Latest news with #HoiAn
The Independent
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The country that has rebranded from backpacker destination to cultural escape
'Hi, please can I have a conversation with you?' asks a 12-year-old Vietnamese boy named Peter, along with his younger brother Ethan, as I squeeze my way through a dense crowd of people in Hội An, the charming, well-preserved ancient town in central Vietnam. The pair started learning how to speak English six months ago and were keen to practise with foreign travellers seeking a combination of comfort, culture and adventure. Before we are interrupted by the pervasive motorcycle culture – forcing both locals and tourists to be street smart – Peter and I exchange a few basic questions and answers in English, as his father beams with pride from across the street. As I pass market stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, electric fans, phone accessories, lanterns, knock-off designer clothes and bags, and painted coconut shells, I make the mistake of catching the eye of a business-savvy Vietnamese woman who lures me over and asks me if I want to buy any of the jewellery and trinkets she has made. Hội An is also renowned for its tailoring industry, offering a wide range of custom-made clothing at affordable prices. Yaly Couture was founded by 51-year-old Quynh Trinh, and has since become the place where locals and tourists visit to get their bespoke tailoring done quickly – sometimes as little as three hours, thanks to her 486 members of staff – and at traditional value. Celebrity fans apparently include TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, 65 – who Trinh says 'ran laps around her shop' due to his excitement, and musician Mick Jagger, 82. I decide to have a Vietnamese -inspired navy blue linen two-piece sleeveless top and trouser set made, and Trinh gifts me with a bronze half-neck keyhole maxi dress inspired by one I found on TikTok. I'm assigned to one of her members of staff, who takes all of my measurements, helps me pick out appropriate material, arranges a fitting and makes both of my designs in less than 24 hours. There is still so much to do in Hội An. So to better understand the original ways of Vietnamese tribal culture, I am also transported to their enchanting world at Hội An Lune Center for the Performing Arts with a production of Teh Dar – one of the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus performances of Lune Production. During the performance, guests hear songs that have been sung deep in the forests and whispered around tribal flames for generations. It's also a great opportunity to hear how a buffalo horn sounds with other percussion instruments. Later, after a boat ride down the river, illuminated at night by hundreds of floating lanterns, I have a heartwarming five-course meal – which is gluten-free friendly – at the newly opened La Table Hội An restaurant, where French culinary tradition meets the soul of Vietnam. On my evening stroll, I'm also able to admire the unique architectural structure of the infamous Japanese Bridge, and understand the influence it has on the bridge that also features at Banyan Tree Lăng Cô. Over many years, Vietnam has built a strong reputation for being a backpacker's dream destination. But whilst spending time in Hội An, and at Angsana Lăng Cô and Banyan Tree Lăng Cô, both part of the Laguna Lăng Cô integrated resort, I'm certain it has more to offer. The resorts feature the 18-hole Laguna Golf Lăng Cô, designed by the legendary Sir Nick Faldo, and offers convenient access to all shared facilities and centralised services, including Terra Kids Club and Laguna Water Sports Centre. Banyan Tree Lăng Cô is dedicated to quiet luxury and creating intimate and romantic experiences for couples, and Angsana Lăng Cô is a 220-room safe haven for all of the family to enjoy. The first night at Angsana Lăng Cô set the tone of my time in Vietnam. I'm welcomed with a BBQ dinner party on the private beach – there is no private beach in Vietnam, but it's private at the resort – where all the seafood is sourced directly from the local Cù Dù fishing village, also known as Cua Van in Ha Long Bay. Cù Dù is a unique floating village where residents live in traditional houses on boats and rafts, making a living from fishing and aquaculture. I'm offered a glimpse into the local culture and the stunning natural beauty of the bay, whilst eating everything from lobster, oysters – which were cooked because of pesticides – squid, fish, and papaya salad with shrimp, just to name a few dishes. During a tour of both resorts, it is easy to see how much of the architecture is inspired by local culture. At Angsana Lăng Cô, I stay in the beach suite, which feels like a home away from home. There's a living room and dining area, and access to a private pool with timber deck sun loungers, a kitchenette and a separate bedroom. Every half an hour, from 8am, a Vietnamese-inspired boat takes you on a 10-minute journey down a fairy garden to Banyan Tree Lăng Cô. And at the entrance, there is a traditional cong used to welcome me and other guests. Banyan Tree Lăng Cô – where I end my stay – is where I experience the serenity of the beach pool villa – only a few minutes from the private beach. I have my own private infinity pool with a heated jacuzzi, a timber sun deck and a poolside sala pavilion, so I can truly relax. Indoors, in both rooms, there's a king-sized bed, bath and shower and other modern amenities. Vietnam has changed a lot over the last 10 years, both politically and economically. The commitment the country has to preserve its natural beauty is why older travellers deserve to experience it too, not just student backpackers. 7 nights staying at 5* Banyan Tree Lang Co, with flights and private transfers, from London Heathrow for 2 people is from £1,649. Beach suites at Angsana Lăng Cô are from £194, and beach pool villas at Banyan Tree Lăng Cô are from £497, based on two people sharing, inclusive of breakfast, taxes and fees.
The Independent
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Why Vietnam is becoming more appealing to older travellers
'Hi, please can I have a conversation with you?' asks a 12-year-old Vietnamese boy named Peter, along with his younger brother Ethan, as I squeeze my way through a dense crowd of people in Hội An, the charming, well-preserved ancient town in central Vietnam. The pair started learning how to speak English six months ago and were keen to practise with foreign travellers seeking a combination of comfort, culture and adventure. Before we are interrupted by the pervasive motorcycle culture – forcing both locals and tourists to be street smart – Peter and I exchange a few basic questions and answers in English, as his father beams with pride from across the street. As I pass market stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, electric fans, phone accessories, lanterns, knock-off designer clothes and bags, and painted coconut shells, I make the mistake of catching the eye of a business-savvy Vietnamese woman who lures me over and asks me if I want to buy any of the jewellery and trinkets she has made. Hội An is also renowned for its tailoring industry, offering a wide range of custom-made clothing at affordable prices. Yaly Couture was founded by 51-year-old Quynh Trinh, and has since become the place where locals and tourists visit to get their bespoke tailoring done quickly – sometimes as little as three hours thanks to her 486 members of staff – and at traditional value. Celebrity fans apparently include TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, 65 – who Trinh says 'ran laps around her shop' due to his excitement – and musician Mick Jagger, 82. I decide to have a Vietnamese -inspired navy blue linen two-piece sleeveless top and trouser set made, and Trinh gifts me with a bronze half-neck keyhole maxi dress inspired by one I found on TikTok. I'm assigned to one of her members of staff, who takes all of my measurements, helps me pick out appropriate material, arranges a fitting and makes both of my designs in less than 24 hours. There is still so much to do in Hội An. So to better understand the original ways of Vietnamese tribal culture, I am also transported to their enchanting world at Hội An Lune Center for the Performing Arts with a production of Teh Dar – one of the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus performances of Lune Production. During the performance, guests hear songs that have been sung deep in the forests and whispered around tribal flames for generations. It's also a great opportunity to hear how a buffalo horn sounds with other percussion instruments. Later, after a boat ride down the river, illuminated at night by hundreds of floating lanterns, I have a heartwarming five-course meal – which is gluten-free friendly – at the newly opened La Table Hội An restaurant, where French culinary tradition meets the soul of Vietnam. On my evening stroll, I'm also able to admire the unique architectural structure of the infamous Japanese Bridge, and understand the influence it has on the bridge that also features at Banyan Tree Lăng Cô. Over many years, Vietnam has built a strong reputation for being a backpacker's dream destination. But whilst spending time in Hội An, and at Angsana Lăng Cô and Banyan Tree Lăng Cô, both part of the Laguna Lăng Cô integrated resort, I'm certain it has more to offer. The resorts feature the 18-hole Laguna Golf Lăng Cô, designed by the legendary Sir Nick Faldo, and offers convenient access to all shared facilities and centralised services, including Terra Kids Club and Laguna Water Sports Centre. Banyan Tree Lăng Cô is dedicated to quiet luxury and creating intimate and romantic experiences for couples, and Angsana Lăng Cô is a 220-room safe haven for all of the family to enjoy. The first night at Angsana Lăng Cô set the tone of my time in Vietnam. I'm welcomed with a BBQ dinner party on the private beach – there is no private beach in Vietnam, but it's private at the resort – where all the seafood is sourced directly from the local Cù Dù fishing village, also known as Cua Van in Ha Long Bay. Cù Dù is a unique floating village where residents live in traditional houses on boats and rafts, making a living from fishing and aquaculture. I'm offered a glimpse into the local culture and the stunning natural beauty of the bay, whilst eating everything from lobster, oysters – which were cooked because of pesticides – squid, fish, and papaya salad with shrimp, just to name a few dishes. During a tour of both resorts, it is easy to see how much of the architecture is inspired by local culture. At Angsana Lăng Cô, I stay in the beach suite, which feels like a home away from home. There's a living room and dining area, and access to a private pool with timber deck sun loungers, a kitchenette and a separate bedroom. Every half an hour, from 8am, a Vietnamese-inspired boat takes you on a 10-minute journey down a fairy garden to Banyan Tree Lăng Cô. And at the entrance, there is a traditional cong used to welcome me and other guests. Banyan Tree Lăng Cô – where I end my stay – is where I experience the serenity of the beach pool villa – only a few minutes from the private beach. I have my own private infinity pool with a heated jacuzzi, a timber sun deck and a poolside sala pavilion, so I can truly relax. Indoors, in both rooms, there's a king-sized bed, bath and shower and other modern amenities. Vietnam has changed a lot over the last 10 years, both politically and economically. The commitment the country has to preserve its natural beauty is why older travellers deserve to experience it too, not just student backpackers. 7 nights staying at 5* Banyan Tree Lang Co, with flights and private transfers, from London Heathrow for 2 people is from £1,649. Beach suites at Angsana Lăng Cô are from £194, and beach pool villas at Banyan Tree Lăng Cô are from £497, based on two people sharing, inclusive of breakfast, taxes and fees.
CNA
03-08-2025
- CNA
She started a pottery brand that feeds street kids in Vietnam – all because of a hotel cup she used on holiday
It started with a wild goose chase. In 2016, when working in Hanoi, Vietnam, as an English teacher, Thushani Lovatt was enchanted by exquisite cups in a cafe. She was told they were made by female artisans at a woman-run pottery studio – said to be the first of its kind in Vietnam. Three years later, the Londoner moved to Singapore and worked in a non-profit international school, United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) with her husband Tim. The couple returned to Vietnam in 2023 for a beach holiday in Hoi An, with their two toddlers in tow. Yet again, she was smitten by handcrafted cups at her hotel and was told that they were made by a woman-run pottery studio. Lovatt was intrigued. The cups from both her trips had to be from the same place. 'I asked where I could buy them. The waiter didn't know. I asked him again the next day and the next day. Eventually, he found the address of a wholesaler,' the 38-year-old recalled. Interrupting her idyllic beach vacation, she took a Grab ride across paddy fields to the middle of nowhere with her one- and three-year-old daughters, where she bought six beautiful bowls. But her obsession did not stop there. For reasons she could not explain, she felt compelled to find the artisans who made them. After Google translating with a wholesaler who did not speak English, Lovatt was told to return the next day. She did, and was given the name of a small pottery studio. No website. No corresponding address on Google Maps. Another dead end. With her holiday ending, Lovatt returned to Singapore. But she continued searching and chanced upon a random post with the pottery studio's name on Foursquare. It felt like a long shot, but Lovatt asked a Vietnamese friend to make a trip to the address for her. The studio had moved but her friend tracked them down to their new location and told Lovatt. The owner mentioned that they did exports, and that is how, in 2024, Lovatt became the unlikely founder of an ethical handmade pottery brand Lily and Sophia, named after her two children. MEALS FOR CHILDREN Her brand offers a small selection of handmade pottery by the women-run studio. Lovatt's mission: To share these beautiful pieces with others, uplift the female artisans who made them, and help feed the street kids of Vietnam. Every cup sold at Lily and Sophia provides one meal for a homeless child who might otherwise go hungry. Every bowl or plate sold provides two meals. Each serving dish, three meals. 'As a mother, it is really unbearable to think of street kids going hungry. If I can provide one meal for them, that matters. It's not just a meal, it's hope,' said Lovatt, who works with Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, a Vietnamese charity that helps street kids and supports human trafficking victims in the country. Each Lily and Sophia cup, bowl or plate takes 10 to 14 days to make, Lovatt added. 'In a factory, it can be made in seconds and every piece is the same. With a handmade item, we need to mould the clay, hand-mix the glaze to get the right colours, hand-dip the products in different glaze colours and dry them in the sun. 'They are then double-fired in the kiln so that they are dishwasher-, oven- and microwave-proof and long-lasting,' she told CNA Women. Because they are handmade, each piece is unique, featuring small variations in size, thickness, symmetry, colour, pattern and texture. 'They are made by women who have been learning this skill, sometimes their whole life, sometimes through generations.' To ensure that these female artisans are fairly paid, she pays the pottery studio two to three times the average price it charges others for pottery. 'Business does not have to be profit-above-everything, winner-takes-all. I can make money to provide for my family, but so can others. You don't need to be stepping on people to be making as much money as possible,' she said. LOVE FOR A COUNTRY These values are important to Lovatt. The British national had given up her well-paying job in pharmaceutical events to teach in Vietnam in 2016. It was a complete culture shock at first – motorcycles everywhere, pho (noodles) sold from a small plastic bucket, people transporting three-seater sofas and selling live goldfish off the back of motorcycles. But what really struck her was the kindness of the Vietnamese people. She fell in love with the country. 'On my first evening there with my husband, we were hungry. There weren't many things on Google maps in the local area we were living, so we wandered through alleys looking for food. Eventually, someone asked us to come in. There were some tables so we assumed it was a restaurant. 'We didn't speak any Vietnamese at that point, and he didn't speak very good English. We tried to say the word 'eat' with Google Translate and he gave us some delicious spring rolls. When we were about to leave, I tried to pay him for it, but he kept giving it back to me,' she recalled. Later, when speaking to her landlord, she realised that this was not a restaurant but someone's home. 'A random person who didn't speak our language saw that we were lost, opened up their home and fed us. I could not imagine that happening in London,' she reflected. 'Living in Hanoi fundamentally changed my values. I learned the power of caring about people that aren't in your little unit. I wanted to be more like this, not just chasing the next thing,' she said. What also really stuck with her was the poverty she witnessed. 'There were homeless people on the street,' she said. 'We used to go to this local bun cha (grilled pork and noodles) place and noticed a mother with two little girls sleeping on the floor outside, burning rubbish to keep warm. We always gave her money. But I remember feeling quite helpless.' Founding her pottery brand empowers Lovatt to make a more lasting impact. FINDING PURPOSE FAR FROM HOME Funded by her own savings, Lovatt started Lily and Sophia with 700 to 800 pieces, which she began designing from scratch with the Vietnamese artisans in March 2023. The pieces are inspired by her most memorable travels – an unforgettable lagoon, the colour of the ocean, aurora, petals, pebbles and seashells. Over the next year, Lovatt worked on business set-up, licensing, shipping and logistics. It was a steep learning curve. In January this year, her products were finally ready. However, one curveball she did not expect was that her pottery would require a Singapore Food Agency licence because it is used for food. She acquired this at the last minute, only to discover that the shipper forgot to note the licence on the form, causing the shipment to be detained at the dock when it first arrived in Singapore. Even getting the fragile cargo to her condominium was a challenge. The shipping company simply left the items outside the guardhouse and she had to engage movers to carry them to her apartment where they now fill her living room, bedroom, home office and even bathroom. But finally, in February, she ran her label's first fair at a UWCSEA school event where her husband works as head of digital learning. Lovatt works for a UK-based life sciences consultancy as head of events and community. 'I was told by an entrepreneur friend that people don't come to a school fair to buy pottery. Expect to sell five to 10 items. I was so nervous,' she recalled. Lovatt and her husband lugged some 100 pieces of pottery to the fair in a rented car and borrowed trolley. She sold 96 pieces. People loved the products and were moved by its story. 'I cried afterwards. People really do care. It isn't just like, a weird fantasy of mine,' she said. In March, Lovatt launched her website. Through e-commerce and small fairs, she has since sold more than 492 pieces and provided 822 meals to street kids. Starting the business also had a powerful impact on her kids, now three and five. 'A couple of weeks ago, Sophia said to me, when it's my birthday, I want my friends to give me money. I want to give the money to people who don't have a home. 'I started welling up, and Tim was crying too. It meant so much that my five-year-old said that. When I asked her why, she said, because that is what you do with Lily and Sophia,' Lovatt said. 'That's the point in doing this. It gives me hope for a kinder world.'
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Vibe Run Debuts in Vietnam: A Sunset-to-Beach Social Marathon Experience at Hoiana Resort & Golf
HOI AN, Vietnam, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in Vietnam, Pulse Active and Hoiana Resort & Golf proudly present The Vibe Run, a fresh and exciting marathon concept that has already taken Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore by storm. More than just a race, The Vibe is a social running experience — blending community, wellness, music, fun activities, and celebration into one unforgettable event. Unlike traditional marathons, The Vibe emphasizes connection over competition. Participants can choose between a 21km or 7km run set against the stunning backdrop of Hoiana's lush gardens, spectacular ocean views, and scenic coastal golf course. The route winds through the beautiful natural landscape of Hoi An and concludes with a breathtaking sunset beach finish, leading into a vibrant post-race celebration. Event Highlights: Date: 8–9 August, 2025 Location: Hoiana Resort & Golf, Danang Friday, 8 August Vibe Kit Collection: All day at Hoiana Resort & Golf Welcome Rooftop Social Dinner: 18:00 onwards at The Loft, priced at VND 650,000 net/person Saturday, 9 August Social Activities: in the morning Official Race Start: 15:30 – Sunset Beach Finish by 18:00 After-Race Celebration: From 19:00 at NOX Beach Club featuring DJ sets, pool party, social games, food & drinks Special Vibe Run Package from Hoiana To mark this exciting debut, Hoiana Resort & Golf is offering an exclusive Vibe Run Stay Package for participants, with special rates starting from VND 2,600,000 net/night for two guests at New World Hoiana Beach Resort or New World Hoiana Hotel. Booking Period: Now until 9 August, 2025 Stay Dates: 6–12 August, 2025 Package Inclusions: Daily buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children under 6 years old F&B coupon valued at VND 440,000 (redeemable at the NOX Beach Club afterparty on 9 August) Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to arrival Join The Vibe Run at Hoiana Resort & Golf – where runners, dreamers, and adventurers unite for a marathon like no other. Be part of Vietnam's newest running phenomenon and experience the perfect fusion of fitness, nature, and celebration. Register now and feel the vibe! About Hoiana Resort & Golf Nestled on Vietnam's stunning central coast, just minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, Hoiana Resort & Golf is a premier beachfront integrated resort destination. Spanning over 1,000 hectares along four kilometers of pristine shoreline, features, four world-class hotels, an award-winning championship golf course, a pristine private beach, over 20 exceptional restaurants and bars, a spacious Kids' Club, and the region's most dynamic gaming and entertainment complex. Hoiana is where luxury, culture, and unforgettable experiences converge. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hoiana Resort & Golf Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malay Mail
16-06-2025
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Central Vietnam reels from floods as Typhoon Wutip kills seven, devastates 60,000ha farmland
HANOI, June 16 — The death toll in Vietnam from heavy rains and flooding caused by Typhoon Wutip has risen to seven, authorities said on Monday. Wutip made landfall in southern China at the weekend with winds gusting up to 128 kilometres per hour (80 miles per hour) before downgrading to a tropical storm. Seven people have been killed, 100 houses damaged and almost 60,000 hectares (148,000 acres) of crops submerged in central Vietnam, according an update on Monday from the disaster and dyke management authority. Vietnam is hit by roughly a dozen tropical storms every year, but in June they normally affect the north of the country and move southwards later in the year. Late last week, central Vietnam, including the world heritage town of Hoi An, suffered serious flooding which caused deaths, disrupted traffic and damaged crops. Experts say human-driven climate change is causing more intense weather patterns that can make destructive floods more likely. Last year, natural disasters claimed 514 lives in Vietnam, three times more than in 2023. In September 2024, northern Vietnam was devastated by Typhoon Yagi, which killed 345 people and caused an estimated economic loss of US$3.3 billion. — AFP
