bajo on a rapid phase of development, Mr Stefanus Jemsifori , the most senior bureaucrat overseeing tourism affairs in the regency, told The Straits Times. 'Investment growth has since been growing tremendously fast, evidenced by the spawning of five-star hotels and 'pinisi' vessels offering luxury rooms on board,' he said , adding that tourism revenue has also contributed to economic growth. A pinisi vessel is a traditional Indonesian watercraft that typically carries seven to eight sails on two masts. Puncak Waringin viewing point offers a picturesque sunset in Labuan Bajo. ST PHOTO: WAHYUDI SOERIAATMADJA According to visitor surveys in 2024, an individual foreign tourist to the town spends an average of 8 million rupiah (S$632) daily, staying an average of four to five days, while a domestic tourist spends about 2.7 million rupiah daily, spending an average of three days there. During a visit to Labuan Bajo in early May, ST spoke to several Chinese and Singaporean tourists there. 'We get both the exercise and breathtaking scenery,' said a Singaporean man named Wilson, in his early 20s. He spoke to ST during a short visit to Labuan Bajo with his family, which included a hiking trip. Mrs Shana Fatina, who runs a tour agency in Labuan Bajo, said the town has become popular with foreign tourists in the region. 'Singaporean tourists like to take a weekend getaway trip, staying in resorts or sailing vessels. They like shopping and enjoying food here,' said Mrs Shana, who noted that many foreign tourists in Labuan Bajo also travel there through Singapore. While Labuan Bajo has benefited from a push to increase tourist footfall in the past decade, Professor Azril Azhari, a tourism expert from the Trisakti University in Jakarta, said that going forward there must be less emphasis on mass tourism. This is especially because the trend and behaviours for global travellers have now shifted towards ecotourism. Prof Azril said that the '10 New Balis' strategy was developed some time ago, based on mass tourism models and a thorough evaluation of the programme has not been done. Although these models typically draw tourists and investment, there are instances where local communities do not reap these benefits . Bali, often regarded as Indonesia's crown jewel of tourism, saw 6.33 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2024, an increase from 5.27 million in 2023. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, it had 6.28 million visitors in 2019. Although Bali frequently ranks as a top holiday destination, the problems of overtourism have become more apparent in recent times. Large amounts of Bali's groundwater are channelled to hotels, pools and golf courses, leaving local residents to struggle for access to clean water. Meanwhile, its iconic padi fields are vanishing as the land is transformed into commercial or residential property. Prof Azril warned about the risks of Labuan Bajo following in Bali's footsteps, especially when it comes to balancing conservation, development and tourism. As Komodo National Park and its ancient lizards gain popularity, Prof Azril emphasised the need to manage both visitor numbers and interactions with the reptiles. Failing to do so could lead to stress for these endangered animals. The Komodo National Park, welcomed 334,206 visitors in 2024, two-thirds of whom were foreign tourists. ST PHOTO: WAHYUDI SOERIAATMADJA Mrs Shana said that perhaps a no-visitor season should be implemented annually to reduce overtourism. 'Good communications with the tour operators to carry out such an endeavour must be done because many sell trip packages a year ahead,' she said. The national government had earlier planned to limit the number of visitors to Komodo National Park to 219,000 a year to conserve the ecosystem and protect the wildlife. It also planned to raise the price of entrance tickets to the park to 3.75 million rupiah each for international visitors starting on Aug 1, 2022, from as low as 250,000 rupiah now. B ut the plan did not proceed due to opposition by the local residents and tourism businesses, arguing that the move would reduce their income. Labuan Bajo's natural landscapes and waters rich with marine life are precisely what will keep tourists returning. Chinese tourist Yang Guang Li, 25, said that his final stop at Labuan Bajo was the highlight of his seven-day trip through multiple places in Indonesia, as he had the chance to encounter a reef manta ray during a diving tour. 'I was most satisfied with my Komodo National Park trip. Unfortunately, we were only brought here for one night. I still want to go back to Komodo (Labuan Bajo) ,' said Mr Yang. Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja has been Indonesia correspondent at The Straits Times since 2008, and is based in Jakarta. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Sydney Morning Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
The ‘unethical' travel-hack trend hotels hate
Gemma Davies*, 33 and from Manchester in the UK, caught the honeymoon upgrade bug on a trip to Vietnam in 2024. Davies had been sent an advance questionnaire from a cruise she had booked with her girlfriend in Hạ Long Bay, a Unesco World Heritage Site famed for its limestone islands and emerald waters. Davies had noticed Tripadvisor reviewers who were on their honeymoon had been given generous upgrades on the two-night riverboat cruise. 'The questionnaire asked me if we were celebrating anything and I thought: why not say we're on honeymoon too? Although to be honest we have zero intention of getting married!' When the couple arrived, their cabin had been upgraded and their bed was adorned with towels folded into swan shapes and scattered rose petals. 'That was lovely,' Davies recalls. The trouble came when the pair arrived for their seating at dinner and found staff had flanked their table with a 'ginormous' illuminated heart and a banner reading 'happy honeymoon'. 'Everyone started cheering and clapping, which I found hilarious,' Davies recalls. 'My girlfriend, who is an introvert, said: 'Oh my God, what have you done?'' Despite the 'challenge' of spending two days posing as honeymooners, Davies reprised the freebie-hunting tactic at two further hotels in Vietnam, where the couple enjoyed room upgrades, free cakes and champagne and more towel swans and petals – and left glowing reviews after their stays. 'I don't see it as taking the p--- at all,' Davies argues. 'It's more a way of amplifying your experience as a hotel guest.' Advice pieces on how to blag perks such as hotel and flight upgrades have been a staple of travel magazines since the 1990s. What's new these days is a subculture of unabashed social media 'travel hacks'. When, on Apr 20, TikTokker @ wrote the post: 'Unethical travel hack: fake a honeymoon at check-in!', superimposed on a picture of the sea-view balcony of his upgraded suite in Greece, it received half a million views and tens of thousands of likes. But not everyone celebrated Rod's 'win'. Italian hotel receptionist Leila Al Azawi responded: 'If you are on a REAL honeymoon and don't get special attention you can say thank you to all these liars who try every other day!', while Greek hotelier Panos weighed in: 'As a hotel worker, we know your tricks; don't be so sure!'.
The Age
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
The ‘unethical' travel-hack trend hotels hate
Gemma Davies*, 33 and from Manchester in the UK, caught the honeymoon upgrade bug on a trip to Vietnam in 2024. Davies had been sent an advance questionnaire from a cruise she had booked with her girlfriend in Hạ Long Bay, a Unesco World Heritage Site famed for its limestone islands and emerald waters. Davies had noticed Tripadvisor reviewers who were on their honeymoon had been given generous upgrades on the two-night riverboat cruise. 'The questionnaire asked me if we were celebrating anything and I thought: why not say we're on honeymoon too? Although to be honest we have zero intention of getting married!' When the couple arrived, their cabin had been upgraded and their bed was adorned with towels folded into swan shapes and scattered rose petals. 'That was lovely,' Davies recalls. The trouble came when the pair arrived for their seating at dinner and found staff had flanked their table with a 'ginormous' illuminated heart and a banner reading 'happy honeymoon'. 'Everyone started cheering and clapping, which I found hilarious,' Davies recalls. 'My girlfriend, who is an introvert, said: 'Oh my God, what have you done?'' Despite the 'challenge' of spending two days posing as honeymooners, Davies reprised the freebie-hunting tactic at two further hotels in Vietnam, where the couple enjoyed room upgrades, free cakes and champagne and more towel swans and petals – and left glowing reviews after their stays. 'I don't see it as taking the p--- at all,' Davies argues. 'It's more a way of amplifying your experience as a hotel guest.' Advice pieces on how to blag perks such as hotel and flight upgrades have been a staple of travel magazines since the 1990s. What's new these days is a subculture of unabashed social media 'travel hacks'. When, on Apr 20, TikTokker @ wrote the post: 'Unethical travel hack: fake a honeymoon at check-in!', superimposed on a picture of the sea-view balcony of his upgraded suite in Greece, it received half a million views and tens of thousands of likes. But not everyone celebrated Rod's 'win'. Italian hotel receptionist Leila Al Azawi responded: 'If you are on a REAL honeymoon and don't get special attention you can say thank you to all these liars who try every other day!', while Greek hotelier Panos weighed in: 'As a hotel worker, we know your tricks; don't be so sure!'.
