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Hanoi
Expect traffic woes for the foreseeable future due to metro construction.
Tech
The new service was first launched in Indonesia.
Vietnam
A proposal to rename two Da Nang streets has stirred debate.
Hanoi
Hanoi's famous railway cafes have finally reached the end of the line, according to city officials.
Resorts
A delightfully warm tingle trickled into my muscles alongside the unmistakably invigorating scent of pepper. The sensation was as novel as it was relaxing. An experienced therapist was easing the natural coconut oil infused with the island’s famous spice , grown just meters away, across limbs too-often hunched at a computer screen. The signature treatment relies on Swedish techniques of gently stretching, gliding and kneading motions that simultaneously pushed tension out of my muscles while invigorating my nervous system and displacing toxins. Having filled out a preference form before the treatment, and thanks to the therapist’s perceptive fingertips, the soreness in my shoulders I’d arrived with had vanished and been replaced with a subtle aroma of tangy pepper. There are several Fusion Resorts across Vietnam including Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, Fusion Maia Da Nang, Fusion Suites Saigon, Fusion Suites Da Nang, and each is unique in their offering of minimum two complimentary spa treatments per night. Tailored for each destination, the long list of options at their Phu Quoc property includes Thai fusion and one titled the Tradition of Vietnam. A number of wraps, facials and scrubs rely on local ingredients, such as pepper and aloe grown at the resort, turmeric, rice powder and citrus fruits to improve skin health and appearance. Several treatments also lavish one’s nails, feet and hands with attention. Wellness Beyond the Spa Peter Neto, the resort’s general manager, explained to Saigoneer during a recent visit that global trends are changing, and guests from Vietnam, Europe and across Asia are increasingly looking for their vacations to not just provide relaxing breaks, but opportunities to return to their daily lives healthier than before. To satisfy these desires, in addition to the spa, a number of other activities focus on pursuing physical and spiritual health. Guests can book expert-led tai chi and meditation classes or join one of the free yoga classes that emphasize different goals, including energizing, relaxing, balancing and stretching. Daily personal training sessions, stand-up paddleboat lessons and snorkeling classes offer more fast-paced forms of wellness. A large exercise room filled with top-of-the-line equipment, a 5.3 km private road for hiking and cycling, as well as a tennis court and kayaks, soccer balls and volleyballs for rent all appeal to people who prefer their vacations with a little sweating. A variety of board games and books, in addition to basic Vietnamese lessons, let one work out their brain muscles too. Additionally, a full program of games and activities for children are offered to give parents some time alone. Arranging the spa treatments and activities is made especially easy thanks to the resort’s dedicated Fusionistas. When checking in, every guest is met by a staff member that other hotels might call a concierge. In addition to explaining the general basics, such as facility locations and restaurant hours, they exchange phone numbers and explain that they can be reached for assistance at any time. During our visit, I was eager to test this out and sent a WhatsApp message to my Fusionista inquiring about the sign in the room banning durian and mangosteen. Within minutes, Nguyen messaged back to explain that the juice from mangosteen can stain sheets and, well, you know durian can be quite stinky. Beyond arranging wellness activities and answering all fruit-related inquiries, the Fusionistas can give advice to anyone wanting to venture outside of the resort. Situated at the northern end of the island away from the hectic construction and tourism commotion, outside exploration gives people an opportunity to explore verdant landscapes, visit a fruit and honey farm or a golf course, or find a variety of entertainment activities. Because they live and play in the area, the Fusionistas can recommend the best small restaurants that cater to locals. Healthy, All-Day, Anywhere Dining Of course, no one needs to leave the resort to enjoy fresh, local food and European favorites. Fusion Resort Phu Quoc contains four restaurants, including a pool bar. Secret Garden, a centrally located venue whose high wood ceilings and rustic floors, hanging lanterns and garden surroundings call to mind an exotic jungle retreat, serves a variety of Vietnamese and Cantonese dishes. Phu Quoc is famous for the seafood filling its tropical waters, so it makes sense that the resort has a restaurant specializing in it. Overlooking the shimmering water in which they were caught, Pezca offers fresh lobster, tuna, snapper, cobia and prawn, as well as grilled meats and pizzas. Finally, Soul Kitchen’s menu contains lighter sandwiches, salads, pastas and side dishes to complement its large drink list, which includes cocktails boasting local flavors. Consistent with the resort’s wellness aims, each restaurant tries to use as many organic, sustainable and local ingredients as possible while featuring many vegetarian dishes across all cuisines. While each of the restaurants features sleek, comfortable interiors showcasing Fusion’s signature modern and bright aesthetic, Fusion sets itself apart from other accommodations thanks to their all-day breakfast service. One can order a full western or Vietnamese breakfast whenever and wherever they’d like including in the restaurat, the privacy of their villa, by the pool, or even down on the beach with the sand in their toes at any time of the day or night. The platter of bread, pastries, fruits, eggs and meats that were promptly delivered to my room was perfect for relaxed nibbling while floating around in my private pool under the moonlight. The Fusionistas can also help arrange romantic candlelit dinners on the beach or in a flower-filled grove as well. People often take holidays to recover from the stresses of daily life, but seeking wellness involves more than a simple change of venue. Fusion Resort Phu Quoc’s complimentary spa treatments, activities and meals collaborate with the exceedingly serene environment to create a tropical escape that serves as an elixir for both mind and body. Fusion Phu Quoc Website +84 297 3690 000 Vung Bau Bay, Cua Can Village, Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam 10.307573, 103.875870
![[Photos] The Dynamic Life of Vientiane Residents in the 1990s](https://media.urbanistnetwork.com/saigoneer/article-images/2019/Oct/9/vientiane/laos-0b.jpg)
Asia
Even now, media portrayals of Laos are usually associated with a well-constructed image of a nation of quietude, spirituality and natural beauty untouched by rampant development.
Travel
Located in Ha Giang Province, Ma Pi Leng Pass is known for its breathtaking views of natural beauty.
Roundups
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook . Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them into short, accessible links so you can easily keep up with current affairs.
Branded Content
Saigon is a veritable bastion for the spa industry, with hundreds of establishments gracing the city’s streets from the cheap backpacker options in Pham Ngu Lao to those serving Japanese salary men on Le Thanh Ton. One lesser-known pocket of them rests in the hems around 18 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai. Moc Spa , operating in that central area, takes advantage of its location by offering high-end services with locally-sourced organic products at an affordable price.
Roundups
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook . Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them into short, accessible links so you can easily keep up with current affairs.
Hotels
A chocolate bar aged in whisky barrels that sells for over US$250, a class on how to build an art collection led by the head of one of Asia’s most prestigious auction houses, an intimate mixology session with a Bacardí Global Legacy competition winner, and two meals crafted by a three-Michelin Star chef awarded ‘Chef of the Year’ by GaultMillau: Saigon has no shortage of luxury experiences, but rarely has such talent been assembled at one time in one place. Park Hyatt Saigon’s Passion Week returns this month with a new lineup of artists representing a wide array of genres, including photography, wine, watches and flowers. The series of Master Classes, lunches and gala dinners with Michelin Star chefs will give Saigon residents an opportunity to experience personal moments with artists whose passion has led them to world acclaim. You may not immediately classify a chocolate bar as a work of art, but listening to To’ak Chocolate CEO James Le Compte should convince you otherwise. He shared with Saigoneer that “the Incas [from Peru and Ecuador] considered cacao more valuable than gold; the Aztecs [from Mexico] developed complex rituals and ceremonies around the consumption of cacao and when cacao first arrived in Europe it was only available to the royal families and the highest echelons of society.” It, therefore, makes sense that his company treats it like “an art form—specifically something that has the power to awaken the senses.” On October 14, Compte will lead 14 guests through a tasting of six different mini-bars of the To’ak chocolate that has been called “ the world’s most expensive chocolate ” paired with a selection of Glenmorangie whiskey. Akin to a wine tasting, he’ll not only explain the meticulous crafting of the chocolate and what to look for when sampling it, but also the food’s interesting history and astounding information, such as the fact its cultivation relies on mosquitos that pollinate the cocoa trees. Alexandre Bigler - Christie’s Asia Pacific’s Vice President and Head of Watches for Vintage Watches Master Class Similar to chocolate, a watch is another item that reveals itself to be an art form when explained by an expert. Alex Bigler, Christie’s Asia Pacific’s Vice President and Head of Watches, will explain to guests at his October 26th Masterclass the artistry behind vintage watches that have made them some of the most valuable watches available . The discussion, aimed at watch enthusiasts and collectors, will be accompanied by a four-course meal created by three Michelin Star Chef Jaco Jan. Saigoneer had our entire understanding and appreciation for flowers upended last year thanks to a conversation with the world-renowned florist Alfie Lin. He will be back this year to deliver two Masterclasses, but the rest of the Passion Week artists are newcomers. Shingo Gokan – Celebrity Mixologist for Mixology Master Class Shingo Gokan, Celebrity Mixologist from Tokyo, will guide people through the recipes for some of his trendiest cocktails; Francis Belin, Christie’s Asia Pacific’s President, will provide inside knowledge on how one builds a private art collection; Vietnam-based photographer Rehahn will detail the portrait process that has made him the darling of international audiences; and Aurore Devillard, the fifth-generation owner of Domaines Devillard winery in Burgundy, will lead guests through a thorough tasting of her family’s prized wines. Biting into angolotti pasta with monkfish, clam and wild fennel or taking a spoonful of sea bream accompanied by watermelon and herring caviar dashed with wild fennel will convince anyone that food can be a work of art, and Passion Week features meals carefully prepared by masters of their field. Each of the four days will feature a lunch and dinner gala prepared by a Michelin star chef. The prestigious line-up includes two Michelin star chef Gaetano Trovato, who explained to Saigoneer: “The presentation is very important since it’s the first impression of my cuisine. There’s a common say[ing] in Italy, ‘we eat with our eyes first.’ Moreover, I have another passion: Architecture, and I love to mix my two main passions.” He will thus be bringing lucky Saigon diners his eye-catching items that showcase time-honored Tuscan flavors from the elegant dining room at his Arnolfo restaurant to guests at a four-course lunch and six-course gala dinner paired with Domaine de Chevalier & Cos d’Estournel wine. Chef Gaetano Trovato - Two Michelin Star Chef The chefs won’t, however, be coming alone. Each will be traveling with several of their regular chefs to ensure the meals they create at the Park Hyatt match the same standards as their famous restaurants abroad. For many, this will be their first visit to Saigon, and their eagerness to be here will certainly come across. As one-Michelin star Chef Ryohei Kawasaki told Saigoneer: “I’d like to use some of the local ingredients as much as I can and find a balance between bringing excitement to the local guests with new and fresh flavors, but also adapt to their preferred tastes and local produce.” The Japanese chef, with culinary training in the United States and Europe, will, therefore, be adding a hint of Vietnamese into his minimalist French-Japanese fusion cuisine during a four-course lunch and six-course gala dinner, both paired with Château de Chamirey wine on October 24th. Passion Week, the Park Hyatt Saigon’s largest annual event, is part of the Masters of Food & Wine series that takes place at Park Hyatt properties around the world. According to the luxury hotel, last year’s inaugural event made a great impression on local residents who rarely see such opulence in such a short time period, as well as foreigners who flew in for the experience. This year’s lineup suggests they can expect more of the same. All Passion Week details are available here For further information, please contact For further information and ticket sales, please contact +84 28 3520 2342 and email passionweek.saiph@hyatt.com Park Hyatt Saigon's website Park Hyatt Saigon's Email +84 28 3824 1234 Park Hyatt | 2 Lam Son Square, D.1, Ho Chi Minh City
Environment
With a long coastline and elaborate river systems, Vietnam’s water environment is extremely susceptible to pollution, which is caused by untreated waste that’s discarded straight into the water.
Music & Arts
Saigon is changing so quickly that people who were born here can feel as if they are returning to a foreign land after years away.
Roundups
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook . Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them into short, accessible links so you can easily keep up with current affairs.
Tech
Vingroup’s smartphone brand, VinSmart, has hit its third international market.
Roundups
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook . Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them into short, accessible links so you can easily keep up with current affairs.
Vietnam
A new report co-written by Google, Singapore government-backed Temasek Holdings, and US-based management consultancy Bain & Company looks at Southeast Asia’s six biggest markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
![[Photos] Monochrome Images Capture the Calmness of the Capital in 1939](https://media.urbanistnetwork.com/urbanisthanoi/article-images/2019/10/OHworldwars/HanoiLB1h.jpg)
Hanoi
The following monochrome images, taken by an unknown French photographer in 1939, capture peaceful moments in corners of the capital, from the city center to outlying villages.
Podcast
The latest Saigoneer Podcast is available now!
Hanoi
Perhaps Hanoi's Old Quarter streets won't be such a nightmare for pedestrians in the future.
Vietnam
More than two-thirds of people who drink at a nhậu session or restaurant admit to driving afterwards, contributing significantly to traffic accidents.
Roundups
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook . Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them into short, accessible links so you can easily keep up with current affairs.
Roundups
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook . Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them into short, accessible links so you can easily keep up with current affairs.
Saigon
Get ready, anyone who has to commute through Binh Thanh District.