Get a taste of Vietnam at the Edge, Pan Pacific Singapore

From 7 until 30 March 2025, Pan Pacific Singapore’s award- winning buffet restaurant, Edge, invites guests to embark on a culinary journey involving Vietnam. Tastes of Vietnam is available for dinner from Mondays to Sundays. 

Join Executive Chef Andy Oh and his culinary team as they collaborate with Pan Pacific Hanoi’s Executive Chef, Chef Zack Truong, and Junior Sous-chef, Chef Hoa Trung Kien, to showcase cherished Vietnamese signature dishes. 

With nearly two decades of culinary experience around the world, from Dubai to Maldives, Chef Zack has refined his ability to blend traditional Asian techniques with the finest ingredients, while mastering the rich and dynamic flavours of the Vietnamese cuisine. 

Start with tantalising appetisers, such as beef wrapped in betel leaves, fresh spring roll with prawn, plus jelly salad with chilli and lime. Comforting soups will also be served, including Southern-style sour chicken and pineapple soup, and Sour Fish soup with local herbs.

Indulge in Vietnamese favourites, including grilled pork belly with fermented rice and galangal, wok-fried river prawn with tamarind sauce, stewed beef shank with ginger and fish sauce, stir-fried kohlrabi with dried shrimp, as well as a live station serving Vietnamese pho (noodles in broth) with chicken and beef, as well as fresh noodle broth with snail.

Look out for authentic Vietnamese snacks, such as fried prawn meat with sugar cane and mini savoury pancakes with prawn coconut cream. For desserts, quintessential Vietnamese sweet endings are available, including grilled banana wrapped in sticky rice with coconut sauce, peanut candy with lotus seeds, yoghurt with black sticky rice, and taro sweet soup.

In addition to the Vietnamese dishes, Edge offers creations spanning Singaporean, Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Western cuisines, plus an extensive seafood spread. Guests can sample freshly-shucked oysters, snow crab leg, sustainable Boston lobster, tiger prawns, Pacific clams, half shell scallops, sea conch, black mussels, and crawfish.

Source: Pan Pacific Singapore. An array of Vietnamese delicacies from Tastes of Vietnam at Edge.

Tastes of Vietnam at Edge
7 to 30 March 2025
Dinner from 6 pm to 10 pm

Fridays and Saturdays: S$118 (free flow of soft drinks included)
Sundays to Thursdays: S$98 (free flow of soft drinks included) 

View the Tastes of Vietnam digital menu at https://www.menu-ppsin.panpacific.com/edgedinnermenu-tastesofvietnam

Details

For reservations, call +65 6826 8240, or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com.

Hashtags: #PanPacificSingapore, #EdgeSG, #ShareYourMoments

*All prices are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes unless indicated otherwise.

La Tour d’Argent to take over Le Beaulieu in Hanoi this October

Sofitel welcomes a legend of French art de vivre to the cultural heart and soul of Vietnam as part of its Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The exclusive collaboration reflects Sofitel’s timeless DNA: a desire to empower encounters between cultures, people and ideas. 

La Tour d’Argent, the historic 400-year-old Parisian dining establishment, will fly into Hanoi for the first time in its history to stage a culinary takeover at Le Beaulieu, the French restaurant at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Le Beaulieu dates from 1901 and was recently selected by the Michelin Guide, while Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, is Southeast Asia’s first and only Sofitel Legend hotel.

A national landmark that has stood on the banks of the River Seine since 1582, La Tour d’Argent (The Silver Tower) is a pillar of French gastronomic heritage. Helmed by Executive Chef Yannick Franques, it has been awarded a Michelin star for its classic yet contemporary style of French cuisine. The hotel'sChef de Cuisine Charles Degrendele trained at La Tour d’Argent, further underscoring the connections between these icons.

From October 23 to 27, 2024, La Tour d’Argent's expert culinary team will craft a five-course lunch menu and an eight-course dinner in Hanoi. One highlight will be Caneton Freìdeìric Delair, a signature dish that pays tribute to Charlie Chaplin, who spent his honeymoon at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi in 1936.

“We are particularly pleased with this collaboration with Sofitel, the world’s only French luxury hotel brand and ambassador of ‘savoir recevoir’* throughout the world. With our rich history and that of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, it’s easy to bring this unique experience to life, nourished by this encounter and supported by the expertise of our teams. The beauty and refinement of the setting particularly appealed to us, and echoed that of our Parisian home. It’s a promise for customers to live a unique and grandiose experience,” said André Terrail, owner of La Tour d’Argent.

Source: Sofitel. Le Beaulieu, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s French restaurant, has been delighting guests in Vietnam’s capital city since 1901.

“La Tour d’Argent is a true icon of French gastronomy and we are delighted to welcome Chef Yannick Franques and his esteemed team to Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. As we celebrate Sofitel’s Diamond Jubilee, we are showcasing the brand’s French zest all over the world and this includes our commitment to gastronomic excellence.

"From our new Haute Croissanterie concept to the fine-dining journeys at Le Beaulieu, we strive to showcase highly authentic and exquisite cuisine,” said Nicolas Gronier, VP Global Marketing of Sofitel and Sofitel Legend.

Details

Book the Tour d'Argent experience in Hanoi at +84 0243 826 6919 (extension 8200), by emailing Bang.Au@sofitel.com, or visit www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/. 

*The art of hospitality.

Azerai brings accessible luxury to Vietnam

Azerai is inviting high-end travellers to discover accessible luxury in Vietnam with a selection of award-winning boutique resorts. Created by Adrian Zecha, who previously founded Aman Resorts, the Azerai concept has already been introduced to culturally-rich Ke Ga, Can Tho and Hue.

Source: Azerai. Each Azerai resort is designed to envelop guests in sophisticated, understated luxury.

Each Azerai resort is designed to envelop guests in sophisticated, understated luxury. At Azerai Can Tho, luxury means privacy in low-rise buildings nestled on a secluded islet in the Hau River which is only accessible by boat. Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers the timeless grace of a luxurious seafront residence, with chic pavilions inspired by the organic hues of sand, stone and sea, while Azerai La Residence, exudes the joie de vivre spirit of the art-deco era.

Whichever destination they choose, every traveller is assured of a warm welcome and heartfelt service. This is reflected at Azerai by the longevity of many of its hotel staff, such as the security chief at Azerai La Residence, who has spent 23 years at the hotel, and the executive chef who has delighted diners in Hue for more than 10 years.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay 

Nestled in 4.5 hectares of tropical gardens on Vietnam's southeast coast, Azerai Ke Ga Bay has a curated collection of chic suites, pool suites and pavilions offer between 65 and 185 sq m of personal space, designer interiors and first-class facilities. 

When visitors are not relaxing in their own private paradise, enjoying the spa or savouring world-class cuisine on an oceanfront terrace, they can stroll along the 5-km sandy beach, try water sports, or visit local attractions such as the local salt farms, dragon fruit farms, fishing villages, Ta Cu Mountain temple and more.

Within this coastal enclave, culinary enthusiasts can now take a Five Senses Cooking Class that encompasses all aspects of the epicurean experience. Guests will be introduced to the flavours and fragrances of Vietnamese ingredients, before being taught the cooking techniques.

Azerai Can Tho

Deep in the Mekong Delta, Azerai Can Tho is a five-star retreat surrounded by tropical gardens. One- to five-bedroom pool villas range from 636 sq m to 1,583 sq m in size. A soothing spa, yoga pavilion and bespoke activities ranging from private boat trips to floating markets and dinners under ancient banyan trees round out the private luxury experience.

Vietnam's Mekong Delta is a haven of organic produce, and Azerai's guests can take part in a Farm-to-Fork Chocolate Journey. This one-of-a-kind expedition in the region immerses visitors in the art of chocolate making, from picking the cacao beans to tasting the final product.

Azerai La Residence, Hue

Azerai La Residence, Hue brings guests to a glamorous bygone era in Vietnam's imperial capital. Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, this former French colonial residence features tropical gardens, a saltwater pool, a bar and a brasserie. Travellers can choose from six types of suites with interiors such as four-poster beds and parquet floors, plus large terraces with views across the gardens or river. The 72-sq m Resident Suite has a verandah with 360-degree vistas.

For exclusive adventures, the hotel's traditional, locally-crafted 55' wooden boat will transport guests on the Perfume River Cruise. With a choice of afternoon tea, sunset cocktail and romantic dinner cruises, this boat is only available for the hotel's guests and one-of-a-kind occasions.

Details

The Azerai Getaway package includes a one-night stay and daily breakfast for two people, a welcome drink, Vietnamese afternoon tea, hotel credit and more. Get more information or make a booking at azerai.com.

Vietjet adds Hanoi-Hong Kong flights

Source: Vietjet. Passengers in a plane holding signs about Vietjet's new route connecting Hanoi and Hong Kong.

Vietjet, the 1st airline globally to operate the new Airbus A321neo ACF 240-seater, its 102nd aircraft, has launched its 5th international route. 

Passengers can now fly between Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, and Hong Kong. Vietjet's other international routes are Shanghai – Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc – Busan, Hanoi – Jakarta, and Hanoi – Siem Reap.

The thrice-weekly Hanoi – Hong Kong service, operating every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, increases Vietjet’s Vietnam – Hong Kong flight network to four direct services. From February 2024 onwards, the Ho Chi Minh City – Hong Kong, Da Nang – Hong Kong and Phu Quoc – Hong Kong routes become daily services.

To mark the new routes, Vietjet offers passengers the Real Deal to Vietnam and beyond with affordable airfares from S$80/one-way (including tax and fees) every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at www.vietjetair.com or via the Vietjet Air mobile app. Passengers on Vietjet will also receive complimentary Sky Care travel insurance and the opportunity to accumulate points for reward redemption with the Vietjet SkyJoy loyalty programme.

Azerai announces Chinese New Year offers for 2020

Source: Azerai. Exterior, Hue. The colonial mansion at the heart of the hotel was built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieure. The mansion’s distinctive façade, its long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, are hallmarks of Art Deco architecture. Its two complementary wings, which contain an expansive tropical garden and salt-water swimming pool, were built in 2005 and likewise embrace a contemporary rendition of Art Deco.

Azerai has presented offers and activities for Chinese New Year at its properties in Vietnam.

Traditional Chinese New Year decor such as apricot, bamboo and kumquat trees and red lanterns will adorn Azerai Can Tho and Azerai La Residence, Hue, while guests will be treated to themed activities, menus and events throughout Chinese New Year.

Upon check-in and check-out at Azerai Can Tho, guests will receive ‘lucky money’ to mark an auspicious beginning and ending to their stay. In between, guests can take part in activities including calligraphy sessions, coconut weaving, conical hat painting, paper flower-making, and a selection of games and treasure hunts. Lion dance and traditional musical performances are also scheduled. Guests will also receive sweet treats and ‘lucky money’ in the evenings.

An authentic taste of Vietnam is on offer at Azerai La Residence, Hue. Signature dishes including a grilled sapa trout in banana leaf, honey-glazed prawn, plus Chinese New Year-themed sweets and Hue royal tea.

Azerai La Residence, Hue, is an enchanting luxury hotel situated on the Perfume River, facing the Citadel – once home to emperors and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Set on a two-and-a half-hectare site, Azerai La Residence, Hue, has 122 rooms and suites.

Located on Au Islet, and set against the Hau River, Azerai Can Tho covers over eight hectares with 60 rooms. The design is inspired by traditional architecture, with a contemporary interpretation. Facilities and services include fitness-enhancing opportunities as well as a spa, restaurants, lounge and bar, boutique, as well as an arrival pavilion and pier to assist boat transfers to the resort.

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort unveils private villas

The InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Vietnam has unveiled new villas overlooking the waters of the Gulf of Thailand and the resort’s lotus lagoon, bringing a new level of privacy and luxury for guests. The space and privacy of the villas are ideal for private parties or events with a private chef, outdoor barbecues, or intimate gatherings.

Located in a private area of the resort with direct access to the Club InterContinental Lounge, the four three-bedroom villas and a four-bedroom villa offer elegant and spacious accommodations for long staying guests, families, and groups of friends alike.

Inspired by the pristine nature of its surroundings, the new villas present a contemporary design with local touches and views of the beach. Each features a spacious living room, kitchen, bedrooms and garden while surrounded by the lotus lagoon.

Guests have the use of private cabanas and sun loungers, and can enjoy sunsets from the open relaxation area on the second floor overlooking the swimming pool. In addition to the large lap pool, the four-bedroom villa also has a spacious lap pool directly in front of the standalone master bedroom.

“We are thrilled to open some of the most exclusive and luxurious accommodations in Phu Quoc with our new villas,” said Piero Bellizzi, GM, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort.

“Nestled in its own area of the resort with direct access to our pristine beach, our villas offer the utmost privacy and elevated service to give our guests truly memorable experiences.”
 
Details:

The new villas at InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort are open for bookings. The four-bedroom villa may only be reserved via email at reservations.icpq at ihg.com or by phone, +84 297 397 8888.

Until 30 June 2019, guests who book three consecutive nights for a stay in a Club InterContinental room, suite or villa for a stay before 30 November 2019 can enjoy the third night free. Benefits include airport transfer directly to the front door, in-villa check in, private butler service, and exclusive access to the Club InterContinental Lounge. The lounge offers gourmet breakfast options, light fine-dining throughout the day including complimentary afternoon tea, evening cocktails and canapés. There is also an on-demand butler service.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay has the MICE advantage

Source: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay website. The Grand Ballroom, theatre-style.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, the first international five-star resort on the island of Phu Quoc and the brand’s flagship resort property in Vietnam, offers a variety of meeting spaces for events of different scales.

The JW Marriot Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is dedicated to creating spectacular events and engaging experiences for every attendee. Phu Quoc is an emerging destination, with direct flights now available between the island and regional gateway cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Bangkok, Thailand and Guangzhou, China. 

Designed by Bill Bensley with a narrative developed around the concept of a mythical academy of learning, the resort features a total of 5,080 sq m of meeting spaces, both indoor and outdoor:

The Lamarck Auditorium is equipped with high-speed Internet access and modern audiovisual technologies. Showcasing a series of vintage atlases with a layout imitating a school hall during the medieval period, the resort’s high-ceilinged Grand Ballroom can host up to 750 people in its 688 sq m space for big-scale events such as banquets, conferences, and gala dinners.

Elliott’s Backstage, which is styled like a green room* of an ancient theatre, showcases a range of stage costumes and props. In the Room of Bad Designs, guests will find quirky references to failed designs and ideas, including original vintage sketches of a six-wheeled vehicle.

The Artist Room, a 100 sq m meeting room inspired by Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings, incorporates a bold lighting fixture constructed from large paint brushes and seats up to 90 guests.

Designed to curate inspiring events outdoors, The Lamarck Running Track offers endless possibilities for customised celebrations, sporting activities and team building exercises. Extended from the resort’s fictional academy theme, this venue is located in the heart of the “campus” with a lawn before the architectural backdrop.

A perfect spot to be bathed in the glow of sunsets, the terrace of the Department of Chemistry Bar is an ideal venue for cocktails for about 100 guests. Pink Pearl, the resort’s new French fine-dining beachfront destination, offers eclectic, opulent furnishings perfect for dinner parties, grand celebrations and one-of-a-kind escapades.

Dining options include the all-day-dining restaurant Tempus Fugit, the beachside seafood grill Red Rum, as well as in the resort’s main street Rue de Lamarck, the poolside, and event garden.

Guests who attend an event may take advantage of Chanterelle – Spa by JW, which boasts a VIP treatment room with its own bath, seven treatment rooms, two reflexology rooms, two express treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and a beauty salon. An exclusive range of holistic and locally-inspired therapies based on the four pillars of calm, indulge, invigorate, and renew are available for guests’ indulgence.

Details:

The resort is a 15-minute drive from the airport, closer than any other luxury properties on the island.

Contact the resort at +84 29 7377 9999, email mhrs.pqcjw.sales@marriott.com or visit www.jwmarriottphuquoc.com to discuss meeting needs. A dedicated Catering and Conference Services Manager is available to meet clients’ specific requirements. 

*The green room is a waiting area for performers when they are not on stage. 

Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Card debuts in Vietnam

Sacombank, one of the largest commercial banks in Vietnam, and JCB International, the international operations subsidiary of JCB, have launched the Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Card in Vietnam.

This is the highest JCB credit card family for individual customers in Vietnam and is targeted at those with an income from VND80 million per month. The Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Card will offer them promotions and premium privileges.

Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Cardholders receive cashback for all transactions on weekends in specific merchant categories such as restaurants and supermarkets, at the rate of 15% for overseas spending, 10% for domestic spending and 0.5% for spending on the weekdays. In addition, cardholders are offered a special dish when dining at high-end Japanese restaurant merchants.

Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Cardholders are entitled to a number of other privileges such as travel insurance packages around the world; free use of over 57 lounges in Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, and Thailand; refunds of 0.5% of all expenditures in addition to food expenses; 24x7 global support through a free hotline when booking car rentals, hotels, restaurants, and golfing in Japan.

Enjoy a 20 Carat Gold Getaway with JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay and Maserati

Source: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay.
The lobby lounge.

Guests visiting the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay will be transported to the sports university-themed resort via a Maserati automobile*. Continuing on the resort’s successful debut of DMC’s SS2017 womenswear collection, this collaboration between luxury brands JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay and Maserati will delight sports and automobile enthusiasts alike.

“With the resort’s reputation in redefining design-centric journeys, the partnership offers guests enriched experiences and reaffirms a standard of true luxury synonymous with JW Marriott,” says Ty Collins, GM, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay.

Maserati's sophistication and style have been long associated with sportiness and performance. This reputation is in line with JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay’s design narrative of being a fabled sports university as conceptualised by architect Bill Bensley. Thousands of original antique pieces, many being school-themed memorabilia, are dotted around the resort. Additional touches include sports-inspired spa treatments to “lecture room” and “auditorium” function spaces.

Visitors to the resort during this time will see the Maserati Ghibli on display at the entrance of Rue de Lamarck, the resort’s main shopping street.

Interested?

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is offering a 20 Carat Gold Getaway package for a retreat with Maserati, which includes:

• A 20% discount on room rates for bookings in Turquoise Suites or Villas
• Pickup from desired location in Ho Chi Minh City by Maserati*
• Complimentary round-trip airport transfers between Phu Quoc International Airport and JW Marriott Phu Quoc
• A 20% discount on spa treatments and in all dining outlets (excludes in-room dining)

Stays for the 20 Carat Gold Getaway must be completed by December 20, 2017.

*Only available for transfers between the guests' home or hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and the airport. Terms and conditions apply.

IMF completes 2017 Article IV consultation with Vietnam

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has concluded the Article IV consultation with Vietnam*. According to the IMF Vietnam’s economy continues to perform well, aided by sound economic fundamentals. Growth moderated to 6.2% in 2016, reflecting the impact of a drought and land salinisation on agriculture and lower oil production. 

Weakness in the oil sector continued in Q117, but the underlying growth momentum remains robust underpinned by strong manufacturing activity and foreign direct investment (FDI), robust domestic demand, and a rebound in agricultural production. Inflation rose to around 5% in early 2017 due to increases in administered prices for health care and education. 

The authorities are developing a broad reform agenda, keenly aware of the limited fiscal space, the need to upgrade the growth model at home, and rising risks of economic fragmentation abroad. Bank reforms have progressed, the IMF notes, but nonperforming loan (NPL) resolution, bank recapitalisation, and legal reforms to strengthen market discipline have been sluggish. Good progress has been made on the legal framework for state owned enterprise (SOE) reforms, but implementation has been slow. The authorities are planning to limit the role of the state in the economy, reduce state ownership in enterprises and encourage private sector-led sustainable growth.

2017 growth is projected at 6.3% and headline inflation is projected to stabilise at around 5% as administered prices continue to be adjusted. The current account surplus is expected to decline somewhat, reflecting stronger imports. While the near-term outlook is positive, there are downside risks including from high public debt, slow NPL resolution, tighter global financial conditions, shocks to external demand, and rising protectionism as well as the failure of the Trans Pacific Partnership. On the upside, successful implementation of the authorities’ ambitious reform agenda could raise growth potential and increase resilience to shocks. Fast implementation of the Vietnam-EU and other bilateral trade agreements would fuel exports and FDI.

Executive Directors commended the Vietnamese authorities for achieving robust growth with low inflation, pushing ahead with important reforms to promote private sector-led growth, strengthening the public finances and tackling legacy issues in the financial sector while making progress on poverty alleviation. Directors noted that risks remain from the slow pace of banking sector reform, continued rapid credit growth and limited fiscal and external buffers. They encouraged the authorities to expand the scope of reforms to safeguard macroeconomic stability, raise growth potential and upgrade the growth model to enhance sustainability and productivity.

Directors welcomed ongoing structural reforms and underscored that Vietnam will need to build a sustainable, modern economy. For this, more extensive policy action is needed to reform institutions and raise potential growth. Reforms of the state-owned enterprise sector and improved outcomes from vocational and tertiary education will also be critical. Directors commended the authorities for ratifying the Paris Agreement and for putting climate change and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals at the core of their policy agenda.

*Under Article IV of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country's economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the MD, as Chairman of the Board, summarises the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country's authorities. View explanations of qualifiers used in summings up.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa introduces meeting packages for 2017

Source: Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa. Executive team members at Hyatt Regegncy Danang Resort & Spa will help event planners make any meeting a success.

Situated on Vietnam's Hoi An coastline, at the gateway to Danang, the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa features has developed new meeting packages for 2017.

The resort's extensive event and meeting facilities including function rooms and beachfront outdoor venues that can host up to 250 guests. The resort now offers full-day packages from US$49 per person and half-day packages from US$39 per person, including:

• Exclusive use of an event venue
• Coffee breaks with sweet and savoury items
• Lunch in a pre-event area, private room or restaurant, including mineral water and soft drinks
• Meeting amenities, including notepads, pens, bottled water and mints
• Communications equipment, including built-in LCD projectors, screens, wireless microphones, flip charts and whiteboards.

Rates are valid from 1 January to 31 December 2017 for groups of 20 or more and are subject to a 5% service charge and 10% government tax.

"As well as exceptional meeting and event facilities, the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa offers guests a range of room types, including guestrooms, suites, one-to-three bedroom residencies and beachfront villas, alongside an array of delicious cuisines, from local specialties to the finest international dishes. The resort's executive team members are also there to help event planners make any meeting a success," said Arifin Darmawan, GM, Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa.

Interested?

Book through danang.regency at hyatt.com or call +84 511 398 1234.

Oakwood Asia Pacific debuts in Vietnam, launches Oakwood Suites in Indonesia

Oakwood Asia Pacific, which manages serviced apartments for business and leisure travellers has debuted in Vietnam with Oakwood Apartments Ho Chi Minh City. Concurrently, Oakwood Asia Pacific has also launched Oakwood Suites with the opening of  Oakwood Suites La Maison Jakarta.

“We have had an exciting year in our pursuit of multilateral growth and this velocity carried on to the end of the year, concluding it with a bang,” said Dean Schreiber, MD, Oakwood Asia Pacific. “By the end of the year, we would have seen our portfolio grow by 36%, expanded our footprint into four new markets, strengthened our presence in our key markets, and expanded the Oakwood offering to cater to more varied lifestyles.”

Source: Oakwood Asia Pacific. Facade, Oakwood Apartments Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Opened on 14 December 2016, Oakwood Apartments Ho Chi Minh City offers 68 serviced apartments in District 3 with interiors inspired by Saigonese architecture. “The opening of Oakwood Apartments Ho Chi Minh City is not only a prelude to Oakwood’s plans to establish its presence in Vietnam, but also to grow the Oakwood Apartments portfolio size and inventory in the coming years,” said Paul Stocker, VP, sales, marketing & revenue management at Oakwood Asia Pacific.

Source: Oakwood Asia Pacific. Clockwise from top left : Oakwood Suites La Maison Jakarta’s three-bedroom apartment, bathroom, lobby, and swimming pool.

Oakwood Suites La Maison Jakarta was launched on 16 December 2016. “The launch of Oakwood Suites comes with much anticipation as we have taken this opportunity to differentiate the Oakwood Suites offering not merely on a product level, but more importantly, on service,” said Craig Bond, VP, operations at Oakwood. “With Oakwood Suites, residents can expect discreet service tailored to one’s lifestyle, with a focus on subtlety.”

Oakwood Suites offers private, exclusive and fully-serviced accommodation together with unobtrusive yet attentive service. Oakwood Suites La Maison Jakarta features 80 two- and three-bedroom apartments with modern interiors, fitted with fully-equipped kitchens and furnished with Smeg and Grohe appliances. Natural light streams into the living areas through floor-to-ceiling windows which offer panoramic views of the city. Facilities include a pool and gym as well as a Residents’ Lounge.

Located along Jalan Barito – in the city’s elite suburban area, Oakwood Suites La Maison Jakarta is within easy reach of Sudirman Central Business District. A supermarket and a range of food & beverage outlets are easily accessible.

The Anam offers luxury experience in Nha Trang, Vietnam

Source: The Anam. View of villas.

The Anam, an independently-operated all-villa five-star resort in Vietnam, is set to establish a new benchmark in hospitality. The resort was soft launched in September, ahead of a grand opening at the end of the year.

Combining colonial era charm and service with 21st century design and convenience, The Anam emphasises personalised services, culinary excellence and rejuvenating wellness. The resort is located on Northern Cam Ranh Peninsula, 15 minutes from Cam Ranh International Airport, and 30 minutes from the city centre.

“Vietnam is known for its genuine, warm-hearted people and a dedicated attitude to life. At The Anam we embrace this natural advantage by offering highly discerning levels of service while ensuring guests enjoy uniquely curated destination and resort experiences,” said Duncan MacLean, GM, The Anam.

“We are extremely proud that despite having only recently opened, The Anam is one of only six hotels and resorts worldwide to be recognised and included in the World Luxury category by Worldhotels.”

The resort features suites and villas, including beachside accommodation with private pools, along a private beach. Each of the 105 villas is finished with Vietnamese hardwood, stone and antique style tiling.

The Sweet Dreams à la carte concept offers Irish linen, goose down pillows and recognised 'world’s best' beds, while the bathrooms, with sunken bathtubs, rain showers, and handmade French lotions and toiletries, typify The Anam’s attention to detail.

In addition to the private beach, patrolled by internationally certified life guards, facilities include three swimming pools and a complimentary shuttle service to and from downtown Nha Trang city. A wide range of recreational activities – from water sports to tennis and yoga – are also available, together with a fitness centre.

For dining, the Beach Club is poolside, while the resort’s Indochine Café delivers contemporary Asian and European cuisines in show kitchens.

posted from Bloggeroid

World Bank delivers report card for Vietnam

Vietnam’s economy remains resilient thanks to robust domestic demand and export-oriented manufacturing, according to the World Bank’s latest Taking Stock report. Vietnam’s medium-term outlook remains favourable, with gross domestic product (GDP) expected to expand by 6% this year.

The report, a biannual review of the country’s economic performance, finds that Vietnam’s growth slowed to 5.9% during the first three quarters of the year, mainly because of a severe drought that has reduced agricultural output, cut down on oil production and slowed external demand. The fundamental drivers of growth – resilient domestic demand and export oriented manufacturing – remain in force.

Vietnam’s growth was accompanied by low inflation and widening current account surplus. And despite price hikes for health and education services, core inflation remains low and headline inflation is expected to stay below the official target of 5%.

“Vietnam’s macroeconomic stability creates a favourable environment for policy makers to accelerate structural reforms, which is crucial as the country moves toward a more productivity-led growth model,” said Ousmane Dione, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam. “The adoption of the 2016-2020 economic restructuring plan by (the) National Assembly in November, for instance, would address some of the emerging obstacles to growth in the economy.”

According to the report, Vietnam’s fiscal deficit remains sizable and is approaching the statutory limit of 65% of GDP, but the government has reinforced its commitment to achieving fiscal consolidation in the medium term. The economy’s recent performance owes in part to rapid credit growth and an accommodative fiscal stance, which may support growth in the short term but amplify existing medium-term financial and fiscal risks.

Easing monetary conditions and reducing credit growth could also worsen existing macroeconomic and financial vulnerabilities, the report said. Risks that could adversely affect medium term prospects include delayed implementation of structural and fiscal reforms, a further slowdown in the global economy, fragile global financial market conditions, and the prospect of rising interest rates in the US.

The report also notes that Vietnam’s agricultural sector has made enormous progress, such as higher productivity and output, contributing to national goals of achieving food security, poverty reduction and social stability. It also points out the growing concerns about the quality and sustainability of Vietnam’s agricultural growth. Higher productivity has come from more and more inputs and increasing environmental costs.

According to the report, the Vietnamese government has played a major role in agricultural development. But the government will need to lead less yet facilitate more to transform Vietnam’s agriculture and agro-food system. For example, the government can undertake less direct investment in agriculture while focusing more on facilitating a more active agricultural land market, supporting rural infrastructure, reducing the transaction costs of farmers and agro-enterprises, and revitalising the country’s agricultural innovation system.

Growing Vietnam sees investments from around the region: UOB

According to the United Overseas Bank (UOB) Asian Enterprise Survey 2016*, Vietnam is likely to see increasing investments from its neighbours Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore in the next three to five years.

Enterprises from Malaysia (38%), Thailand (35%) and Singapore (29%) have ranked Vietnam as their top three expansion destinations. They are among the 28% of all respondents who chose the country as their favoured expansion destination in the next three to five years. These Asian enterprises are drawn to Vietnam’s stable political and economic climate (41%), large and growing customer demand (40%) and its favourable tax and regulatory environment (35%).

With economic growth of 6.7% in 2015 and a young workforce where 60% of its 90 million-strong population is under 35 years old, Vietnam is proving to be an attractive investment destination. In the first half of 2016, the country received a record US$11.3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), up 105% from the same period last year**.

Eric Tham, Head of Group Commercial Banking at UOB, said that the findings from the UOB Asian Enterprise Survey 2016 reaffirmed the entrepreneurial spirit of Asian enterprises as they continue to seek new markets for growth.

“According to the survey, the top industry sources of foreign investment into Vietnam are from the manufacturing, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, construction and real estate, as well as energy and natural resources sectors. These sectors are key as the country aims to build a strong foundation to support its long-term economic growth.

“Investments into Vietnam will also create more jobs and boost income. This in turn will open the doors for new economic opportunities as Vietnam’s growing urban population and expanding middle class start spending more on consumer goods, and on healthcare services to ensure their personal health and wellbeing. In addition, Vietnamese enterprises will benefit from collaborating with foreign companies in the areas of knowledge sharing and skills transfer,” said Tham.

One company that has ventured into Vietnam to expand their business is CKL Holdings, a food and beverage conglomerate with manufacturing facilities in Ho Chi Minh City for the production of beverages. Chia Chor Meng, Group Chairman of CKL Holdings, said, “We first set up a production plant in 1996 in light of Vietnam’s huge consumer market, lower operating cost, availability of work force and abundant natural raw materials. By having research and development facilities there, we are also able to manufacture and sell products that suit the tastes of the local population. We also tapped Vietnam’s conducive export environment to distribute our products to 60 countries worldwide. Last year, we established our second factory, which is five times the size of the first, to meet increasing customer demand.”

Vietnam’s government is increasing its efforts to attract foreign investment. One example is the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Vietnam Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) and UOB in 2015 aimed at increasing investment and trade between Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The MoU is FIA’s first such collaboration with a bank.

Tham added that while Vietnam’s economy may be affected by global market uncertainties stemming from a precipitous drop in oil prices and tepid consumer demand in the West, Vietnam’s rapid development presents many opportunities for Asian enterprises.

“The global economy may be slowing down but the Vietnamese economy is still seeing growth. Asian companies that are able to seize the arising opportunities, and produce the products and services needed to meet the rising demands of Vietnam’s middle class, will have a unique opportunity to build strong and sustainable regional businesses,” said Tham.

Interested?

Read the UOB Asian Enterprise Reports 2016

*The survey was conducted by UOB in May and June 2016 among 2,500 Asian enterprises across mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The objective was to explore how Asian enterprises are capitalising on business opportunities amid global and regional economic trends and trade flows. 

**Source: Doing Business in Vietnam, International Enterprise Singapore

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas announces TripAdvisor accolades for three properties in Vietnam

Source: Six Senses Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. The master bedroom of an oceanfront three-bedroom villa at Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam. 

The world’s largest travel site TripAdvisor* has announced its top properties for the 14th year, based on millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from travellers around the globe. Evason Ana Mandara, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and Six Senses Con Dao have each received the Traveller’s Choice award, the highest honour given by TripAdvisor. 

Evason Ana Mandara and Six Senses Ninh Van Bay are recognised within the Top Hotels of Vietnam, and Six Senses Con Dao joins under the category of Luxury. Both Evason Ana Mandara and Six Senses Ninh Van Bay renewed the title from the last two years. Recognised previously with the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, this is the first year that Six Senses Con Dao has broken into the top 1% of peer reviews on the website.

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas President Bernhard Bohnenberger comments on the recognition, “Approximately 80% of travellers will consult peer reviews prior to finally deciding where to stay during their holiday. Recognition from websites such as TripAdvisor carries with it an immense amount of weight because it is based on genuine feedback from our guests. Our three very special resorts in Vietnam are no stranger to this, as we have been redefining experiences there for nearly two decades. We are exceptionally proud of the in-roads made and look forward to continuing in the years to come.”

TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 350 million unique monthly visitors**, and more than 290 million reviews and opinions covering 5.3 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions.

* ComScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, July 2015

** TripAdvisor log files, average monthly unique users, Q315

Novotel Phu Quoc offers 650 sq m of meeting space

Source: AccorHotels. The Novotel Phu Quoc Resort.

AccorHotels announces the opening of Novotel Phu Quoc Resort in Vietnam. Located on one of the island’s white-sand beaches, Novotel Phu Quoc is located near Duong Dong town and close to many of the island’s top attractions, such as Sao beach, Ham Ninh fishing village and various pearl farms.

“Novotel Phu Quoc Resort will cater to a variety of travellers visiting the increasingly popular island for its stunning beauty, ecotourism activities and cultural attractions,” said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer for AccorHotels Upper Southeast and Northeast Asia. “The resort is our fifth Novotel in Vietnam, and will offer guests the midscale brand’s well-known spacious room design, consistently high service standards, commitment to well-being and high-tech meeting facilities.”

The resort follows AccorHotels’ successful opening of Novotel Ha Long Bay, Novotel Danang Premier Han River, Novotel Nha Trang and Novotel Saigon Centre in Vietnam. Guests can choose from the resort’s 366 rooms, including 120 suites and villas. Each accommodation type features a sofa bed, a balcony or terrace and 42" LCD TVs, while 20 of the villas boast private pools.

Valerie Diard, General Manager of Novotel Phu Quoc Resort said, “We look forward to welcoming holiday makers to the island resort. More than half of the island’s landmass is part of a national park featuring stunning beaches, an untouched natural environment and mountains popular for motor biking, hiking and wildlife viewing."

The resort is home to two contemporary restaurants and three intimate bars. Food Exchange features international ala carte and buffet dining with live cooking stations. A second specialty restaurant offers seafood and both local and international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy views of the Gulf of Thailand at the resort’s Lounge Bar, Pool Bar and Beach Pool Bar.

The resort also offers 650 sq m of flexible meeting and event space comprising a high-ceiling ballroom and three multifunctional meeting rooms. The function rooms feature the latest meeting and video technology and can accommodate up to 550 guests.

Interested?

Novotel Phu Quoc Resort is located at Duong Bao Hamlet, Duong Bao Commune, approximately 10 minutes’ drive (8 km) from Phu Quoc International Airport, which services direct international flights from Siem Reap International Airport in Cambodia. 

To celebrate the opening, the resort is offering special daily rates until 30 April 2016 starting from VND1,850,000++ for a superior room inclusive of breakfast for two adults. Book online, or call +84 (0) 77 626 0999. 

AccorHotels opens first five star international hotel at Vung Tau

Source: AccorHotels. The
Pullman Vung Tau.

AccorHotels has opened the Pullman Vung Tau, the first five-star international hotel in the seaside destination, 1.5 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh city.

Featuring the largest meeting facilities in Southern Vietnam and views of Back Beach and Front Beach, Pullman Vung Tau is ideal for business travellers seeking a quick getaway from Ho Chi Minh city.

“Pullman is AccorHotels’ upscale brand specifically catering to today's modern travellers,” said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer for AccorHotels Upper Southeast and Northeast Asia. “Half of Pullman’s global hotel network is located in Asia Pacific, making it one of the most preferred brands among seasoned cosmopolitan travellers in the region.”

The hotel has 356 rooms and with complimentary Wi-Fi. The Pullman
bedding concept with memory foam pillows promises enhanced comfort. The executive rooms and suites on the 10th through 12th floors feature additional amenities such as an espresso machine and a Jazz Blu Dock. The exclusive Executive Lounge on the 11th floor offers VIP check-ins and check-outs, breakfast, and a private meeting room.

Raetus Balzer, General Manager of Pullman Vung Tau said, “Pullman is renowned for its vibrant and cosmopolitan touch while maintaining a reputation of innovation and comfort for all types of guests. Our hotel is a perfect choice for travellers seeking a work-life balance.”

The all-day dining restaurant, Riviera, serves a buffet spread for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as an international and locally-inspired ala carte menu. Its open kitchen allows guests to watch their meals being prepared. At the Corniche Ultra Lounge, guests can try the Pullman Tapastry, a tapas menu concept with a variety of small bites.

The hotel also offers 2,036 sq m of flexible meetings and events space comprised of two Grand Ballrooms, four multifunctional meeting rooms and a chillout area. The meeting rooms are equipped with flat screen LCDs, teleconferencing services and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Interested?

Pullman Vung Tau is located at 15 Thi Sach Street, Thang Tam ward, Vung Tau city. To celebrate its opening, the hotel is offering a special rate of VND 1,700,000++ (US$77++) per room per night. Contact +84 (64) 355 1777 for general enquiries or reservations.

posted from Bloggeroid

AirAsia to add direct flights between Penang and Ho Chi Minh from January 2016

Low-cost airline AirAsia is introducing direct flights from its international hub in Penang, Malaysia to the capital city of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City. The move strengthens the airline’s inter-ASEAN connectivity.

Spencer Lee, Head of Commercial for AirAsia said, “We strive to continue bringing Malaysia closer to our neighbouring cities by connecting more dots within ASEAN region. Penang is one of our important hubs, and we recognise its great tourism potential.. this new direct flight from Penang to Ho Chi Minh City signifies our commitment in establishing enhanced connectivity for the people from both cities.”

The Penang – Ho Chi Minh City route is flown four times a week and is scheduled to begin on 25 January 2016. AirAsia also flies direct to Ho Chi Minh City from Kuala Lumpur with five flights a day and three flights a week from Johor Bahru.

Flight Schedule for Penang (PEN) – Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) (commencing 25 January 2016):

Route	Flight No	Dep	Arr	Frequency
PEN - SGN	AK 1502	1220	1305	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
SGN - PEN	AK 1503	1335	1615	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Interested?

Bookings are open for the flights today online, via AirAsia’s mobile app on iPhone and Android devices, as well as the mobile site. BIG members also will be able to redeem their flights for the Penang – Ho Chi Minh City route at airasiabig.com.

DHL Global Forwarding rolls out pan-Asian road freight network

DHL Global Forwarding, a provider of air, sea and road freight services in Europe and Asia, has rolled out an integrated road freight network that links five key Asian cities - Singapore, Penang, Bangkok, Hanoi and Shenzhen. The new service taps the acceleration of road freight growth in Asia Pacific which is forecast at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2014 to 2019 and expected to drive the sector to a value of US$822 billion by the end of 2019*.

Source: DHL.

Delivered under DHL AsiaConnect's Less-than-Truckload (LTL) service, the interconnecting five-city service offers a seamless interconnecting delivery service with improved time and cost efficiencies and assures a consistent level of service quality regardless of the destination. DHL AsiaConnect was launched in 2011 connecting Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand and now links to the existing Vietnam-China connection.

Road freight offers a viable alternative to other transportation modes, providing a more cost-effective option than air freight as well as faster shipment than sea freight. For instance, the transit time for ocean freight between Shenzhen and Bangkok takes around 13 days while the road freight option only takes five days. In comparison, air freight takes a shorter transit time of four days but will cost significantly more. There are daily departures from five cities and a sample of the transit time is as follows: 

Singapore to Penang: One day
Bangkok to Hanoi: Three days
Shenzhen to Hanoi: Two days
Shenzhen to Bangkok: Five days
Penang to Shenzhen: Six days

The five-city interconnecting road freight network comes at a time when China's One Belt, One Road² initiative is taking shape and expected to strengthen cross-border economic ties in markets between Europe and Asia. Specifically, the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt aims to enhance economic cohesiveness through infrastructure and wider trade links across the markets between Europe and Asia while the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is oriented towards ASEAN, putting DHL's integrated five-city road freight network in good stead to tap the growth potential of the One Belt, One Road strategy.

"DHL's integrated road freight network touches five crucial Asian markets - Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and China - which are expected to play prominent roles in China's One Belt, One Road and other initiatives in the region such as the ASEAN Economic Community," said Kelvin Leung, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Asia Pacific. 

"Across the region, the total GDP of all 10 ASEAN countries combined was US$2.4 trillion³ in 2013 while China's GDP alone was US$10.3 trillion⁴ in 2014. ASEAN's global trade hit US$2.51 trillion³ in 2013 and China consistently appears among the top five trade partners for ASEAN members⁵. We are confident that intra-Asia trade will continue to grow and our road freight network stands ready to support the potential trade expansion from these initiatives." 

DHL's integrated road freight network will be advantageous for upcoming economic initiatives promoting trade and integration, having laid the groundwork that already links key Asian markets. For example, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)⁶ which is set to be established by the end of 2015, aims to create a single ASEAN market and production base facilitated by bilateral trade agreements and financial policies. The blueprint encompasses cross-border cooperation in various focus areas including capacity building, enhanced infrastructure and communication connectivity, and the development of electronic transactions. Brought to fruition, AEC will lead to a thriving ASEAN region amid the free movement of goods, services, investment and skilled labour.

DHL's multimodal network includes air, rail, road and sea, is positioned to support trade expansions across different regions. DHL's road freight network features GPS-equipped trucks to ensure customer goods are monitored for safety and tracked every step of the way, providing complete supply chain visibility. Road vehicles are also armed with anti-hijacking tools and are constantly in touch 24x7 with DHL's Command Center, which will be alerted immediately should the need arise. 

1 http://www.marketresearch.com/MarketLine-v3883/Road-Freight-Asia-Pacific-8748345
2 NDRC, China
3 ASEAN key indicators
4 The World Bank
5 USCC
6 ASEAN