Beyond the Treatment Room: How InterContinental Phu Quoc Adds Wellness to Every Hour of the Day

2026-09-09T08:45:00+07:00

True wellness demands more than an hour-long spa therapy or simple workout session; it involves a conscious awareness of living fully in every moment. At InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, every experience, from feeling the gentle ocean breeze wafting through corridors to wholesome, delicious meals to a peaceful night's sleep, all effortlessly come together to foster a gently balanced lifestyle.

Morning sets the tone

Wellness at InterContinental Phu Quoc begins with the first rays of sunlight. At Sora & Umi, breakfast is understood as the first act of nourishment. Fresh tropical fruits, freshly pressed detox drinks and balanced, nutrient-dense dishes are designed for vitality and clarity. Highlighted by a dedicated Green Corner, guests can fuel their days thoughtfully.

For those seeking gentle movement, sunrise yoga and Tai Chi by the beach offer quiet rituals to align body and breath alongside the island's natural pace. For guests looking to maintain their fitness routine, the gym centre provides a sunlit, fully equipped space to re-energise the body without pressure or competition.

A Sanctuary within the Sanctuary

After meandering down a lush, green-framed pathway, guests arrive at HARNN Heritage Spa and encounter a world entirely set apart. Sweeping bamboo architecture hovers over a tranquil lotus lagoon, while treatment pavilions suspended above the water evoke a sense of deep stillness.

Grounded in the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth) philosophy, each therapeutic journey here is an intuitive dialogue between the specialist and a guest's well-being. This experience concludes with the newly introduced Five Elements Wellness Afternoon Tea. Following each session, guests linger beside the lotus lagoon to enjoy a soothing cup of tea paired with wholesome, nutritious treats made with selected ingredients. The quietude extends one's sense of serene relaxation and restores inner radiance.

Architecture and nature as healers

In addition to specialised therapies, the resort’s open architectural design functions as a gentle bridge that returns guests to nature. From the moment one steps into the breezy, expansive lobby, sweeping views of the open ocean usher in an immediate sense of mental release. Airy walkways and open corridors allow cool sea breezes to circulate freely, while serene koi ponds throughout the grounds establish a peaceful, contemplative aesthetic.

This immersive connection with nature continues through the Botanical Walk. Unhurried strolls beneath tropical canopies, or simply wandering along the soft sands of Long Beach listening to the rhythmic cadence of the waves, are soothing for every sense.

Nourishment and deep rest

InterContinental Phu Quoc's philosophy of well-being extends to dining experiences across the resort's restaurants. Each dish begins with a selection of fresh, healthy ingredients, paired with aromatic herbs and vegetables harvested directly from the resort's garden. In addition to preparing for taste, the culinary team curates every menu to offer nutrient-rich, healthy options. Moreover, dedicated plant-based choices at every outlet ensure every guest's wellness lifestyle and dietary preferences are effortlessly embraced.

As evening falls, the guest rooms bestow the final gift of a perfect day. Here, rest is curated down to the finest detail, including a personalised Pillow Menu that tailors to individual comfort, and warm, soft lighting designed to soothe the eyes. Enclosed in absolute tranquillity, accompanied by the gentle murmur of distant waves, guests will drift into a deep, restorative sleep; recovered energy as ultimate form of physical and mental fulfilment.

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort's website

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort's Email

Phone +84 297 397 8888

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Phu Quoc Marina, Bãi Trường, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc, An Giang, Vietnam

Topas Ecolodge: A Crowd-Free Golden Season in Sapa

2026-08-28T09:08:10+07:00

The allure of a high-altitude escape is obvious: cloud-covered peaks, late sunlight dissolving into sunset, unmarked paths leading to beautiful views, and spontaneous encounters in sleepy mountain villages. During Sapa’s golden season, the rice terraces turn amber beneath the autumn light, creating one of Northern Vietnam’s most captivating landscapes. Yet the most iconic viewpoints are increasingly shared with thousands.

In recent years, Sapa has become busier than ever. The crowds of local and international tourists have transformed the once low-key destination, leaving many travelers in search of quieter ways to experience the area.

Perched on a conical mountaintop within Hoàng Liên Sơn National Park, Topas Ecolodge offers a quieter alternative for experiencing Sapa’s celebrated golden season. Far from the chaotic city center, the lodge is surrounded by mist-covered peaks, forested valleys and rice terraces.

As harvest approaches, the mountains turn gold. Across Sapa, travellers gather at the most famous viewpoints to capture selfies in front of the changing landscape. At Topas Ecolodge, the experience can be more intimate and meaningful. The landscape stretches uninterrupted in every direction, while the sounds of traffic and city life have been swallowed by the wind, replaced by birdsong.

The lodge’s 50 granite bungalows and villas are scattered along the ridgeline, allowing nature to take centre stage. The structure's simple, natural design reflects the character of the mountains, with stone, timber and wide openings framing the valley beyond. Without televisions or unnecessary distractions, each room provides a placid vantage point for watching clouds gather over the peaks and sunlight move slowly across the terraces.

This sense of space is central to the Topas experience. Privacy, fresh air and hours without interruption typify days occupied by books, balconies and perceptable weather patterns.

Curving trails lead from the lodge into the Nậm Cang Valley along the mountainside, allowing guests an up-close experience with the changing rice. Paths pass through forests, streams and ethnic minority villages. Removed from the commodifying impact of mass tourism, the harvest's centuries-old importance to daily life becomes clearer.

The surrounding landscape demands attention. Farmers tending field pause to welcome their children returning from school while homes prepare for the harvest. These unplanned moments allow guests to have a more human understanding of the region that cannot be accounted for on any itenerary.

Back at the lodge, twin infinity pools offer uninterrupted views across the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range. Water, cloud and mountain intermingle above the valley as if the earth is flaunting its diversity of elements. Later, a traditional Red Dao herbal bath, prepared with plants from the surrounding forest, brings warmth and relief after a day on the trails.

remTopas Ecolodge'sote, restorative and deeply connected ethos constitutes an ideal way to encounter Sapa. As the holiday season approaches, it offers the rare luxury of witnessing the mountains at their most luminous, while remaining far enough from the crowds to hear the silence between them.

Topas Ecolodge's website

Topas Ecolodge's Email

Phone +84 (0) 962011165

Topas Ecolodge, Lech Dao Village, Ban Ho Commune, Lao Cai Province

A New Approach to MICE at InterContinental Phu Quoc

2026-08-13T19:50:00+07:00

As Phú Quốc prepares for APEC 2027, the island is receiving greater attention as a destination for international business travel, incentive programmes and regional gatherings. For InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, the timing is especially relevant.

Set along the island’s western coast, the resort brings together professional event infrastructure with privacy, wellness, dining and a strong sense of place. The result is a MICE proposition designed to go beyond meetings and consider how the entire journey feels.

Spaces designed for purpose

InterContinental Phu Quoc offers more than 2,000 square metres of flexible event space for conferences, executive meetings, incentive programmes and corporate celebrations.

At its center, the Magnolia Ballroom accommodates up to 500 guests and can transition from plenary sessions and product launches to gala dinners. Smaller meeting and breakout rooms provide more focused environments for executive discussions, while landscaped lawns and beachfront settings allow programmes to move outdoors for receptions, team activities and informal gatherings.

The strength lies not simply in scale, but in flexibility. Different spaces can be shaped around different moments of the agenda, allowing an event to move and change naturally throughout the day.

Beyond the meeting room

The resort’s MICE proposition extends well beyond formal sessions.

Accommodation, meetings, dining, wellness and leisure all occur within one destination, giving planners greater freedom to build a more connected experience.

A morning strategy session might move into lunch overlooking the island, followed by an afternoon activity, dinner beneath the distinctive bamboo architecture of LAVA and sunset cocktails at INK 360 overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

For multi-day meetings, these transitions create valuable space for informal exchange, allowing conversations and relationships to develop beyond the structure of the formal agenda.

Where business meets leisure

Business travel itself is changing.

The conversation is no longer only about rooms, meeting space and logistics. Travellers increasingly expect journeys that feel seamless, rewarding and well considered, whether they are travelling for business, leisure or both.

At InterContinental Phu Quoc, delegates can move seamlessly from focused business time into dining, wellness, curated activities or time by the sea. Those extending their stay can transition easily into a leisure experience without changing destination.

For those choosing to stay longer, this flexibility turns a business trip into a more rewarding journey, with time to enjoy the resort and discover more of Phú Quốc at their own pace.

Dining as part of the experience

Food and beverage becomes another way to inform the aesthetic of an event.

Working lunches at Sora & Umi can keep the day relaxed yet productive, while LAVA offers a distinctive evening setting beneath its dramatic bamboo structure. At INK 360, rooftop cocktails or private receptions create a memorable closing moment against the island’s horizon.

Even coffee breaks can feel more considerate, drawing on locally inspired flavors, seasonal ingredients and plant-based selections. Instead of simply supporting the agenda, dining becomes part of how delegates experience the destination.

Wellbeing and responsible gatherings

Wellbeing is also becoming more relevant as companies rethink what productive business travel should look like.

Here, focused meeting time can be balanced with wellness experiences, outdoor activities and quieter moments to recharge between sessions.

Sustainability is another consideration. Through IHG’s Meeting for Good approach, the resort incorporates more responsible practices into event planning, including efforts to reduce waste and unnecessary single-use items, while introducing locally sourced and plant-based menu options where appropriate.

These efforts form part of a broader commitment to responsible hospitality, recognised with the Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED™ distinction by Forbes Travel Guide.

Looking ahead to APEC 2027

APEC 2027 will bring greater international attention to Phú Quốc, while also accelerating the island’s emergence as a destination for business travel and high-level gatherings.

And as travel becomes more experience-led, InterContinental Phu Quoc is well positioned for this shift, combining flexible meeting infrastructure with thoughtful hospitality, privacy, dining and wellness in a distinctive island setting.

For planners, the appeal lies in that balance: a place where business purpose and destination experience come together naturally, shaped by the character of Phú Quốc.

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort's website

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort's Email

Phone +84 297 397 8888

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Phu Quoc Marina, Bãi Trường, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc, An Giang, Vietnam

Hidden in Plain View, Đà Nẵng’s Keepsake Serves Stories of Distant Travels

2026-08-08T10:00:00+07:00

Why do people travel? In seeking out new sights, experiences, and conversations, we hope to change and return to our homes with new perspectives or understandings. But what is change without proof? Thus, an entire industry of souvenirs, mementos, and memorabilia. These keepsakes allow us to remember where we went and what we did, and by extension, who we have become.

We may think of photos, jewelry, clothing, or ornaments when we hear the word keepsake, but if we hold onto it closely enough, a clear memory can be a form of keepsake. To create such lasting memories, you need the right conditions: profound emotion, clarity of the senses, and a deep connection with place, person, or moment.

With travelers in mind, Đà Nẵng’s Keepsake provides the intimate setting and enriching cocktails that can foster vivid recollections of not just where you were but how you felt at the time. Whether it's a single night during a journey far from home or a frequent stop near where you live, the speakeasy endeavors offer a sense of discovery in a space that feels like a comforting livingroom.

One passes through Ky Vat, literally and spiritually, to enter Keepsake.

But to reach it you must first travel through Ky Vat, a Vietnamese restaurant on the ground floor that prepares local dishes with a preference for Đà Nẵng's ingredients and flavors. Driven by a desire to honor but not simply re-create favorite dishes, the menu balances surprise with comfort. The inviting space, accented by subtle artwork, operates with a casualness the bar above replaces with intimacy.

Ky Vat's dishes involve unexpected flourishes on familiar items.

At the forefront of the Keepsake experience is a cocktail menu that pays tribute to eight different countries. They might remind you of previous travels, thus serving as long-lost keepsakes you didn’t know you could hold. Or they might accompany new ideas of places you’ve yet to reach. Each signature cocktail’s ingredients and stories are tied to a place and time, with room for you to make your own associations.

Nero 1919 (left), Siam Colada (right).

Nero 1919 conjures Italy’s old-world elegance and stately charm with cocoa gin, Campari, Fabbri cherry, and orange. The classic cocktail grants you images of cafes, evenings overlooking piazzas, and a ritual drink before dinner. In contrast, the Siam Colada is a bright, warm, and novel drink bursting with fresh energy. Tropical fruits, rum, coconut foam and roasted rice will place you beside beach sunsets, Thai night markets, and escapist holidays.

Yuzu Silk(left), C’est la Vie (center) and Chai & Tonic (right).

Japan’s timeless grace, epitomized by Kyoto’s gardens and dimly lit Tokyo snack bars, inspires the Yuzu Silk. Japanese whisky, yuzu, cane sugar and egg white foam will give you imagined experiences dripping in Japan’s meticulously managed sense of cool. Meanwhile, C’est la Vie is a Parisian celebration of impermanence and jubilation. Sparkling wine, lavender, cassis cream, and blackberry caviar will remind you of French fields in bloom and the fleeting hours one has to savor them. The Chai & Tonic embraces a far steadier routine, with India’s famous daily tea joined by gin, elderflower tonic and lime. The spicy, refreshing cocktail encapsulates the country’s quixotic streets filled with stalls, spice stands and energy.

If you want to hold a memory of Mexico, you must have tequila. The nation’s beloved liquor is at the core of Mi Corazón, along with sapodilla, coriander, lime and chili salt; it's a vivacious confetti fit for street snacks, warm nights and warmer celebrations. Images of even later nights come courtesy of Midnight Bingsu. You can picture empty Seoul streets bathed in neon where isolation is soothed by soju, vodka, Midori blueberry, and fresh mango as if an all-night dessert cafe has been opened just for you.

Mi Corazón (left) and Good Morning Vietnam (left)

Finally, you must place yourself in Vietnam. With a nod to the morning awaiting you, and the many joys it will surely contain, you can order a Good Morning Vietnam. Locally produced Aged Sampan rum infiltrates the Vietnamese coffee and condensed milk for a comforting twist on the nation’s most global drink. Perhaps your mind will drift back to your first morning in Vietnam, and you’ll be able to taste the unrivaled sense of anticipation that accompanied you in each sweet, strong swallow.

Keepsake’s menu, which evolves with the seasons to embrace new moods and stories is only part of ensuring a lasting memory. The ambiance and space create an intimate setting where time feels untethered to any geographical location. Vintage furniture, hard wooden floors, soft pillows and softer light allow guests to feel both comfortable and without specific placement on any map. Messages left in notebooks, portraits of mysterious figures and eclectically filled bookshelves invite explorations beyond the menu items. The experience becomes all the more profound when it follows a charming meal at Ky Vat below.

Meanwhile, Keepsake’s staff goes to great lengths to ensure a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with enough refined and mysterious touches to impart new feelings and a sense that you’ve discovered something special not everyone knows about. The mixologists maintain a warm and friendly presence along with the expertise for drinks with carefully selected, fresh, and premium ingredients. Like every good keepsake, a visit should stay with you as something personal that you can tuck away and return to for fond feelings whenever you’d like

Keepsake's website

Keepsake's Facebook

+84 868 569 353

Keepsake| 56A Lê Hồng Phong, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

InterContinental Transforms Hạ Long Bay Experiences via Ultra-Luxury

2026-08-02T17:28:00+07:00

While the natural geography of Hạ Long Bay remains the same stupefying assemblage of pre-Cambrian limestone karst islands that aroused awe amongst the first humans to arrive in Vietnam, tourism here has changed radically. From sleepy coves that were once difficult to explore, to an exploited “must-see” stop on international tour itineraries, the area is entering a new era thanks to InterContinental Halong Bay and its ultra-luxurious, “resort-within-a-resort” Halong Bay Estate.

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort transforms local and international guests’ understanding of the bay from a “cruise-and-go” experience into one that provides deep relaxation and exploration from a base of immersive luxury. This is possible because of the resort’s location and space. Spanning a massive 2,200 square meters of white sand, it offers panoramic, unobstructed views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Views of the beach from Halong Bay Estate's shaded private pools.

Understated elegance and open space in the bedroom.

The unobstructed sea views, which allow guests to witness the bay’s grandeur immediately upon waking, are, of course, the highlight of any stay. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and expansive open-air terraces conflate the iconic limestone towers and emerald waters with the interiors. The six-bed room brings this experience to multi-generational families, close groups of friends, special occasion celebrators, or executives in search of an ultra-exclusive retreat, while other room types cater to different group sizes and needs.

With such spectacular surroundings, interior design shouldn’t try to attract too much attention to itself. World-renowned Wimberly Interiors took a “less is more” approach while ensuring every design choice and detail is of the highest quality. With an aesthetic described as “contemporary reinterpretation of local lore,” the rooms draw inspiration from rustic geographies. Rugged stone and rich organic elements, including wooden textures, are paired with polished surfaces and accents so the outdoors and indoors transition into one another seamlessly and comfortably. Flawless acoustic insulation ensures absolutely quiet interiors for good nights of sleep, but guests can also fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves by opening their private balconies.

InterContinental lounge's heated pool overlooks the serene bay.

The lobby's first impression is made via the imposing karsts in the distance.

The game room provides bountiful fun and distraction.

A full range of elevated amenities encourages guests to extend stays so they can spend more time within their rooms to balance hours on private tours of the bay and visits to floating villages. The Halong Bay Estate Villa features a private spa, sauna, gym, cinema room, game room, library, and an outdoor infinity pool that spills into the ocean. After a restorative treatment at Hidden Lagoon Spa, there is nothing better than the comfort of oneself in a private space overlooking the sun easing onto the stone-accented waters, glass of champagne in hand.

Yulong Mansion serves Cantonese fare in an unassuming setting.

Roku pairs precise preparations with the surrounding scenery.

Sophisticated culinary opportunities are another example of how InterContinental Halong Bay revolutionizes a visit to Hạ Long Bay. Guests can savour refined Cantonese fare at the Chinese restaurant Yulong Mansion, or Japanese cuisine at Roku, as both deliver elite gastronomy experiences without ever leaving the property. The Halong Bay Estate Villa further amplifies the decadence with a private chef who crafts customized menus from breakfast to evening cocktails.

A manicured calm occupies each space and corner at InterContinental.

Hạ Long Bay will forever be known, first and foremost, as home to some of the Earth’s most astounding natural formations and views. No human construction or accomplishment can ever compare, yet InterContinental provides a new way to understand how grace, luxury, and opulence can accompany it elegantly. As the Halong Bay Estate exemplifies, a self-contained sanctuary, bolstered by the global luxury hospitality standards expected from IHG’s world-renowned service, guests now have a whole new way of embracing the bay. Indeed, a new era of hospitality has risen on the so-called “descending dragon.”

InterContinental Halong Bay's website

InterContinental Halong Bay's Email

+84-203-3828888

InterContinental Halong Bay, Marina Urban Area, Bãi Cháy, Quảng Ninh 200000, Vietnam

At MÀU - Gastro Wine Bar, Each Dish Has Its Own Color

2026-07-21T05:10:00+07:00

In every restaurant, dishes listed in the menu often take on their own personalities that reflect the entire culinary space and its founders. At MÀU - Gastro Wine Bar, such dishes are Chẩm Chéo Agnolotti Del Plin and Stracciatella Cheese.

MÀU creates with color as observed in this simple, but bright dessert.

Founded by sommelier Triết Nguyễn, the restaurant is named after the Vietnamese word for “color”, which expresses its location and broader philosophy. Located opposite the culturally significant Temple of Literature and surrounded by streets closely tied to painting and colors, MÀU serves as an intersection of art, culinary excellence, and wine.

The MÀU team in front of the restaurant.

Triết shared that, “The Chẩm Chéo ravioli clearly reflects how my team and I approach gastronomy: respecting local ingredients and authentic flavors, yet presenting them through a fresh, contemporary lens.”

Crafted by Head Chef Long Nguyễn and his culinary team, the dish embodies the intersection of global influences and Vietnamese heritages, offering a familiar but unexpected experience.

The Chẩm Chéo features handmade ravioli filled with beef ragu and velvety cream cheese, balanced by naturally sweet vegetable consommé. The finishing touch comes from chẩm chéo oil, a beloved condiment from Vietnam's Northwest, which adds aromatic complexity while imbuing the dish with a distinctive local identity. Paired with one of the wines selected by Triết, a WSET Level 3-certified sommelier brings the dish to life with remarkable vibrancy. As a cohesive whole, it captures the harmony and depth of flavour that he and his team seek to express in every creation.

MÀU’s bright and colorful stracciatella cheese.

As for the stracciatella cheese, MÀU’s version provides a creative twist by featuring green sorbet in the middle of the cheese, served alongside refreshing tomatoes and green grapes. The dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and a playful medley of colors: the pristine white of the cheese, the vibrant red of the tomatoes, and the fresh green of the grapes. Thus, the stracciatella also embodies the free, diverse, and inspiring spirit of MÀU - Gastro Wine Bar.

The bold combination of ingredients at MÀU reveals a culinary mindset without borders. Refusing to be confined by conventional boundaries, MÀU is always eager for guests who seek novelty, freedom, and rich inspiration.

MÀU - Gastro Wine Bar's website

MÀU - Gastro Wine Bar's Facebook

"MÀU - Gastro Wine Bar's Instagram

MÀU - Gastro Wine Bar, 5 P. Văn Miếu, Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám, Hanoi/p>

Why Phú Quốc's Summer Is Ideal for a Family Retreat

2026-07-08T09:04:00+07:00

For even the busiest family, summer can be fun and effortless if you plan it right. Avoiding crowded beaches and abandoning tightly packed summer schedules, summer in Phú Quốc offers a carefree holiday. Slow days that don't adhere to commotion and chaos, and instead embrace passing showers and soft light, allow families of all shapes and sizes to slow down, enjoying unhurried breakfasts, lazy afternoons, and enchanting sunsets over the water.

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort offers families a comfortable place to experience the island's quieter, less populated side. Meanwhile, the resort is designed as a self-contained beachfront retreat, where parents and children can enjoy different experiences and moments that make a journey feel full without needing to plan every hour of the day.

For young guests, Planet Trekkers Children’s Club creates a world of discovery with indoor and outdoor activities designed for children aged four to 12. Depending on the day, children can take part in creative workshops, traditional Vietnamese games, and nature-inspired activities. Kids Can Cook is another highlight, inviting little ones to explore local ingredients and learn simple dishes under the guidance of the resort’s culinary team.

When the weather is clear, families can spend time by the pool, enjoy games by the beach, or take part in outdoor activities around the resort. When tropical rain showers pass through, the day can continue with movie time at The Theatre, creative classes, cooking experiences, or games at The Hideout, a relaxed space designed for older children and teenagers. Such diversity of activities encourages guests to appreciate the island's summer weather and the freedom in gained from putting the day in the hands of the winds.

Meanwhile, the resort allows parents to slow down without compromising their children’s enjoyment. While younger guests are engaged in supervised activities, adults can enjoy a quiet meal, a moment by the pool, or a treatment at HARNN Heritage Spa. Set beside the Lotus Lagoon, the spa offers a calm wellness experience inspired by Asian healing traditions, making it well-suited to travellers looking for renewal rather than a tightly scheduled holiday.

Dining also plays an important role in a family's summer experience. Relaxed meals by the sea, vibrant and familiar Vietnamese flavours, fresh seafood dinners, and rooftop moments exemplify how the resort offers a great variety for different ages and occasions. A single day on a family holiday can effortlessly include a leisurely breakfast, an afternoon cooking class, and a dinner followed by movie time with popcorn in the resort's theatre.

Accommodation quality and flexibility is another practical strength at InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort. Families can choose from spacious rooms, suites, residences, and villas, with options designed for larger groups or longer stays. The Family Suite, located close to the children’s club and family pool, for example, gives parents and children room to stay together while still enjoying personal space.

What makes Phú Quốc compelling in summer is not the promise of perfect weather every day. It is the chance to experience the island without expectations or assumptions about the perfect schedule. Moments for the beach can be exchanged effortlessly with moments of retreat and rest. Children can explore while parents find space to pause. For families who want a tropical holiday that feels restful rather than rushed, the green season may be exactly the right time to go.

To make the experience more seamless, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort has introduced the Family Getaway offer, which features dining experiences, a cooking class, family movie nights, and full days of excitement for children at Kids Camp. The offer is designed for families looking to enjoy Phú Quốc with comfort, ease, and meaningful time together.

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort's website

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort's Email

Phone +84 297 397 8888

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Phu Quoc Marina, Bãi Trường, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc, An Giang, Vietnam

Fusionlife Rewards Programme Celebrates its 2nd Anniversary with 2,222 Complimentary Room Nights

2026-06-29T09:15:00+07:00

Luxury wellness brand Fusion is celebrating the second anniversary of its Fusionlife loyalty programme by giving away 2,222 complimentary room nights across its hotels and resorts in Vietnam and Thailand.

From July 1 to 15, new Fusionlife members who book a three-night stay will receive the third night complimentary at participating properties for stays through December 31, 2026.

Fusionlife members enjoy curated wellness activities, Fusion’s signature “breakfast anywhere, anytime” service, and a range of exclusive benefits, including up to 25% off dining and spa treatments, stay credits, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, guaranteed late check-out until 2 pm, and room upgrades subject to availability.

“We are witnessing a shift in the industry. Guests are actively seeking out a more personal approach and becoming more loyal to brands that focus on tailored experiences. The best loyalty programmes are not just about rewarding guests but also about creating meaningful connections. This is what makes Fusion different and why Fusionlife has become a success,” said David Roberts, Chief Operating Officer at Fusion Hotel Group.

Launched in June 2024, Fusionlife has secured a footprint of more than 25,000 members globally, with the top five nationalities being Vietnamese, South Korean, Chinese, Australian and American.

The opening of Grand Royal Riverside Hue - Fusion Collection, LÈGACY Hanoi - A Fusion Original, and Ixora Grand Ho Tram - Fusion Collection in 2026 marks another important step in Fusion’s journey. The expanded portfolio reinforces the brand’s presence in Vietnam’s most sought-after destinations and also increases choice and flexibility for Fusionlife members, further enhancing the programme’s overall value.

Participating properties include Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang, Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, The Ocean Resort by Fusion Quy Nhon, Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion in Hue, LÈGACY Ha Noi – A Fusion Original, Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection, Fusion Original Saigon Centre, Fusion Suites Saigon, Fusion Suites Vung Tau, HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong, HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong New City, and Glow hotels and resorts in Thailand.

Fusion is a leader of wellness-inspired hospitality brands in Vietnam, managing 19 properties in Vietnam and Thailand and expanding to open new hotels and resorts in the region.

Family-Friendly Summer Vacations Made Easy at Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay

2026-06-26T09:41:00+07:00

The ripening of sweet jackfruit, mangosteen and mangos; hammocks swinging gently in patches of cool shade; and evenings that stretch on with the comfort of knowing there is no alarm clock waiting the next morning: summer arrives as opportunity. When school holidays begin, families scramble to adjust schedules and secure care and activities, creating the potential to carve out some time for a vacation to savor fresh air, explore thrills, and simply bond as a family in a beautiful destination.

Intended to rejuvenate and reduce stress, if not considered carefully, vacations have the potential to be an onerous undertaking rife with planning chores and the challenges of satisfying all members of a large, diverse group. You could spend more time searching websites, creating itineraries and fretting over people’s comfort than actually relaxing. Instead, to ensure a trip where a warm and carefree atmosphere fosters wholesome togetherness, many families select a destination built for such activities.

Phú Quốc long ago shook off its sleepy fishing village and colonial turtle harvesting reputation to position itself as one of Vietnam’s leading spots for clean beaches, crystal-clear water, fresh air, and an abundance of family-friendly activities. An expanded airport, theatre, conference center and infrastructure developments ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit next year, combined with measures to protect tourists, all underscore the nation’s commitment to establishing Phú Quốc as one of the nation’s premier vacation destinations.

First-time visitors to Phú Quốc are often surprised at its size. At 575 square kilometers, the island is large enough for different areas to have developed particular priorities, and selecting a location that best suits your family’s interests is essential. Positioned on the northwestern side of the island, famed for its sunsets, Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, is suited to parents who want to avoid tiresome planning and the rambunctious travelers that stay closer to the town in the south. Simply pack comfortable clothes and sunscreen and then, from days at the theme parks to restaurants with a wide selection of meals for all preferences, the destination makes everything else seamless.

Staying on the northern part of the island places you just minutes away from a multitude of local attractions, including the safari, theme parks, and Grand World night market. For fresh air and a touch of nature, sim, pepper and bee farms are nearby as is the national park. Such accessibility makes vacation days particularly easy; just decide what time you want to wake up for a delicious, complimentary buffet breakfast and then head out for a day of unfettered smiles and giggles.

Of course, you don’t need to leave the resort to ensure you make the most of your vacation. Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay features many kid-friendly activities on-site, including indoor and outdoor kids clubs, workshops, outdoor games, and a cozy game room for the warmest hours of the day. While children are busy making the most of their unencumbered youths, parents can also enjoy days without meetings, tasks, and deadlines by visiting the Hoa Sim spa, 24-hour gym or library corner as well as head off to the nearby golf course.

The most enticing attraction of all at Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay is obvious: the ocean. Seen from the beachfront resort’s spacious balconies and large windows, the sea is a shimmering skein of impermanence, its waves wistful reminders of the preciousness of each lifespan. But crossing the private beach’s soft sand and diving into its subtle currents transforms the sea from an imposing metaphor to a place for splashing, floating, and playing. The pleasures of cool water on hot days don’t require the ocean, however. Outdoor pools, including one designated for children, offer the joys of swimming while hearing the soft crash of waves, without the sand, salt, and undertows.

Whether you spend your day at an amusement park, lounging on the beach, or sitting at a table playing board games with your family, you are certain to work up an appetite. Another particular joy of vacation is not having to cook and wash dishes, and Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay makes it even easier via its range of dining options that satisfy different moods and preferences. To truly feel like you are at the beach, you will surely desire something caught fresh from the ocean. The Horizons Restaurant & Bar, a cozy, refined setting for intimate dining and small celebrations, offers a rotating semi-buffet dinner that showcases the flavors of Vietnam, Korea, Japan, France, and Italy, with each evening presenting a thoughtful selection of dishes inspired by each cuisine. Meanwhile, the Amber Sands Beach Club serves fresh, locally sourced Vietnamese seafood in a relaxed atmosphere with a beachfront view. A private BBQ dinner can be arranged in your villa to add another layer of specialness and inclusion to your family vacation experience.

Summers, like childhoods, are short and vacations are rare. Selecting a family resort in Phú Quốc ensures one makes the absolute most of the privilege. Thanks to Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay’s comfortable, spacious rooms, stunning sunset views of a private beach, easy access to kid-friendly activities, an inviting spa, and delicious food, staying at the resort is like approaching the holiday on “easy mode.” All you need to worry about is taking a lot of photos to remember the joyous occasion.

Summer in Phú Quốc awaits with Room Offers at Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc

Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay's website

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(+84) 297 3683 999

Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, Bai Dai Area, Phú Quốc, An Giang, Vietnam

The Art of Wellness Graces La Veranda Resort Phú Quốc – MGallery

2026-06-23T11:01:00+07:00

In a world that moves ahead at a breakneck pace, true luxury is no longer defined by excess, but by the ability to pause, rest, and feel restored. This summer, La Veranda Resort Phú Quốc – MGallery invites travellers to rediscover wellbeing through The House of Summer during a season shaped by gentle rituals, coastal calm, and meaningful moments of renewal.

Set on the tranquil shores of Phú Quốc Island, La Veranda offers more than a tropical escape. Inspired by the elegance of a seaside mansion, the resort creates an atmosphere where wellness happens naturally via light-filled mornings, tropical gardens, ocean air, and the soothing pace of island life. Here, every detail is designed to help guests reconnect with themselves.

Your summer schedule can be simple: begin the day with sunrise yoga as golden light filters through the palms; walk barefoot along the beach while the sea remains still and quiet; and spend slow afternoons by the pool, nourished by wholesome cuisine crafted with fresh ingredients. As evening arrives, allow the sunset to become a form of meditation, with the soft skies and gentle waves assuring you that you have nowhere else to be.

At the heart of this experience is TĨNH Wellness Sanctuary, La Veranda’s award-winning wellness haven dedicated to balance, restoration, and inner calm. Thoughtfully designed treatments and holistic therapies invite guests to release tension, reset energy, and return to a more centered state of mind.

For those seeking a curated wellness journey together, the resort is offering the signature Wellness Hers & His Retreat. It is a special, restorative experience designed for couples or companions. This 3 Days / 2 Nights escape (USD 535++) package includes elegant accommodation, daily breakfast, round-trip airport transfers, and a one-day wellness program at TĨNH Wellness Sanctuary. Guests may choose between a Detox Journey or a Burn-out Recovery Journey, featuring yoga, therapeutic body treatments, nourishing wellness cuisine, meditation, and mindful rituals tailored to restore body and mind.

Whether travelling to reconnect with a loved one or simply to reclaim personal balance, La Veranda offers a summer where wellbeing is beautifully woven into every stay.

Explore La Veranda Resort's Summer Offers here.

La Veranda's website

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La Veranda's Email

Phone Number: +84 (0) 297 3982 988

La Veranda | Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong Beach, Phu Quoc

Eight Moments that Make a Journey Feel Full

2026-06-03T11:50:00+07:00

We remember some trips as checklists of sights and experiences, while others remain as nebulous feelings of peace and an enduring calm.

On the shores of Bãi Trường, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort has spent eight years cultivating these states of mind by foregrounding the location's warmth through its hospitality standards. Small and large actions have allowed the resort to become one of Phú Quốc’s most cherished resorts.

To mark its eighth anniversary, the resort has compiled eight defining moments that come together to make a complete day that exemplifies the rich, unhurried beauty of island living.

Graceful arrival

Every holiday beneath a bright island sky begins with a familiar “Xin Chào,” a cool welcome drink and an inviting arrival team. In the open lobby, where the sea takes almost immediate attention, the fatigue of travel evaporates. From this point forward, the day is a matter of accepting an invitation to settle in, breathe deeply, and let Phú Quốc work its charms.

Island calm

Against the sea's vast blue, InterContinental Phu Quoc feels immense and open. Soft coastal light and fresh air prance across the resort's tropical gardens, shaded pathways, and sandy beach.

Walking through the grounds triggers childhood wonder. Birds calling amongst the palm fronds and gardenias accented with morning dew suggest a different way to absorb one's surroundings. The resort allows for a more sincere relationship with the world if given time and space.

Effortless Renewal

Past a shaded pathway and down a few quiet steps, HARNN Heritage Spa serves as a sanctuary held within bamboo architecture. Treatment rooms poised above a lotus pond, Eastern healing traditions, and the harmony of the Five Elements culminate in an experience beyond indulgences.

After a long flight or days spent in motion, treatments allow one to reacquaint oneself with the soul's inner-tufting. The body and mind achieve greater balance as one reconnects with a sense of calm that had campered away unnoticed.

Communal warmth

InterContinental Phu Quoc provides obvious means of connection: a table set with sunrays and good food or the close susurrus of ocean waves while surrounded by loved ones.

By the pools, beneath tropical trees or under the bamboo canopy of Ombra restaurant, conversations drift between old stories and new ideas while children laugh. Such seemingly simple afternoons seem to return time and time again to guests after they depart the island.

Welcome discovery

Within the resort’s tropical gardens, the Botanical Walk invites guests to enjoy leisurely strolls that reward curious, attentive minds. Along stone paths shaded by greenery, birds sing in the canopy while plants unfurl without expectations of an audience.

There is no grand effort offered by the scene or required to enjoy it. The beauty of time here lies in simply noticing: a flower after rain, a branch stirred by the wind, a patch of light resting on the dirt, and the feeling of grace nuzzling against the afternoon's fabric.

Sunset glow

As daylight dissipates, guests gravitate toward INK 360 on the 19th floor, Phú Quốc’s highest rooftop bar and one of InterContinental Phu Quoc’s most evocative evening locations. Embracing a fantastic Kraken-inspired universe, logic and reason feel suspended here between sea, sky, and one's imagination.

The most stirring moment arrives when golden light coagulates over the water, and the sky slowly deepens in color. With a creative cocktail in hand, sweet at first and gently spiced at the finish, the experience doubles down on the phenomenal.

Evening romance

If INK 360's energy is one of nightfall, LAVA holds the evening’s flames. Set by the sand beneath sweeping bamboo arches, the resort’s signature restaurant is a stage for coastal dining. Firelight, sea breeze, and the soothing contours of the shore shape the mood before the first course arrives.

“Dinner with Chef Dung” is one of LAVA’s most memorable experiences. Incorporating local ingredients and a strong sense of place, each course brings a refined surprise that allows Phú Quốc’s flavours to insist upon their presence. They are the perfect pleasure to accompany a night spent close to the sea.

Deep rest

The day’s final generous gesture is a sea-facing room prepared for deep rest. Soft bedding, warm light, gentle music, and the distant sound of waves create a private sense of fulfillment after a day filled with movement, flavor, and feeling.

Nothing about the space is excessive, and every detail has been placed with care. The room is thus a pause before morning brings the first light through the window and island life begins again.

The beauty of eight years

Eight years is more than an anniversary. For InterContinental Phu Quoc, it marks the maturity of a style of hospitality developed through patience, consistency, and an instinct for care. This occasion is celebrated in small details, experiences made with grace, and refined moments that will stay with each guest.

For this special milestone, the resort invites guests to return to Bãi Trường through the “Eight Years of Sea Grace” package. It is an invitation to begin the day with the sea, to experience moments of calm, and to close the evening with sunset, dining, and meaningful connections. The experience celebrates eight years and the rare luxury of time well spent.

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort's website

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort's Email

Phone +84 297 397 8888

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Phu Quoc Marina, Bãi Trường, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc, An Giang, Vietnam

La Veranda Resort Phú Quốc – MGallery: A House Called Summer

2026-05-22T10:26:27+07:00

There is a mansion on the southwest shores of Phú Quốc where summer never really ends. La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc – MGallery — named Asia's Leading Boutique Resort at the 2025 World Travel Awards and among Vietnam's Top 10 Best Resorts by the 2025 DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards — was fashioned by founder Madame Catherine as an ode to the graceful Indochine style of her youth. Though seventy-three rooms lie within, the property is more like a house than a hotel.

That distinction as a homey abode is clear from the moment you arrive, as your welcome drink is poured, and as you enter your room to find a handwritten letter credited to Madame Catherine resting on the four-post bed. The Ocean Suite, 73sqm of elegance, separate living and dining areas, private sea-view terrace, and a soaking bathtub that deserves your afternoon, begins at USD320++ per night.

Days at La Veranda feel curated rather than happenstance: morning yoga at the Yoga Shala, afternoon tea and bites at Le Bar, evening wine receptions on the terrace, and the weekly highlight - a cooking class with a chef at the beach's edge. Guests also enjoy Al fresco breakfasts at Le Jardin and candlelit dinners at The Peppertree, as attended to by taff who anticipate before being asked for attention. For those drawn to the garden, the Deluxe Garden begins from USD 195++ per night.

When one's mind and body yerns for inacivity, the Summer Hers & His at TĨNH Wellness Sanctuary, Vietnam's #1 Best Hotel Spa, according to Travel + Leisure 2025, offers a 3-day, 2-night Detox or Burnout Recovery retreat from USD 535++ per couple.

Come find summer where it begins, ends and is in a perpetual state of continuing, a veritable ouroboros of summer, at La Veranda at La Veranda Resort Summer Offers.

For inquiries and reservations, please contact:
Phone: +84 (0) 297 3982 988
Email: contact@laverandaresorts.com

La Veranda's website

La Veranda's Facebook

La Veranda's Email

Phone Number: +84 (0) 297 3982 988

La Veranda | Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong Beach, Phu Quoc

A Summer Escape Just Outside Saigon

2026-05-19T09:52:00+07:00

Summer often evokes images of journeys to distant locales far removed from familiar routines so as to rediscover the feeling of true rest. Yet amid peak travel seasons, rising transportation costs, and increasingly exhausting journeys, more families are embracing the idea of retreats closer to the city.

A getaway can still feel private, tranquil, and distinct enough to offer complete relaxation, especially when nature and a slower pace of life are only a short riverside journey from central Saigon.

During the 25-minute journey from central Saigon by speedboat or car, the atmosphere gradually transforms. The sounds of the city fade and make room for rustling leaves, cool breezes drifting across the water, and endless shades of green lining the riverbanks.

Gently placed along the Saigon River, the retreat feels like a secluded oasis with shaded pathways, tranquil waters, and open spaces designed to welcome sunlight and fresh air. Riverside villas, built with warm wood and natural stone, allow daylight to filter gently through expansive windows while river breezes move through every corner.

Private pool villas create an intimate and secluded retreat where the experience of slowing down begins within the comfort of one’s own space.

Mornings here begin with birdsong and the first light of day shimmering across the river. Families can wake together, and enjoy uninterrupted moments beside one another, free from the constant hammering of daily obligations

Summer at An Lâm is not beholden to packed itineraries or tireless schedules. Instead, each day is a matter of instinct and acceptance. Children can explore lush gardens, join hands-on craft activities, or tend herbs and vegetables in the organic garden. For adults, it may be an early morning yoga session by the river, a few quiet moments of meditation surrounded by trees, a leisurely afternoon tea, or a slow sunset cruise along the Saigon River.

It is often these simple moments that foster the most meaningful connections between family members.

Without elaborate plans or distant destinations, summer sometimes becomes simply about being closer to one another. Small moments take on new meaning while revealing just how distant the daily grind can make us.

As evening gently falls, the retreat transforms beneath warm golden light. The riverside setting grows even more peaceful; the most beautiful time of day for families to gather together.

At Sen Restaurant, dinner is as languid as the breeze. Familiar Vietnamese flavors are prepared using local ingredients and presented with refinement and understated elegance. Amid soft music and conversations flowing around the table, the setting is soft enough to appreciate each other’s presence.

Cruising along the river at sunset offers another quiet moment to embrace the beauty of life beside the Saigon River.

Beyond being a place to unwind, An Lâm Retreats Saigon River also offers opportunities to connect more deeply with the local culture and spirit of the surrounding region. Just a short journey from the retreat, guests may discover traditional ceramic villages, visit historical landmarks, or experience the less-encumbered riverside life. Vietnamese heritage is naturally woven into every experience, from the architecture and cuisine to the subtle connection with the land itself.

A summer at An Lâm Retreats Saigon River is not measured by how far one travels, but by the moments truly shared together. Just beyond Saigon, there remains a place where nature, stillness, and simple moments come together to create a summer worth remembering.

Summer often evokes images journeys to distant locales far removed from familiar routines so as to rediscover the feeling of true rest. Yet amid peak travel seasons, rising transportation costs, and increasingly exhausting journeys, more families are embracing the idea of retreats closer to the city.

An Lam Retreats Saigon River's website

An Lam Retreats Saigon River's Facebook Page

An Lam Retreats Saigon River's Email

(+84) 274 378 5555

An Lam Retreats Saigon River | 21/4 Trung Street, Binh Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon Áo Dài Cocktail Festival 2026 Wraps Up in Style

2026-05-12T14:51:28+07:00

On May 10, silk, spirits, and sound filled Le Méridien Saigon on the occasion of the Saigon Áo Dài Cocktail Festival 2026, courtesy of Saigon bartenders, designers and musicians.

The event tapped into the elegance and visual language of the áo dài, placed amidst Saigon’s growing cocktail culture. The mood of the event, hosted by Saigon Outcast, evolved throughout the day, with masterclasses and runway shows, DJ sets curated by FTWR, and The Golden Shaker competition, wherein participating bars (Barson, The Enigma Mansion, Summer Experiment, Layla Eatery & Bar, STIR, Modern Classic Cocktails, Savor Cocktail Club, Hybrid Saigon, Raw + Atelier, Mami Cocktails and House of Barbaard) showcased their style and techniques. Hybrid ultimately took first place, with Barson in second and Barbaard in third. Beyond a friendly competition, where audience votes were tabulated via Noshbox, the results reflected the range of Saigon’s contemporary bar scene, where increasingly sophisticated customers seek out unique stories and atmospheres.

The festival also provided educational opportunities through a professionally-led masterclass program. Guests could move from whisky to gin and everything in between thanks to brand representatives from Glenfiddich and The Balvenie, Mathieu Teisseire, Jack Daniel’s, Hendrick’s Gin, Flor de Caña, Về Để Đi, The Studio Saigon, and Ly Gia Vien collaborations with Capfruit and Callebaut.

Fashion gave the festival its visual identity with runway shows placing the áo dài in conversation with contemporary Saigon nightlife, bringing together heritage and personal interpretation. Rather than presenting the áo dài as a remnant of tradition, designers at the event (Richie Fawcett, Chula, More Than Blue, Đinh Bách Đạt, SexyBack and My K.D.V) placed the garment within the city’s contemporary creative scene.

The music program tied the atmosphere together, with DJ sets, runway soundtracks, and live performances, building toward the evening’s Stargazing Records live show and closing sets. Saigon Áo Dài Cocktail Festival accomplished its grand ambition of interweaving drinks, fashion, and music organically.

Education is No Longer About Choosing a Program, but Architecting a Future Pathway

2026-05-11T17:01:02+07:00

For many years, choosing an international curriculum was widely seen as the “optimal answer” for families seeking a global future for their children. However, as university expectations continue to evolve — requiring not only strong academic knowledge, but also independent thinking, research capabilities, adaptability, and a clear sense of personal identity — the key question is no longer “Which Program should we choose?”, but “Which learning pathway is truly right for the student?”

In this context, integrated education models — combining the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, and the curriculum of Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) — are gradually emerging as a strategic choice. Beyond helping students develop both a global mindset and a solid academic foundation, this model offers an even more important advantage: the flexibility to choose their future, instead of being confined to a single pathway.

When a Single Curriculum is No Longer Enough

For many years, the question “Which curriculum should we choose for our child?” was considered central to education planning. Today, however, that question is becoming increasingly outdated.

As the world changes faster than ever, what families truly need is no longer just a good program, but a learning pathway flexible enough for students to develop a global mindset while remaining deeply adaptable to local contexts. In reality, no single education system can fully meet both requirements.

From an academic perspective, the differences between international curricula are becoming increasingly clear. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is known for its educational philosophy that emphasizes critical thinking, independent research, and a global citizenship mindset. IB students are trained to ask questions, analyze issues from multiple perspectives, and connect knowledge with real-world, interdisciplinary challenges — qualities that are highly valued by leading universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and beyond.

The IB program, combined with Cambridge, helps students develop critical thinking while building a strong academic foundation in each subject. Cambridge, meanwhile, takes a different approach.

It focuses on subject-specific depth, builds a strong foundation of academic knowledge, and prepares students for standardized examinations — an important advantage for universities in the UK and many countries that follow similar education systems.

Rather than placing IB and Cambridge in opposition, education planning today requires a more balanced approach. The focus should not be on selecting a single curriculum, but on how a school designs a learning pathway with both depth and flexibility — one that supports students’ holistic development in both thinking and academic mastery.

In practice, the two systems complement rather than replace each other. A student following only the IB pathway may develop strong critical and interdisciplinary thinking, but may sometimes need further subject-specific sharpness. Conversely, a student following a purely Cambridge pathway may achieve strong academic results, but may need more time and space to develop independent research skills and interdisciplinary thinking. The real challenge, therefore, is not choosing one system over the other, but strategically combining the strengths of both.

At the same time, the role of the MOET curriculum should also be viewed from a broader perspective. For years, many parents considered the inclusion of MOET requirements as a “compromise” to comply with local regulations. This perception is changing. For many Vietnamese families, maintaining a connection with the national language, culture, and education system is not only a legal requirement, but also a long-term strategic choice — one that helps students preserve flexibility across future academic options.

Within this broader landscape, schools that pursue a full IB continuum while also strengthening academic depth, multi-context adaptability, and local connection from the early years through upper secondary education are increasingly becoming a preferred choice for many families. These models not only prepare students to step into the world; they also help them understand themselves and take ownership of the path ahead.

This is no longer a story about finding a “cost-effective” or “situationally flexible” option. It is an intentional decision that reflects how families are shaping their children’s future.

Two Priorities That Can No Longer Be Separated: Global Readiness and Local Flexibility

If the previous section raises a systemic issue — that no single curriculum is sufficient to prepare students for a changing world — this section looks at how that challenge can be addressed in practice.

The key does not lie in simply “adding” more programs. Rather, it lies in integrating them intelligently to optimize learning time and eliminate unnecessary overlap. When designed properly, students do not have to repeat the same knowledge across different systems. Instead, they can use that time to develop the core competencies required by modern education: research, critical thinking, and real-world experience.

With the full IB Continuum as the backbone, supported by Cambridge and the MOET curriculum, this model enables students to develop interdisciplinary thinking, strong subject-specific knowledge, and a grounded sense of national identity. Cambridge serves as a complementary academic benchmark, while IB remains the core that nurtures project-based thinking and student agency.

Core IB components such as TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS help students strengthen their research mindset, critical thinking, and sense of agency.

At the heart of the full IB Continuum, three core components — the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) — form the foundation of its difference. These are not merely supplementary elements, but compulsory requirements that push students to operate like independent researchers while still in high school.

By completing a long-term research project, defending academic arguments, and engaging in social and personal development activities, students build interdisciplinary thinking and self-directed learning skills — both of which are essential for success at the university level. It is no coincidence that the IB is recognized by more than 5,000 universities worldwide, and multiple studies have shown that IB students often achieve stronger university retention outcomes compared with average student populations.

With the support of Cambridge IGCSE, students can enter the academically demanding IB Diploma Program with a stronger foundation. The IB Middle Years Program plays a key role in shaping students’ thinking, inquiry skills, and sense of agency, while Cambridge strengthens subject-specific knowledge. With this combination, students are better prepared for the transition into the IBDP — a Program that requires a higher level of synthesis, analysis, and research. The “Cambridge first, IBDP later” pathway has been adopted by many leading international schools in Asia as a more structured progression, rather than requiring students to suddenly adapt to the complex demands of IB at a later stage.

The third layer of support comes from the MOET curriculum, which brings identity and flexibility into the model. This is particularly important in a context where many parents worry that international education may cause their children to lose touch with the Vietnamese language and cultural roots. For international students, meanwhile, they may not study the MOET curriculum, but continue with the IB Program while maintaining their mother tongue or learning widely used international languages such as French or Spanish.

Through a full IB Continuum model supported by Cambridge and MOET, students are not only prepared for international opportunities, but also retain the flexibility to adapt to different future choices. More importantly, they do not have to choose between “going global” and “staying rooted at home” — they can be equipped to do both.

From “Learning to Know” to “Learning to Adapt”: The Long-Term Value of the Right Pathway

If traditional education once focused heavily on knowledge accumulation, modern education is shifting toward a different goal: adaptability. In this context, an integrated education model is not simply the sum of three curricula. It is an approach that creates a different quality of learner. This is not about studying more, but about learning through a structure that enables students to become a more complete version of themselves.

This difference becomes clearest when looking at two development dimensions that are often treated as opposing priorities: being well-rounded and being specialized. An IB pathway can help students develop broad thinking, reasoning ability, and the capacity to view issues from multiple perspectives. Cambridge, on the other hand, brings academic depth and clear subject mastery. In reality, leading universities around the world are not looking for only one of these qualities. They are looking for individuals who can demonstrate both.

The integrated education model aims to develop students who are both well-rounded in their thinking and equipped with strong academic depth.

A student educated through an integrated model can develop and defend complex arguments through IB’s TOK and Extended Essay, while also demonstrating subject-specific academic ability through Cambridge results. This type of academic profile reflects not only how a student thinks, but also the depth of knowledge they have mastered — an increasingly important standard in global university admissions.

From the perspective of academic credentials, the value of this model becomes even clearer. Students graduate not with a single qualification, but with a multi-layered academic profile: the IB Diploma, Cambridge IGCSE results, and MOET transcripts. These credentials correspond to different university admission systems. The IB Diploma opens doors to universities in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and many other countries. Cambridge IGCSE aligns well with the UK system and Commonwealth countries. MOET records, meanwhile, preserve options for admission to leading universities in Vietnam. In an increasingly flexible education landscape, this is more than an advantage — it is a form of strategic insurance for students’ futures.

Another important factor, often less discussed but highly decisive, lies in the quality of the school ecosystem. Schools accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) are not assessed solely on curriculum, but on the entire way they operate — from teaching quality and multicultural experience to standards of wellbeing, child protection, and school governance. This is why many universities around the world value students from CIS-accredited schools: such accreditation provides a broader assurance of educational quality and the environment in which students are developed.

Overall, the integrated model introduces what can be described as the “privilege of maximizing opportunity.” No longer limited to a single pathway, students are empowered to make active choices — not only about their major or university, but also about the country and education system that best fit their future.

At a deeper level, the greatest value of this model does not lie in the number of qualifications a student holds, but in the adaptability they carry with them after leaving school. In a world where change is the only certainty, this may be the most sustainable advantage education can provide.

Established in 2015, Tesla Education is among the few elite institutions in Vietnam authorized to deliver the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The school implements a synergistic academic model integrating IB, Cambridge, and the MOET curriculum, with a strategic focus on Science, Technology, Project-Based Learning, and the holistic development of student competencies.

To expand access to this advanced integrated educational model, Tesla Education is currently offering the Academic Excellence Scholarship for Grade 10 enrollment — with financial support of up to 90% of tuition fees, valued at a maximum of VND 500 million (approx. $19,000).

Discover more at: tesla.edu.vn

Tesla Education's website

098 494 8080

Tesla Education's Email

171B Hoàng Hoa Thám, Ward 13, Tân Bình, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Music, Mixology and Fashion Combine at Saigon "Áo Dài" Cocktail Festival

2026-05-06T11:12:36+07:00

Featuring live music and DJ sets, fashion runway showcases, free mixology masterclasses, and games, Saigon Áo Dài Cocktail Festival 2026 presented by Saigon Outcast on May 10, aims to bring together disparate art, culture, and nightlife communities for an evening that celebrates the energetic hours between sundown and midnight.

A contemporary, playful, and rebellious energy will envelop the central runway, neon-drenched dance floor and bar, serving up intriguing concoctions. Le Méridien Saigon's luxury ballroom's panoramic views of the Saigon River will provide a natural contrast to the immersive action inside, where artists, performers, and guests grasp for ephemeral bliss.

A celebration of contemporary Áo Dài fashion rests at the spiritual and physical center of the event via the full ballroom catwalks. An impressive lineup of designers, including The Studio Saigon, Chula, More Than Blue, Đinh Bách Đạt, Sexy Back, and My K.D.V will present their unique vision for the past, present, and future of Vietnam's iconic attire.

Before, during, and after the fashion show, attendees will be gifted high-tempo music from local artists keen to lace tailored songs into the evening. The evening's soundtrack will consist of a live set by Stargazing Records members, Wiznick, Providence, and Determind, with Anh Trung, as well as a rap performance by B:OKEH. Sweet Valentien will handle hosting duties to ensure the evening is a perfectly blended dose of entertainment, education, and escapism.

Before the refined and rowdy mood consumes the event, two separate rooms will host complimentary masterclasses. The first room will include introductions to esteemed brands Glenfiddich and The Balvenie, Mathieu Teisseire, Jack Daniel's, and Hendrick's Gin. The second room, meanwhile, will tackle trending cocktail topics, including how to incorporate citron, finding balance in bitter, and how drinks can impart peace.

Guests to Cocktail Festival 2026 are not mere observers, however. After sipping widely, they can vote for the winner of the cocktail competition. All attendees will receive one complimentary Le Méridien food item and one drink from sponsors.

Tickets priced at 300k vnđ can be purchased in advance at megatix or via the vioapp or 350k at the door.

Saigon Áo Dài Cocktail Festival 2026's event page

3C Đ. Tôn Đức Thắng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

An Lâm Retreats Ninh Vân Bay Provides the Serenity Required for a Relaxing Summer

2026-04-29T04:52:05+07:00

For many families, summer is a time for seaside escapes that allow children to roam, explore, play, and immerse themselves in a world of water-based activities. Yet, finding a destination in nature that is equally ideal for young ones while allowing parents to truly unwind and enjoy moments of quiet is not always easy. This is why destinations such as Nha Trang and Đà Nẵng often come to mind as locales where favorable weather combines with a diverse range of hotels and resorts, thoughtfully designed to meet these expectations.

An Lâm Retreats Ninh Vân Bay takes just 15 minutes to reach by speedboat, yet the journey is enough to leave behind the familiar clamor of daily life and allow the immediacies of the present to become more intimate.

With a private pool and expansive views of the bay, each villa feels like a second home between sea and forest.

Amid vibrant nature, the two-bedroom villas offer a total sense of privacy. Each space is thoughtfully arranged to bring families close during slow mornings and unhurried moments together, yet private enough for quiet, personal pauses accompanied by the sound of the waves.

Days at the resort require little planning. Children are free to explore nature in their own way, from kayaking across calm waters and snorkeling above coral reefs, to following guided trails to the stream where they can learn about the local ecosystem, or simply playing in the open greenery. Abandoning fixed schedules allows each experience to invite curiosity and joy, allowing childhood to bluster ahead naturally in the embrace of nature.

Meanwhile, adults can take time for themselves, beginning the day with yoga by the sea or restoring balance through relaxing spa therapies in a tranquil setting. Thoughtfully designed wellness experiences allow both body and mind to renew, from yoga and meditation to treatments inspired by nature and local traditions.

Alongside the resort experiences, the culinary journey at An Lâm Retreats Ninh Vân Bay is thoughtfully designed with enough variety to give each day its own distinct character. For longer stays, discovering new settings and flavors becomes a natural part of the experience.

At Sen Restaurant, the menu relies on a balance of Vietnamese and Western cuisine, prepared with simplicity to showcase the essence of each ingredient. Overlooking the bay, the meals feel buoyant thanks to natural light and sea breeze. Guests should also not miss the seafood BBQ, a chance to savor the fresh flavours of the bay in an open-air setting.

With a private pool and expansive views of the bay, each villa feels like a second home sprung up between sea and forest.

Meanwhile, Beach Bar & Deck offers a more open, relaxed, and easy-going atmosphere. It is an ideal setting for light lunches or slow afternoons, with familiar favourites such as pizza and easy-to-enjoy options suited for both adults and children.

A summer at An Lâm Retreats Ninh Vân Bay is an opportunity to experience the exuberance of flexibility. Amid the secluded bay, the stress from living in a city’s frantic pace evaporates, and guests can truly be present for one another.

An Lâm Retreats Ninh Vân Bay's website

An Lâm Retreats Ninh Vân Bay's Facebook

(+84) 258 390 1000

An Lâm Retreats Ninh Vân Bay | Hon Heo Peninsula, Tan Thanh Commune, Ninh Ich Ward, Ninh Hoa Town, Nha Trang

Tesla Education Achieves the Full IB Continuum After a 5-Year Journey: Expanding Hồ Chí Minh City's International Education Map

2026-04-28T12:29:36+07:00

Achieving the fully continuous International Baccalaureate(IB) framework has always been regarded as a rare milestone in the educational landscape. In April 2026, Tesla Education officially joined this elite group in Vietnam, after a relentless 5-year journey capped by a remarkable streak of four international accreditations within just 12 months. This landmark achievement not only affirms the institution's academic rigor but also fundamentally reshapes the international education map in Hồ Chí Minh City, unveiling a pioneering approach to long-term educational investment.

The Full IB Continuum: the culmination of a 5-year journey of rigorous standardization

In Hồ Chí Minh City's international education landscape, authorization to deliver the International Baccalaureate (IB) program has long been considered a hallmark of academic excellence. However, attaining the status of a Full IB Continuum School, which possesses the capacity to seamlessly implement all three core programs: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), represents an even higher echelon. More than merely a matter of adopting a curriculum, it presents a profound systemic challenge. From educational philosophy and faculty proficiency to operational infrastructure, every facet must be rigorously standardized against hundreds of independent evaluation criteria set by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

In late April 2026, upon officially receiving authorization for the IB DP, Tesla Education emerged as the 5th full-continuum IB school in HCMC. This milestone significantly broadens the horizons for parents seeking a seamless, world-class learning journey right here at home.

Within a mere 12-month span, Tesla Education successfully secured four major international accreditations: CIS (June 2025), Cambridge (July 2025), IB MYP (November 2025), and ultimately, the IB DP (April 2026). Typically, each of these certifications demands an independent evaluation process spanning several years. Accomplishing all four within a single year is the direct yield of five years of meticulous, concurrent preparation. Behind this dense streak of accolades lies a 5-year process of compounding excellence, where each academic tier is meticulously engineered as a robust foundation for the next. From cultivating an exploratory mindset in the Primary Years, to advancing academic fortitude in the Middle Years, to perfecting independent research capabilities in the Diploma phase, the entire ecosystem is designed as a continuous axis of development rather than a patchwork of fragmented stages.

The school gathers to celebrate the momentous occasion of achieving the fully continuous IB framework.

The quintessential value of the IB Continuum resides precisely in this seamlessness. IBO research conducted across Southeast Asia reveals that students who traverse the full Continuum pathway consistently exhibit pronounced advantages in critical thinking, autonomous learning, and psychological stability (i.e., well-being). Conversely, students who merely "jump" into the IB framework at the final high school stage often encounter "methodological shock" due to stark differences in pedagogical and assessment approaches.

In this context, investing in a Full IB Continuum education transcends a simple curriculum choice and secures a profound, long-term strategy that ensures absolute consistency in a learner's cognitive evolution. For Tesla Education, the 5-year odyssey to achieve the IB Continuum is a powerful affirmation of an educational philosophy relentlessly dedicated to continuity, academic discipline, and uncompromising global standards from the very first foundational steps.

Multi-tiered assurance from world-leading educational frameworks

While the Full IB Continuum serves as the "academic backbone" of the learning pathway, the concurrent integration of the Cambridge curriculum and accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS) fosters a multi-tiered educational ecosystem—one that is both academically rigorous and operationally sustainable. Rather than adopting a singular, isolated model, Tesla Education pursues an integrated approach where global standards combine for a comprehensive launchpad for students on their global integration journey.

Within this architectural framework, the Cambridge program delivers a highly standardized, logical, and deeply cumulative knowledge base. This curriculum is particularly esteemed by the international parent community, especially expatriate professionals, for its disciplined structure and strict reliability in evaluating student competency. The presence of Cambridge, therefore, not only fortifies intellectual foundations but also establishes universal academic language, enabling students to seamlessly adapt to diverse international education systems.

The full IB Continuum pathway creates a learning environment where students are equipped with knowledge and develop intellectual confidence and adaptability.

Delving deeper, accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS) focuses on the foundational yet often unseen elements of a school: from institutional governance and faculty excellence to comprehensive standards for student safety and psychological well-being. With just over 700 schools certified globally, CIS is recognized as one of the most rigorous evaluation bodies in the world today. Achieving this credential signifies that the entire educational environment, including the curriculum, has been vetted and proven at a global standard, granting parents profound, long-term peace of mind.

The focal point where this entire ecosystem converges is the IB Diploma. Widely respected by leading universities around the world, the IB Diploma offers not only a competitive advantage in admissions but also clear academic and practical benefits. Top institutions such as Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, many Ivy League universities, and other prestigious institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom recognize the academic rigor, independent research skills, and critical thinking fostered by the IB programme. In addition, at many universities worldwide, including those in the University of California system, New York University, and numerous members of the Russell Group, students who achieve strong results in IB Higher Level subjects may be considered for advanced standing, course placement, or college credit, depending on each institution’s policies. In many cases, this can help shorten the time required to complete a degree and improve the overall return on investment for families pursuing overseas education.

Reflecting on this milestone, a representative of the Tesla Education Board of Management affirmed: "The IB Continuum is not our final destination; rather, it is the solid foundation for a profound, long-term commitment. We are architecting an educational environment where students are not merely equipped with knowledge, but are empowered to cultivate intellectual fortitude and agile adaptability — the quintessential attributes required to thrive as global citizens in a world of constant flux."

Solving the educational investment equation: the strategic advantage of western Saigon and a pioneering financial approach

The completion of the Full IB Continuum by Tesla Education directly shifts the school selection process for parents in Saigon. For years, IB Continuum schools have been heavily concentrated in the Eastern and Southern districts, leaving areas like former Tân Bình, Phú Nhuận, and Bình Tân without easy access to fully continuous international education. Therefore, the emergence of Tesla Education in Tân Bình is a strategic recalibration of the city's educational distribution.

The geographical factor, though frequently underestimated, profoundly dictates the long-term learning experience. Mitigating daily commute times, especially amidst the escalating pressures of urban traffic, not only saves students 1 to 2 hours daily but also safeguards their physical well-being, mental acuity, and capacity to engage in holistic extracurricular pursuits. For many families, this grueling commute is a burdensome hidden cost, which is now effectively eliminated by this optimal strategic location.

From “exclusive” to “accessible”: Tesla Education is expanding access to the International Baccalaureate pathway for Vietnamese families.

The impact of the new school is most acutely felt within the expatriate enclaves surrounding Tân Sơn Nhất Airport and its adjacent neighborhoods. Among the tens of thousands of Korean nationals and other expatriate communities, the demand for an internationally accredited, methodologically familiar education system is a constant imperative. The presence of a localized IB Continuum school drastically bridges the gap between this elite demand and accessibility, sparing families the daily cross-city logistics.

The accessibility of Tesla Education to families in former Tân Bình, Phú Nhuận, and Bình Tân constitutes an exciting development for the city.

Concurrently with its locational leverage, Tesla Education arrives mindful of families’ highly pragmatic financial lenses. Given that the majority of self-funded Vietnamese international students face an average annual expenditure of $30,000 to $40,000, investing in a world-class international pathway domestically is rapidly becoming the premier alternative. To commemorate the IB Continuum milestone, Tesla Education has officially launched the IB Diploma Programme (DP) Scholarship Fund, offering up to 90% tuition coverage for Grade 10 students demonstrating exceptional academic prowess.

With maximum financial support reaching 500 million VND, the actual cost of acquiring an elite IB education at Tesla is brought into a remarkably accessible threshold compared to the market average. This initiative not only democratizes opportunities for high-caliber students but also means international education is no longer an exclusive luxury, but a decision that can align with the long-term investment portfolios of modern Vietnamese families.

Ultimately, the combination of a prime location, a fully standardized global academic framework, and an agile financial policy positions Tesla Education as far greater than the sum of its parts. It is an institution where parents are not simply evaluating educational quality, but are holistically optimizing the entire investment journey for their children’s future.

Established in 2015 in Hồ Chí Minh City, Tesla Education is a fully authorized IB Continuum World School, delivering a seamless International Baccalaureate journey from Early Years through High School. The institution pioneers a dual-pathway model that beautifully synergizes the Vietnamese national curriculum (MOET) with the globally renowned IB framework, placing a strong emphasis on science, technology, project-based inquiry, and holistic skill development.

For the current academic year, Tesla is proud to launch the Academic Excellence Scholarship for incoming Grade 10 students. Offering up to 90% tuition coverage—equivalent to a maximum value of 500,000,000 VND—this initiative brings the actual tuition fee down to an incredibly accessible starting point of just 61.6 million VND per year.

Tesla Education's website

098 494 8080

Tesla Education's Email

171B Hoàng Hoa Thám, Ward 13, Tân Bình, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

When the Dragonfly Calls Summer Home at InterContinental Phu Quoc

2026-04-07T12:31:00+07:00

On Phú Quốc, summer is as much a feeling as it is a season. Long days, ocean salt in the air, and quiet mornings before the island have awoken carry the promise of carefree summer days ahead. And if you're really lucky, you will see dragonflies flirting between the gardens and the shoreline.

At InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, those carefree summer days are obvious in the breeze that moves naturally through the resort's airy corridors and broad verandas that frame the horizon. Particularly in tropical climates, where the weather only changes so much, seasons are best measured by people: children playing in the surf, adults resting in the shade, couples sharing romantic moments beneath a mellifluous sky. Free of daily demands and distractions, summer allows people to focus on what they are feeling in the moment, be it joy or nostalgia or a desperate longing to live.

Every vacation has different aims, both tangible and existential, but whether one wants to connect with family members they don't see often, or they are seeking to heal some sense of self that's been battered to smithereens, they must eat. InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort has venues that carry and cater to different moods and tempos. Their particular aesthetics and moods can best be articulated via the five basic elements.

A day begins with Earth at Sora & Umi. Amidst morning light, guests can feel grounded thanks to familiar dishes prepared carefully with fresh ingredients. By noon, the day is flexible and languid; understood as Water. Charcoal-grilled seafood and chilled cocktails enjoyed while sitting barefoot beside the shore at Sea Shack provide the relaxing pace of ocean waves.

Ombra provides for casual, organically developed afternoons.

As the afternoon continues, Wood appears in the form of Ombra, a bright and charming Italian restaurant beside the pool. Then, as the sky begins to transform, Metal emerges at INK 360. Glass catches the last glow of the horizon and falls on the rooftop venue's steel tentacles while creative cocktails are served. When night finally settles, Fire takes place at LAVA, with open flames, volcanic inspiration, and the island’s finest ingredients coming together for bold and layered dishes.

While food is important for any summer vacation, there's far more to it than that. The season can be as splendid as it is brief, sometimes feeling as intransient as a dragonfly resting on a blade of grass. It's therefore important to ensure time is well spent. Thankfully, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort has many activities for people of all ages.

Parents can have a break while kids have fun learning how to cook.

For children, summer energy gets spent at Planet Trekkers and the Kids Camp, where craft sessions, games, and Kids Can Cook embrace their confidence, curiosity, and delight. In the conical hat painting session, for example, brushstrokes turn the iconic Vietnamese symbol into a personal keepsake that will forever remind them of summer.

For adults, summer is not about spending energy, but restoring it. Opportunities for rejuvenation can be found in a slow stroll along the beach at dawn, or a quiet hour beside the pool, or a botanical walk when guests move beneath shaded canopies and through the resort’s lush gardens at an unhurried pace.

And for those seeking a deeper sense of rest, HARNN Heritage Spa serves as an oasis of serenity. Its treatment pavilions rest above the lagoon, while open spaces and bamboo louvres soften the boundary between indoors and out. Traditional Asian medicine and naturopathy unite here in rituals designed to restore balance between body and mind.

Harnn Heritage Spa is even calmer inside than out.

The cumulative effect of these activities, meals, and experiences is the allure of summer at InterContinental Phu Quoc. Every day has room for laughter, romance, solitude, and healing. Like the dragonfly drifting across gardens and shorelines, the season can be playful, reflective, intimate, and peaceful.

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort's website

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort's Email

Phone +84 297 397 8888

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Phu Quoc Marina, Bãi Trường, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc, An Giang, Vietnam

A H'Mông Village on the Hà Giang Loop Offers Unexpected Comfort and Perspective to Travelers

2026-03-23T10:29:00+07:00

A particular pleasure of cruising the Hà Giang Loop comes when the traffic thins out and you can take in an astonishing view that includes verdant mountains and towering limestone peaks above and beside small villages. In one of those villages, Sủng Trái, a new accommodation provides a new way to appreciate these surroundings.

Ha Giang Aya Lodge provides comfortable rooms, awe-inspiring views, and connection with the local community to ensure you have an unforgettable trip to the Loop.

Situated in the center of Sủng Trái, a H'Mông village in what is now Tuyên Quang Province, Ha Giang Aya Lodge is surrounded by everyday life. Local children play along the dirt paths between homes after school while farmers toil in the fields. A jovial atmosphere arrives during the weekly market when different ethnic groups gather from the nearby communities to buy, sell, and gossip. As opposed to locations where activities are staged for tourists, the goings-on reflect humble daily routines.

Such commonplace commotion is reminiscent of what visitors to the Hà Giang Loop would have encountered decades ago.

Comfort that Comes with a View

Ha Giang Aya Lodge’s aims are simple: allow guests to enjoy the authenticity of a real village without having to give up the comforts most travelers desire after a long day on the road. Rooms are designed to keep that balance.

The Loop often asks travelers to trade the nights’ comforts for the days’ views, but Ha Giang Aya Lodge requires no such compromise. Each room is warm in the winter and cool in summer, with proper beds and quiet spaces to rest. Stepping outside foregrounds the grandeur of nature: limestone mountains encircle the valley, sunlight pierces tufts of drifting clouds in the early morning, and clutches of color come attached to wildflowers.

You can best appreciate this view via the main terrace, which overlooks it all. Spending a few moments to place yourself in the immensity of the natural world is an ideal way to balance oneself before returning to a day on the road.

Built with a Connection to the Village

Tourism can descend into exploitation if not done carefully, and Ha Giang Aya Lodge strives to ensure it gives more to local communities than it takes away.

The lodge was developed by Local Vietnam, a travel company that has spent years focusing on lesser-known destinations across the country. The company’s Dutch co-founder, Marnick Schoonderwoerd, has lived in Vietnam for more than a decade and works with Nhung Phùng and Dương Phùng to build a platform centered around local experiences rather than mass tourism routes. The lodge is a natural extension of this mission and provides a physical version of what they’ve been doing online for years.

Most of Ha Giang Aya Lodge’s staff come from Sủng Trái and nearby villages, and tourism has the potential to significantly improve their lives. Because many are new to the industry, they receive on-site training, including English language. The lodge’s team is also involved in teaching at a local school nearby as part of the larger aims to ensure tourism provides long-term benefits.

Such community support and integration might not be directly visible during your stay, but the care is manifested across the warm atmosphere that touches every element of the lodge and its service. Visitors can rest a little better knowing their footprint is a positive one.

A quieter side of the Hà Giang Loop

For many travelers, the Hà Giang Loop is about miles logged and viewpoints achieved. If one isn’t careful, the entire trip becomes a matter of ticking off scenic spots and then rushing ahead. But such an approach means missing places like Sủng Trái and not recognizing the beauty tucked into the journey’s quiet stretches. Ha Giang Aya Lodge is most appreciated by people hoping to avoid the Loop’s busiest sections, as time there offers guests a different perspective which allows them to notice how the rugged landscape, the human communities, and the tourist experiences are all connected.

Whether it’s your first time on the Hà Giang Loop and you want to make sure you do it well, or you’ve already been and want to see it from different angles, Ha Giang Aya Lodge is a great stop to add to your itinerary.

Ha Giang Aya Lodge's website

+84 339 902 996

Ha Giang Aya Lodge, Đồng Văn, Hà Giang, Vietnam

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